Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports
continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the
top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and
individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Josh Hubbard of
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Mississippi High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10 senior guard led the Patriots to a 34-8 record and the MAIS Class 6A state title.
Hubbard averaged 27.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 85.5 percent from the free throw line and 35.1 percent from 3-point range.
Regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Hubbard surpassed Robert Woodard for the most career points in Mississippi high school basketball history after scoring 28 in a 55-54 victory over Presbyterian Christian (Hattiesburg) in the state semifinals last month. He finished his career with 4,367 points – good for No. 18 on the all-time national scoring list.
Kimani Hamilton of Clinton was the 2021-22 Mississippi Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at Mississippi State University, Hamilton averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season to lead the Arrows to their second consecutive state title.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
