Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Jaden Jackson of
Bellevue West (Bellevue) is the 2023-24 Nebraska MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the Thunderbirds to a 27-1 record and their second consecutive Class A state championship.
For the season, Jackson averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 steals per contest while shooting 55 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3-point range and 77 percent from the free throw line.
South Dakota State commit Jaden Jackson connected on 234 3-pointers during his run at Bellevue West. (Photo: Hannah Pokharel)
In a 57-48 win over Millard North (Omaha) in the state title game, Jackson led all scorers with 21 points to go along with seven rebounds and three steals.
In four seasons with the program, Jackson led Bellevue West to a record of 106-8 and tallied 1,297 points.
Jackson signed with South Dakota State in November.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released April 10. Past selections include 2024 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016), Paolo Banchero (2020), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015), Jalen Brunson (2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014) and Trae Young (2017).
Past Nebraska MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Hunter Sallis, Millard North (Omaha)
2020-21 – Saint Thomas, Millard North (Omaha)
2021-22 – Isaac Traudt, Grand Island
2022-23 – Josiah Dotzler, Bellevue West (Bellevue)
