Top 10 most searched players, teams on MaxPreps in 2021

Players



1. Bronny James — The Sierra Canyon standout tops the list in part because of his famous father, Lakers star LeBron James, but in part because he's shown the game necessary to follow in the footsteps of "The King."

2. Mikey Williams — From a freshman basketball phenom in San Diego to a junior in North Carolina with the game to match his NIL deals, Williams flat out draw eyeballs.

3. Arch Manning — The Newman quarterback with the famous last name and equally famous bloodline backs up the hype with his play. The top-rated junior quarterback just led the Greenies to the state semifinals. He also is pondering another hoops season where Newman also has state-title aspirations.

4. Travis Hunter — The MaxPreps National Junior Player of the Year was selected as our No. 1 cornerback and No. 1 wide receiver heading into the 2021 season. He's back from injury and prepared to lead Collins Hill to a Georgia title.

5. Julian Newman — The YouTube sensation burst on the scene while earning a varsity spot as a fifth-grader. He graduated from Prodigy Prep in 2020 and has yet to land with a collegiate program or oversees ... but stay tuned.

6. Derrick Henry — Everything old is new again ... especially with the current Tennessee Titans' running back. A prep phenom in Florida, he's stayed relevant not only from his beastly stiff arms, but also for befriending Kayleb Wagner, the Sunshine State back who broke his single-game rushing record this season.



7. Amari Bailey — The reigning California Player of the Year averaged 29.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists to help Trailblazers to a 16-2 record in the spring. The UCLA-commit is coming back from injury but is expected to help the Trailblazers in their quest for a state title.

8. Grayson Leavy — The sophomore lineman at Valdosta, he became a star due to the Netflix show "Titletown," that documented the Wildcats' football team and its controversial coach Rush Propst.

9. Jaydon Young — The Greensboro Day three-star shooting guard is gathering steam with collegiate interest and recently helped his team topple Oak Hill Academy with eight points in the final five minutes.

10. Bryson Bishop — He gained famed for the "guy who guarded Zion." When the Pelicans' star was a senior in high school, Bishop was the 5-6 eighth-grader who was tasked with being the "one" in the box-and-one on the future NBA standout.


Teams

Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) (football) — The No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25 is on the cusp of a third CIF state title and third MaxPreps National Championship. However, the team is also dogged by hazing allegations that surfaced during the Monarchs' playoff run.



IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (football) — Whether fans love or hate the national power for bringing in elite talent, the Ascenders draw attention, period. IMG Academy's 9-1 season was also highlighted by its game against Bishop Sycamore.

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) (basketball) — With star power — Bronny James and Amari Bailey — and game to back it up, the Trailblazers' following is undeniable.
 
Westlake (Austin, Texas) (football) — The Chaparrals are led by star quarterback Cade Klubnik and Texas coaching legend Todd Dodge, and are on the verge of their third straight Lone Star State title.

St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) (football) — Mater Dei's rival didn't get a chance to topple the Monarchs in the Southern Section Division 1 finals this season, but MaxPreps readers love following the Braves' exploits.

Duncanville (Texas) (football) — The Panthers are perennially in the mix for a UIL state title and Duncanville doesn't shy from playing national powers as its hosted IMG Academy and Mater Dei in consecutive seasons.

Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas) (football) — The Dragons are 51-4 over the past four seasons under Riley Dodge, son of Westlake coach Todd Dogge. The Dragons are 13-0 this year despite losing Quinn Ewers, who skipped his senior season to enroll early at Ohio State and was on the forefront of the NIL trend.

Katy (Texas) (football) — No state demands more attention than Texas and the Tigers are a nine-time state champion and perennial national power.



Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) (football) — The Friars are new to the list this year, partly because of a team that gave Mater Dei and St. John Bosco all they could handle in the uber-competitive Trinity League. And partly because of their star power, including Tetairoa Mcmillan and Noah Fifita.

De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) (football) — The team with the longest win streak in high school football history — 151 games — continues to remain relevant ... and win. The Spartans recently won their 29th straight North Coast Section title and are in the mix for their eighth CIF state bowl championship. No one else has more than four.