Sam Vinson named 2020-21 MaxPreps Kentucky High School Basketball Player of the Year

By Jordan Divens Apr 7, 2021, 3:00pm

State tournament MVP averaged 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game to lead Highlands to state title.

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 2020-21 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.

Sam Vinson of Highlands (Fort Thomas) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Kentucky High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 senior guard helped the Bluebirds go 30-4 en route to the programs' first state title.

Vinson averaged 22.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per contest during the regular season, becoming the first player in program history to eclipse 1,500 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists in a career.

The Northern Kentucky signee was named state tournament MVP after averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in four KHSAA Sweet 16 games. He tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in a 79-60 state title game triumph over Elizabethtown.



Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 13.
Sam Vinson celebrates a win over St. Henry in the Ninth Region semifinals.
Sam Vinson celebrates a win over St. Henry in the Ninth Region semifinals.
Photo by Wayne Litmer