Sophomore wing led Owasso to first state title in school history.
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.
Jalen Montonati of
Owasso is the 2023-24 Oklahoma MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 sophomore wing led the Rams to a 26-4 record and the program's first state championship.
For the season, Montonati averaged 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per contest while shooting 54 percent from the field, 44 percent from 3-point range and 86 percent from the free throw line.
Jalen Montonati earned third team MaxPreps Freshman All-America honors last season after averaging 20 points per game in his debut season.(Photo: Richey Miller)
In a 57-53 overtime victory over two-time defending champion Edmond North (Edmond) in the Class 6A title game, Montonati tallied 34 points and five rebounds.
Regarded as the No. 11 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to
247Sports, Montonati holds offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tennessee among others.
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 Oklahoma MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Bryce Thompson, Washington (Tulsa)
2020-21 – Bijan Cortes, Kingfisher
2021-22 – Tyreece Frierson, Memorial (Tulsa)
2022-23 – Brandon Garrison, Del City
