Rice signee led Owyhee to second consecutive state championship.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 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.
Boden Howell of
Owyhee (Meridian) is the 2024-25 Idaho MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 senior guard led the Storm to a 23-4 record and their second consecutive state championship.
For the season, Howell averaged 18.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 steals per contest. He shot 49.1 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from 3-point range and 69.6 percent from the free throw line.
Idaho Player of the Year Boden Howell helped Owyhee win its second consecutive state championship. (PHOTO: Samuel Mawanda)
Howell was able to rise to the occassion throughout his senior campaign. He produced a game-high 28 points in an 81-72 loss to nationally-ranked Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) at the Les Schwab Invitational and scored 29 points – including 14 in the fourth quarter – of a 56-51 victory over Boise in the district championship game.
In a 77-45 win over Lake City (Coeur d'Alene) in the Class 6A state championship game, Howell outscored the opposition in the first half as he pumped in 17 of his game-high 19 points while adding nine rebounds and seven assists.
After his transfer from South Medford (Medford, Ore.) following his sophomore season, Howell compiled a 40-0 record against in-state competition and a record of 47-7 overall with the Storm.
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 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Idaho MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Austin Bolt, Borah (Boise)
2020-21 – Brody Rowbury, Meridian
2021-22 – Titus Yearout, Lapwai
2022-23 – Blake Buchanan, Lake City (Coeur d'Alene)
2023-24 – Liam Campbell, Owyhee (Meridian)
