University of Vermont commit led Rice Memorial to the Division 1 state championship.
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.
Drew Bessette of
Rice Memorial (South Burlington) is the 2023-24 Vermont MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8 forward earns the honor after leading the Green Knights to a record of 21-2 and the program's fourth state championship in the past five seasons.
Bessette averaged 16.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest on the season. He tallied nine points, nine rebounds and seven blocks in a 66-63 victory over Burlington in the Division 1 state championship game.
The University of Vermont commit hit five 3-pointers Feb. 1 on the way to a career-high 36 points in a 79-64 victory over St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury).
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 Vermont MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Michel Ndayishimiye, Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
2020-21 – Michel Ndayishimiye, Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
2021-22 – Jonah Cattaneo, Montpelier
2022-23 – Sawyer Ramey, Fair Haven
