Senior guard led Orono to its second consecutive state title.
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.
Pierce Walston of
Orono is the 2023-24 Maine MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Red Riots to a 19-3 record and their second consecutive Class B state championship.
For the season, Walston averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 steals per contest. He tallied 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in a wire-to-wire 56-48 victory over Oceanside (Rockland) in the state title game.
Walston helped Orono win back-to-back championships for the first time since 1961 and 1962. The Red Riots compiled a 39-6 record during the title-winning campaigns.
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 Maine MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Bryce Lausier, Hampden
2020-21 – Cash McClure, Maranacook (Readfield)
2021-22 – Cooper Flagg, Nokomis (Newport)
2022-23 – Silvano Ismail, Cheverus (Portland)
