Senior guard led Father Judge to its first 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.
Kevair Kennedy of
Father Judge (Philadelphia) is the 2024-25 Pennsylvania MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Crusaders to a 24-7 record and their first state championship.
For the season, Kennedy averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest. He shot 52.1 percent from the field and 75.3 percent from the free throw line.
Kevair Kennedy cuts down the nets to celebrate winning Philadelphia Catholic League title. (PHOTO: Marcus Handy)
In a 71-60 victory over Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) in the Class 6A state championship game, Kennedy put up 29 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Kennedy's most impressive performance of the season may have come in the Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals when he posted 17 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists in an 89-61 win against regular season champion St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia).
Committed to Merrimack, Kennedy piled up over 1,100 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in his high school career.
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 Pennsylvania MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Ethan Morton, Butler
2020-21 – Rahsool Diggins, Archbishop Wood (Warminster)
2021-22 – Dereck Livley II, Westtown (West Charter)
2022-23 – Justin Edwards, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
2023-24 – Ahmad Nowell, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
