Senior guard led Southern Lab to Division IV Select title.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Shaila Forman of
Southern Lab (Baton Rouge) is the 2024-25 Louisiana MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9 senior point guard led the Kittens to a 25-5 record and Division IV Select state title.
For the season, Forman averaged 22.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game. In a 67-57 victory over Cedar Creek (Ruston) in the championship game, she scored 25 points and put up a season-high 37 in a February win over Central Private (Baker).
After helping Southern Lab win a state title as a sophomore while averaging 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.8 assists per game, Forman missed her junior year with an ACL injury.
Forman is expected to make her college choice in the coming weeks with Lamar, Louisiana Tech and Stephen F. Austin as the finalists.
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 in April. Past selections include 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2024 All-WNBA first team picks Caitlin Clark (2020), Napheesa Collier (2015), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Past Louisiana MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Mikaylah Williams, Parkway (Bossier City)
2022-23 — Mikaylah Williams, Parkway (Bossier City)
2023-24 — Jada Richard, Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette)
