Senior guard led Burlington to its first state title since 2016, 22nd overall.
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.
Abdi Sharif of
Burlington (Burlington) is the 2024-25 Vermont MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 senior guard led the Seahorses to a 22-1 record and the program's 22nd state championship.
For the season, Sharif averaged 20.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per contest. He shot 48.3 percent from the field, 36.8 percent from 3-point range and 82.4 percent from the free throw line.
In a 64-60 victory over Rice Memorial (South Burlington) in the state title game, Sharif scored the most points in the Division I final since 1994 as he pumped in 29 with 10 rebounds. The victory gave Burlington its first state title since 2016.
After winning a state title with Rice Memorial as a junior by putting up 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists in a 66-63 victory over Burlington in the title game, Sharif transferred and helped turn the tables in the rivalry.
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 Vermont MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Michel Ndayishimiye, Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
2020-21 – Michel Ndayishimiye, Rice Memorial
2021-22 – Jonah Cattaneo, Montpelier
2022-23 – Sawyer Ramey, Fair Haven
2023-24 – Drew Bessette, Rice Memorial
