St. Louis junior named POY for second year in a row after guiding Crusaders to third straight Division I 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.
Pupualii Sepulona of
St. Louis (Honolulu) is the 2023-24 Hawaii MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 junior forward earns the honor for the second consecutive season after leading the Crusaders to a 27-5 record and their third consecutive Division I state title.
Sepulona averaged 14.8 points per contest on the season. He recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in the state semifinal victory over Kalaheo and tallied game-highs of 11 points and seven rebounds in a 48-39 victory over Punahou in the state title game.
Pupualii Sepulona repeats as Hawaii MaxPreps Player of the Year after guiding St. Louis to its third straight state title. (Photo: Brian Bautista)
Although his numbers took a slight dip from last season when he averaged 18.3 points per contest as a sophomore, Pupu was the leading scorer for the most dominant team in the Aloha State again this season.
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 Hawaii MaxPreps Players of the Year
2019-20 – Christmas Togiai, Kamehameha Kapalama (Honolulu)
2020-21 – Season canceled (Covid-19)
2021-22 – Aiva Arquette, Saint Louis (Honolulu)
2022-23 – Pupualii Sepulona, Saint Louis (Honolulu)
