Senior forward led Sanford to its 11th 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.
Jayden Taylor of
Sanford (Hockessin) is the 2024-25 Delaware MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8 senior forward led the Warriors to a 19-4 record and their 11th state championship.
For the season, Taylor averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots per contest. He nearly produced a triple-double in the title game with eight points, 10 rebounds and eight blocks in a 37-34 win over Sanford (Hockessin).
In back-to-back contests early in the season, Taylor posted 20 points, 22 rebounds, three blocks and three steals in a 65-61 loss to Boys Latin (Baltimore) and 16 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in a 42-38 victory against Dover.
Regarded as a three-star prospect by
247Sports, Taylor committed to Delaware in November over offers from Albany, Delaware State, Duquesne and Rider.
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 Delaware MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Jyare Davis, Sanford (Hockessin)
2020-21 – Nnanna Njoku, Sanford
2021-22 – Justin Molen, Salesianum (Wilmington)
2022-23 – Dean Shepherd, Tower Hill (Wilmington)
2023-24 – Dorell Little, Dover
