Centennial sophomore comes up big for Bulldogs in winning program's 15th state 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.
For the season, Williams averaged 17.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. She posted 18 points and 16 rebounds in a 61-54 win over Democracy Prep Agassi Campus (Las Vegas) in the state championship game.
Nation Williams of Centennial is the Nevada Player of the Year after leading the Bulldogs the Class 5A state title. The sophomore already has a slew of offers from powerhouse Division I programs. (PHOTO: Jenni Webber)
In an early February meeting with Democracy Prep Agassi Campus, Williams piled up 29 points, 16 rebounds, five steals and four assists in a 59-56 win. She scored 25 of her team's 30 points in the second half.
The daughter of Hall of Famer Natalie Williams, an early WNBA standout and former general manager of the Las Vegas Aces, Williams already holds offers from Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, South Carolina and UCLA among others.
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 Nevada MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Mary McMorris, Centennial (Las Vegas)
2022-23 — Kaniya Boyd, Centennial
2023-24 — Aaliah Spaight, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
