Darren Harris named 2023-24 Virginia MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year

Senior wing led Paul VI to unbeaten run in WCAC play, third consecutive VISAA Division I state championship

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
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Mar 11, 2024, 1:30pm
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.

Darren Harris of Paul VI (Chantilly) is the 2023-24 Virginia MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior wing led the Panthers to a 33-2 record, Washington Catholic Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles and third consecutive VISAA Division I state championship.

For the season, Harris averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per contest. He recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in a WCAC Tournament title game victory over Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) and tallied 24 points, four rebounds and four assists in the state title game victory over St. Anne's Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.).
Top 50 Duke signee Darren Harris was named Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year after a tremendous senior campaign. (Photo: Eugene Alonzo)
Top 50 Duke signee Darren Harris was named Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year after a tremendous senior campaign. (Photo: Eugene Alonzo)
Harris erupted for a career-high 52 points in a 101-58 victory over St. Mary's Ryken (Leonardstown, Md.) on Feb. 6, connecting on 15 of 20 field goal attempts, 7 of 11 shots from 3-point range and sank all 15 free throws.

Regarded as the No. 50 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports, Harris signed to play at Duke next 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 Virginia MaxPreps Players of the Year
2019-20 – Cam Thomas, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson)
2020-21 – Trevor Keels, Paul VI (Chantilly)
2021-22 – Chris Livingston, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson)
2022-23 – Deshawn Harris-Smith, Paul VI (Chantilly)

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