Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls 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.
Ace Austin of
Spring Garden is the 2023-24 Alabama MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-6 junior point guard led the Panthers to a 33-1 record and second straight Class 1A state championship.
For the season, Austin averaged 20.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 3.6 steals per game. She poured in 35 points in a 63-31 win over Marion County (Guin) in the title game.
Despite playing in the state's smallest classification, Ace Austin is regarded as one of the nation's top players in the junior class. (Photo: Kenny Grimes)
Austin, who played through an injured left wrist for much of the season, averaged nearly 24 points per game over five playoff outings. Her efforts helped Spring Garden finish on an 18-game win streak. The Panthers have won 40 of their last 41 contests going back to February 2023.
Also a volleyball standout, Austin committed to play hoops for the Alabama Crimson Tide last November.
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 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Alabama MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Samiya Steele, Hazel Green
2022-23 — Reniya Kelly, Hoover
