Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports
continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 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, Royal averaged 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 64.9 percent from the field. He is Pickerington Central's all-time leading scorer with over 1,500 career points and led the Tigers to the state title last season as a junior.
Ohio State signee averaged 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds to guide Pickerington Central to the state title game. (Photo: Scott Iles)
Headed to Ohio State next season, Royal is regarded as the No. 50 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. Alabama, Iowa State, Michigan State and Xavier were among other programs to extend offers.
Gabe Cupps of
Centerville was the 2021-22 Ohio Player of the
Year.
Currently a senior at Centerville, Cupps averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds to guide the Elks to the state title game.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
