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.
Erianna Gooden of
Northside (Fort Smith) is the 2024-25 Arkansas MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Grizzlies to a 28-5 record and Class 6A state championship.
For the season, Gooden averaged 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game. She led Northside with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists in a 56-48 win over Fayetteville in the title game en route to tournament MVP honors.
Erianna Gooden is the Arkansas MaxPreps Player of the Year after leading Northside to the Class 6A title. (PHOTO: Justin Manning)
Headed to Colorado, Gooden tallied 1,902 points, 793 rebounds, 420 assists and 314 steals in her high school career.
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 Arkansas MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Chloe Clardy, Conway
2022-23 — Chloe Clardy, Conway
2023-24 — Anna Trusty, Greenwood
