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.
Justin Edwards of
Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 senior wing led the Panthers to a 30-3 record and their second consecutive Class 5A state title.
For the season, Edwards averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 57.8 percent from the field for nationally-ranked Imhotep Charter. He scored a game-high 16 points in the Panthers' 78-40 state title game victory over Exeter Township (Reading).
Five-star Imhotep Charter senior Justin Edwards rises up for the dunk in the state title game. (Photo: Paul Burdick)
Edwards led Imhotep Charter to a 94-15 record and scored over 1,000 points during his four seasons with the program.
Headed to Kentucky next season, Edwards is regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. Connecticut, Kansas, Miami, UCLA and Villanova were among other programs to extend offers.
Dereck Lively II of
Westtown (West Chester) was the 2021-22 Pennsylvania Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at Duke University, Lively II averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks last season to lead the Moose to their second consecutive state title.
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).
