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.
Allen Graves of
Ponchatoula is the 2023-24 Louisiana MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Green Wave to a 30-4 record and their second consecutive state championship.
For the season, Graves averaged 20.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks per contest while shooting 69.5 percent from the field, 39.6 percent from 3-point range and 81.3 percent from the free throw line.
In a 75-60 victory over Natchitoches in the Division 1 Non-Select state title game, Graves piled up 19 points, 20 rebounds, eight blocks and four assists. He averaged 25.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and 3.8 assists in four state tournament games.
Graves signed with Santa Clara in November over offers from New Orleans, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana and Texas A&M.
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 Louisiana MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Reece Beekman, Scotlandville (Baton Rouge)
2020-21 – Carlos Stewart, Dunham (Baton Rouge)
2021-22 – Solomon Washington, Carver Collegiate Academy (New Orleans)
2022-23 – Chris Lockett Jr., Newman (New Orleans)
