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.
Kenyon Aguino of
Volcano Vista (Albuquerque) is the 2023-24 New Mexico MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 junior forward led the Hawks to a 30-1 record and third consecutive Class 5A state championship.
For the season, Aguino averaged 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest while shooting 62.4 percent from the field, 47 percent from 3-point range and 76 percent from the free throw line. In a 47-34 win over Organ Mountain (Las Cruces) in the title game, he put up 18 points and 13 rebounds while connecting on 9 of 14 free throw attempts.
Aguino has helped Volcano Vista to a record of 88-2 during his three years in the program.
Cal Poly, California State-Northridge and New Mexico State are among the Division I programs that have extended scholarship offers to Aguino.
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 New Mexico MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Joziah Ramos, Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque)
2020-21 – William Benjamin, Las Cruces
2021-22 – William Benjamin, Las Cruces
2022-23 – Shane Douma-Sanchez, Del Norte (Albuquerque)
