Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school 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.
For the season, Bahl averaged 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest. He shot 51.8 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from 3-point range and 85.8 percent from free throw line.
Bryson Bahl is Nebraska's MaxPreps Player of the Year after guiding Papillion-LaVista South to its first state championship. (Photo: Hannah Pokharel)
During state tournament action Bahl increased his production, averaging 25.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 steals per contest across three games. In a 61-58 victory over Omaha-Westside (Omaha) in the title game, he contributed 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots.
In a season-opening victory over Western Christian (Hull, Iowa), Bahl
produced a season-high 36 points to go along with nine rebounds, four
assists and three steals. The senior wing produced 21 double-doubles over
his final two seasons.
Signed to play at South Dakota State next season, Bahl closed out an impressive four-year high school career with 1,804 points across 99 games.
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 Apil 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Nebraska MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Hunter Sallis, Millard North (Omaha)
2020-21 – Saint Thomas, Millard North
2021-22 – Isaac Traudt, Grand Island
2022-23 – Josiah Dotzler, Bellevue West (Bellevue)
2023-24 – Jaden Jackson, Bellevue West
