Much like the national rankings this season, one player hasn't stepped up as a MaxPreps National Player of the Year front-runner. However, a handful of highly regarded prospects are building strong resumes entering the final months of the 2021-22 season.
Notable players omitted from the list who have an opportunity to further prove themselves in the second half of the season include
Amari Bailey of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) and
Anthony Black of Duncanville (Texas).
Bailey averages 17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists but has missed 14 of the Trailblazers' 20 games with injuries. Black averages 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.4 steals but also has missed time due to a state eligibility ruling.
Taking a look ahead, here are 12 players who've built the strongest resumes for Player of the year Honors. The senior-laden list below (alphabetically) includes three underclassman — two juniors and a sophomore.
MaxPreps National Player of the Year Watch List
Height: 6-7 | Position: W | Year: Senior
Recently upgraded to five-star status for his stellar play this season, Dick averages 19 points and five rebounds while shooting 45.8 percent from 3-point range and 50.5 percent from field. The Kansas signee also currently leads the NIBC with 18.8 points per game.
Height: 6-4 | Position: G | Year: Senior
The top 50 prospect is averaging a team-high 20.8 points with 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the top-ranked Eagles. The Alabama signee recently went off for 30 points to guide Richardson to an 85-78 comeback victory over Lake Highlands (Dallas).
Height: 6-8 | Position: F | Year: Junior
The five-star junior prospect has displayed elite versatility throughout the year, averaging 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists for MaxPreps Top 25 No. 2 Duncanville (21-1). Holland has moved his game more away from the basket, with vastly improved ball-handling and shooting abilities.
Height: 6-4 | Position: G | Year: Sophomore
The only sophomore to make the list put on a show at the Spalding Hoophall Classic, exploding for 30 points to go with four rebounds and four assists on 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from distance. Jackson averages 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals leading the 12-0 Cardinals to the No. 6 spot in MaxPreps Top 25.
Height: 6-6 | Position: W | Year: Senior
The Kentucky signee has shown tremendous development while playing against top competition in the NIBC. He averages 16.1 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 54.9 percent from the field. Regarded as the No. 7 prospect in the Class of 2022, Livingston recently stuffed the stat sheet at the Hoophall, recording 19 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in a win over Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.).
Height: 6-8 | Position: F | Year: Senior
The Duke signee has been a force in his first season with the Buffaloes, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. The five-star has also made his mark in NIBC play, ranking second in points per game at 17.8 and third in rebounds per game at 7.4.
Height: 6-4 | Position: G | Year: Senior
Reigning MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year has put up gaudy numbers against the nation's top talent, averaging 24.5 points, 6.3 assists and six rebounds for the 14-3 Charging Wildcats, ninth-ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25. The Arkansas signee recently won King Cotton Classic MVP averaging 28 points, 6.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game for the event champions.
Height: 6-8 | Position: F | Year: Senior
The top 10 prospect has shown growth in his game this season, displaying an improved shooting stroke. He averages 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks as the Ascenders are No. 2 in the National Top 20. The Houston signee is second in the NIBC in rebounds per game, averaging 7.7 in conference play.
Height: 6-4 | Position: G | Year: Senior
The Kentucky signee has Richardson (22-1) in the MaxPreps Top 25 top spot, averaging 19.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The Top 10 prospect claimed MVP honors at the Whataburger Tournament with a game-high 23 points in the Eagles' 60-58 overtime victory over Duncanville (Texas).
Height: 7-0 | Position: C | Year: Senior
Recently ascended into the Top 10 of the Class of 2022
rankings behind his dominant play on both sides of the ball, averaging
20.3 points, 12 rebounds and 5.7 blocks. In four games at the City of
Palms Classic, the Oregon signee earned all-tournament honors with 17.5
points and 12.7 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the field.
Height: 6-6 | Position: W | Year: Senior
The top five prospect averages 16.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in NIBC play, but has struggled to find consistency at times. The Duke signee had a season-high 31 points to go with seven rebounds in a loss to IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) in December.
Height: 6-4 | Position: G | Year: Junior
The North Carolina commit has been a consistent performer for the Lions, averaging around 18 points, eight assists and eight rebounds per contest for MaxPreps Top 25 No. 8 Roselle Catholic (12-1). The five-star prospect recorded 20 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals in a 60-55 victory over Elizabeth (N.J.).
