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.
Pearson Carmichael of
Summit (Bend) is the 2023-24 Oregon MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior guard led the Storm to a 24-4 record and the Class 5A state championship – the school's first title.
For the season, Carmichael averaged 27.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 65 percent from inside the arc, 37 percent from 3-point range and 77 percent from the free throw line. He recorded single-game scoring outbursts of 51, 44, 43 and 42.
Pearson Carmichael earns Oregon's top honor after guiding Summit to its first state title. (Photo: Jay Johnson)
In a state championship game that saw teammates
Collin Moore and
Mac Bledsoe connect on a wild last-second basket as time expired for a 52-50 victory over Wilsonville, Carmichael tallied 27 points and nine rebounds to lead the way.
Carmichael, who has led Summit to a 72-11 record and three state championship game appearances over the past three seasons, signed to play with Boise State in November.
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 Oregon MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Nate Bittle, Crater (Central Point)
2020-21 – Lamar Washington, Jefferson (Portland)
2021-22 – Jackson Shelstad, West Linn
2022-23 – Jackson Shelstad, West Linn
