Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school athletics. America's source for high school
sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 basketball 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.
Nearly 40 states have completed their 2020-21 high school girls basketball seasons and MaxPreps has honored the top player in each over
the past four weeks. Links
to each player's story are included after their bio and list of
accomplishments.
Each
state's MaxPreps Player of the Year was be considered for inclusion in
the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Raven Johnson, Westlake
Photo by Pete Wright
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Tennessee
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 21.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game
despite being the focus of opposing defenses, helping the Trojans go
15-10. She's the 43rd best prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz, and shooting range and defensive versatility made her a tough matchup for other post players.
Read more: Alabama Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Portland State
The guard led the Tigers to a 17-0 mark and the 4A state title. She averaged 17.4 points, 7.1 steals, 5.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game while
shooting 52 percent from the field. In Bartlett's 47-46 overtime win
against Farmington in the state finals, she set up the go-ahead basket
with an assist and then sealed the win with a pair of pressure free
throws.
Read more: Alaska Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Washington
The 6-1 wing capped her career with a 6A title as the Monsoon went 17-0. Regarded as the No. 76 prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz, Davis averaged 17.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game. She
had 21 points and 12 rebounds in Valley Vista's 49-41 win over Hamilton
in the title game.
Read more: Arizona Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Arkansas
The Grizzlies went 26-2, winning the 6A title and the future Razorback was a big reason why. Her combination of size and perimeter skills set her apart as she averaged 19.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocked shots
per game. The McDonald's All-American is the No. 7 prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz.
Read more: Arkansas Player of the Year
Colorado — Lauren Betts, Grandview (Aurora)Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Stanford
The top-rated prospect in her class, led the Wolves to a 17-1 mark and a 5A semifinal appearance. The 6-7 post averaged 17.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and nearly two assists while shooting 90 percent from the field. Betts had nine double-doubles and blocked five or more shots in four games.
Read more: Colorado Player of the Year
Lauren Betts, Grandview
Photo by Derel Regensburger
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
The 5-foot-9 junior point guard led the Lancers to a 12-1 record and the
school's second straight South-West Conference Tournament championship. Mayo averaged 20.4 points, 7.0 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 steals per game while producing a 7:2 assist to turnover ratio. Notre Dame Catholic is 58-3 through the first three seasons of Mayo's
career and outscored opponents by nearly 30 points per game on average
in 2020-21.
Read more: Connecticut Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
A three-year starter, Johnston will head into her senior season needing just 106 points to reach 1,000 for her career. Johnston, who led the Buccaneers to a 10-5 mark and state semifinal appearance, averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 steals, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists
per game while connecting on 78 percent of her free throw attempts. Read more: Delaware Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Vanderbilt
The Panthers' post led her squad to a 26-3 mark and 7A title in her final season. Cheesman averaged 17.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, posting 10
double-doubles during the year. She also hit 43 percent of her 3-point
attempts and 89 percent of her free throws.
Read more: Florida Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: South Carolina
A McDonald's All-American and the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz, Johnson led the Lions to a MaxPreps National Championship with their win over Paul VI in the GEICO Nationals. Johnson played just 22 minutes a game this season as Westlake dominated
many games but still averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and
3.7 steals a game. She also had a 3.2 assist/turnover ratio as the
point guard for one of the top teams in the country.
Read more: Georgia Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
The 6-2 post led the Mavericks to a 20-2 mark and 5A title. Ojukwu averaged 24.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while shooting 58
percent from the floor. She was named MVP of the Class 5A playoffs,
breaking the postseason scoring record with 89 points in three games.
Read more: Idaho Player of the Year
Illinois — Greta Kampschroeder, Naperville North (Naperville)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Oregon State
The shortened season saw the post lead the Huskies to a 12-1 record and the school's first regional title since 2005. Kampschroeder, a McDonald's All-American, averaged 17.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 3.0
assists while shooting 89.7 percent from the free throw line. She is a
four-time all-league selection, three-time all-stater and finished her
career with 1,745 points.
Read more: Illinois Player of the Year
Indiana — Jessica Carrothers, Crown PointClass: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
The 5-7 guard led the Bulldogs to a 25-1 mark,a 4A title and a No. 24 ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25. Carrothers averaged 23.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She also hit
43 percent of her 3-point attempts and had a 2.0 assist/turnover ratio. She scored in double figures in all 26 games for Crown Point this season and 33 straight going back to 2019-20.
Read more: Indiana Player of the Year
Iowa — Katie Dinnebier, WaukeeClass: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Drake
The 5-8 guard has led Waukee to a 36-4 mark over the past two seasons while averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals a game. Waukee finished 13-1 record, earning the Class 5A title – avenging its only loss in the title game by rolling over Johnston 71-43.
Read more: Iowa Player of the Year
Kansas — Payton Verhulst, Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Louisville
The 6-foot-1 senior wing led the Stags to a 23-1 record and the 4A state championship. Verhulst is a McDonald's All-American and regarded as the No. 12 prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz. She averaged 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 3.6 assists and 3.5
blocks per game, and is also an outstanding volleyball player.
Read more: Kansas Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) |
Status: Undecided
The 5-foot-11 junior guard led the Bearcats to a 28-3 record and the Kentucky Sweet 16 semifinals. She averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 54.1 percent from the field. Stepping
up her game in the postseason, Jenkins earned Eighth Region MVP honors
and was named to the Sweet 16 All-Tournament team.
Read more: Kentucky Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Florida
The 6-foot point helped the Gators win their second straight Class 4A state title. She tallied 19 points, 14 boards rebounds, three blocked shots and two
steals in a 49-42 win over Huntington in the state championship game
earlier this month, earning MVP honors.
Read more: Louisiana Player of the Year
Maine — Camille Clement, Greely (Cumberland Center)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Northeastern University
The Rangers' shooting guard averaged 22.5 points per night in an 11-1 season. Clement shot 46 percent from the field, made over 42 percent of her shots
from beyond the arc and knocked down 85 percent of her free throw
attempts. For her career, Clement scored 1,416 points in 67 games and averaged 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per contest.
Read more: Maine Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Georgetown
The future Hoya averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.8 steals per game
while shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point distance. She also had an
impressive 4.3 assist/turnover ratio in helping New Hope to a 13-3 mark and a No. 17 rank in the MaxPreps Top 25. Read more: Maryland Player of the Year
Massachusetts — Kenzie Matulonis, Bridgewater-Raynham (Bridgewater)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: New Hampshire
The 5-7 guard led the Trojans to a 12-0 mark and Southeast Conference championship in the state's shortened season. She averaged 16.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4.6 steals per game and had a
2.9 assist/turnover ratio. In the title game against New Bedford,
Matulonis had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 49-36 win. Read more: Massachusetts Player of the Year
Michigan — Damiya Hagemann, Edison Academy (Detroit)
Class: 2021 (Senior) |
Status: Michigan State
The 5-foot-7 senior guard led the Pioneers to a 10-0 record and the No. 5
ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25 before COVID canceled the team's season. Hagemann averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 steals a
game, which are all impressive numbers, but her 9.9 assists per game is
simply dazzling.
Read more: Michigan Player of the Year Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Minnesota
The 6-1 forward averaged 21.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while shooting 61.4 percent overall and 45.4 percent from beyond the arc as the Hawks won the AAAA title, had an unbeaten season at 17-0 and finished No. 6 nationally in the MaxPreps Top 25. Heyer was the key to the Hawks' upset of Hopkins in the AAAA semifinals, scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 boards.
Read more: Minnesota Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
She averaged 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
Though she is a post player, she can also step out and hit 3-pointers. She led the Wildcats to a 16-4 mark and the Class 6A final four.
Read more: Mississippi Player of the Year
Missouri — Natalie Potts, Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis)Class: 2023 (Sophomore) | Status: Undecided
The 6-foot-1 sophomore post led the Red Knights to a 29-0 record, the
state Class 6 championship and the No. 6 national ranking in the
MaxPreps Top 25. Potts averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocked shots per game while shooting 59 percent from the field.
Read more: Missouri Player of the Year
Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Montana
The 5-foot-8 junior guard led the Rams to an 18-2 record and an appearance in the Class A state championship game. Hansen averaged 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game per
game, shooting 52 percent from the field, 50 percent from beyond the arc
and 90 percent from the free throw line. She's tallied 1,096 points, 285 rebounds, 145 assists and 133 steals.
Read more: Montana Player of the Year
Nebraska — Alexis Markowski, Pius X (Lincoln)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Nebraska
The 6-foot-3 senior led the Thunderbolts to a 25-0 record, the Class A state championship and a No. 22 national rank in the MaxPreps Top 25. Markowski averaged 23.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game
while shooting 60 percent from the field. In the title game versus Fremont,
Markowski had 27 points and 19 rebounds in the 56-52 victory.
Read more: Nebraska Player of the Year
New Hampshire — Isabella King, BedfordClass: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Bucknell
She averaged 20.1 points, 8.5 steals, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game
this season for the 14-2 Division I champions, earning first team Division I All-State and Miss Basketball
honors. The future Bison owns school records at Bedford for points in a
game, season and career, topping the 1,000-point mark as a senior.
Read more: New Hampshire Player of the Year
New Jersey — Madison St. Rose, St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.)Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Princeton
The 5-foot-10 junior led the perennial power to a 14-0 record in an
abbreviated season and the No. 9 ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25. St. Rose averaged 19.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game and is the the No. 46 player in the ESPN Hoopgurlz 2022
rankings.
Read more: New Jersey Player of the Year
New York — Sonia Citron, Ursuline (New Rochelle)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Notre Dame
The McDonald's All-American led the Koalas to a 14-0 mark and Section 1 title. Citron averaged 26.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.5 steals
per game, helping Ursuline extend a win streak that dates back to last
season to 38 games. The USA Basketball gold medalist finished her career with 2,243 points and
1,192 rebounds and is the No. 16 prospect in the Class of 2021.
Read more: New York Player of the Year
North Carolina — Saniya Rivers, Ashley (Wilmington) Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: South Carolina
The No. 3 prospect in the Class of 2021 by ESPN Hoopgurlz averaged 36.8 points per game – more than a point a minute – to go along
with 11.5 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 5.1 assists per game. The 6-foot-1 senior was the driving force behind a 15-2 season, which culminated with a trip to the 4A state semifinals.
Read more: North Carolina Player of the Year
North Dakota — Logan Nissley, Century (Bismarck)Class: 2023 (Sophomore) | Status: Undecided
She broke single-season school records for points (556), points per game
(21.4), 3-point shooting percentage (46.4), assists (100), steals (93)
and steals per game (3.6). The Patriots went 26-0 and won their third Class A title in four seasons. Through the first 50 games of her career, Nissley has been credited with
880 points, 360 rebounds, 158 assists, 139 steals, and 91 blocked
shots.
Read more: North Dakota Player of the Year
Ohio — K.K. Bransford, Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati)Class: 2022 (Junior) | Status: Undecided
The No. 27 prospect in her class, Bransford helped the Cougars to a Division 1 championship and a perfect 28-0 season. She powered her way to 21.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.0 steals
per game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point distance and posting a
2.7 assist/turnover ratio as MND finished No. 2 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Read more: Ohio Player of the Year
Oklahoma — Aaliyah Moore, MooreClass: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Texas
The McDonald's All-American is the No. 6 prospect in her class according to ESPN. Moore led the Lions to a 16-9 mark and the 6A west regionals. Moore averaged 25.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game as a senior for head coach Brent Hodges. Over
her four-year career, she tallied 1,803 points, 882 rebounds and
posted 71 double-doubles.
Read more: Oklahoma Player of the Year
Pennsylvania — Destiney McPhaul, West Catholic (Philadelphia)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Virginia Tech
The 5-foot-8 senior guard led the Burrs to a 12-4 record and the Class AAA state championship. McPhaul averaged 20.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.4 blocks
per game. She had a double-double – 16 points and 10 rebounds -- in the
67-56 championship game win over Mohawk. She competed in the Who's Next All-American Game.
Read more: Pennsylvania Player of the Year
Rhode Island — Amaya Dowdy, St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: UMass-Lowell
The 6-foot senior sparked the Saints to an unbeaten season and the school's first Division 1 title since 2000. Dowdy averaged 17.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.6 blocks for St.
Raphael. She scored 19 points and had 16 rebounds in the state
championship win over Barrington. She helped St. Raphael to a 54-5 mark over the past three seasons.
Read more: Rhode Island Player of the Year
South Carolina — Milaysia Fulwiley, Keenan (Columbia)Class: 2023 (Sophomore) | Status: Undecided
She averaged 25.9 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 steals
per game as the Raiders won the 4A title. She also shot 42 percent from 3-point distance. Fulwiley joined the Keenan varsity as a seventh grader and as an eighth
grader played a key role on a state championship team. Her all-around
talents and precocious ability led to a No. 3 ranking in the Class of
2023 by ESPN Hoopgurlz.
Read more: South Carolina Player of the Year
South Dakota — Haleigh Timmer, More (Rapid City)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: South Dakota State
A big reason why the Cavaliers went 22-3 and finished fourth in the Class A state tournament, Timmer averaged 20.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7
steals as a senior. The three-time all-league selection shot 59.6 percent from the field, 51.9 percent from beyond
the arc and 70.5 percent from the free throw line. Prospect Nation lists Timmer, who scored 1,754 career points, as the No. 107 prospect in the Class of 2021.
Read more: South Dakota Player of the Year
Tennessee — Lashae Dwyer, The Webb School (Bell Buckle)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Miami (Fla.)
The 5-foot-7 senior wing sparked a spectacular turnaround after
transferring into the program, going from 4-17 in 2019-20 to 28-2 and
winning the Division II-A state title this season. Dwyer averaged 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 3.6 steals per game. She had 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. She's the No. 79 prospect in her class by ESPN Hoopgurlz.
Read more: Tennessee Player of the Year
Texas — Rori Harmon, Cypress Creek (Houston)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Texas
The McDonald's All-American led the Cougars to a 32-1 record, a trip to
the Class 6A championship game and the No. 15 ranking in the country. Harmon averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 5.2 steals
per game this season. She hit 37 percent of her 3-pointers and had a 3.2
assist/turnover ratio.
Read more: Texas Player of the Year
Utah — Emma Calvert, Fremont (Plain City)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: BYU
The 6-foot-4 senior center/power forward helped lead the Silverwolves to a 26-0 record and the Class 6A state championship and appearance at the GEICO Nationals. The state tournament MVP averaged 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game
this season. Calvert converted on over 70 percent of her field goals
attempts, shot just over 40 percent from beyond the arc and made more
than 76 percent of her free throws.
Read more: Utah Player of the YearClass: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Vermont
In a shortened season, the 5-foot-8 senior point guard led the Redhawks to a perfect 9-0 record. Gilwee averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 steals
per game. She owns the school record for assists in a game with 13 and
managed 2.1 assists to turnover ratio this season.
Read more: Vermont Player of the Year
Virginia — Aziaha James, Princess Anne (Virginia Beach)Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: North Carolina State
In a shortened season, the No. 36 prospect in her class led the Cavaliers to a perfect
10-0 record, the Division 5 championship and a No. 14 national ranking. James
averaged 22.2 points per game to go along with 5.3 rebounds and a 3.7
assist/turnover ratio. She scored 32 points in the state title game and
had 26 points and 10 steals in the semifinal.
Read more: Virginia Player of the Year
Wisconsin — Kamorea Arnold, GermantownClass: 2023 (Sophomore) | Status: Undecided
The No. 5 prospect in her class led the Warhawks to a 29-1 record and the Division 1 state championship. Arnold averaged 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.8 steals a
game. She scored 31 points on 12 of 18 shooting in a 63-48 win over
Hudson in the Division 1 title game and also had seven assists.
Read more: Wisconsin Player of the Year
Class: 2021 (Senior) | Status: Wyoming
The 6-foot-4 senior center led the Bearcats to a 24-0 record and the Class 3A state championship. Fertig averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots this winter. She posted double-doubles in 18 of 24 contests. A four-time Wyoming Coaches Association All-State selection, Fertig led
the Bearcats to a 101-2 record over the past four seasons, including 40
straight wins to conclude her career.
Read more: Wyoming Player of the Year
