Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports
continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 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.
Ja'Kobe Walter of
Link Academy (Branson) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Missouri High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 senior guard led the Lions to a 24-1 record and the No. 2 spot in the National Top 10.
On the season, Walter averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year Ja'Kobe Walter drives past a Montverde Academy defender at the Metro Classic. (Photo: Nicole Saracen)
After leading Mckinney to its first state title game appearance in 94 years as a junior, he spent his senior season at Link Academy where he led the program to its second consecutive GEICO Nationals appearance.
Headed to Baylor next season, Walter is regarded as the No. 23 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. Alabama, Kansas, Texas and UCLA were among other programs to extend offers.
Jordan Walsh of Link Academy was the 2021-22 Missouri Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Walsh
averaged 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season to lead the Lions to the No. 3 spot in the National Top 20.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
