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.
Joe Sawyer of
Central (Cheyenne) is the 2023-24 Wyoming MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior guard led the Indians to a 25-3 record and Class 4A state championship.
For
the season, Sawyer averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 55.8 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free throw line.
In
a 62-59 victory over Laramie in the state title game,
Sawyer scored 10 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter and
grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.
Sawyer earned Class 4A All-State honors for the second consecutive season.
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 Wyoming MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Samuel Lecholat, Sheridan
2020-21 – Samuel Lecholat, Sheridan
2021-22 – Deegan Williams, Thunder Basin
2022-23 – Stuart Lerwick, Pine Bluffs
