Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls 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.
Lola Donez of
Lahainaluna (Lahaina) is the 2023-24 Hawaii MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11 senior guard helped the Lunas go 16-7 and reach the Division I state semifinals.
Donez led the state in scoring at 27.3 points per game – shooting 62 percent from the field – to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
In a 69-66 win over Waiakea (Hilo) in the state quarterfinals, Donez broke the single-game tournament scoring record with 41 points. Her season-high came Jan. 22 in a win over King Kekaulike (Pukalani) when she poured in 43 points.
Donez spent her sophomore and junior seasons at Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) following a COVID-shortened freshman campaign at Lahainaluna. She will continue her career next year with the ACC-bound California Golden Bears.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Hawaii MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Kaliana Salazar-Harrell, Konawaena (Kealakekua)
2022-23 — Mele Sake, 'Iolani (Honolulu)
