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.
Isaac Bruns of
Dakota Valley (North Sioux City) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps South Dakota High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 senior guard led the Panthers to a 26-0 record culminating with a victory in the Class A state championship game.
Bruns averaged 26.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Panthers, who defeated Sioux Falls Christian 54-48 for their second consecutive state title. In four years at Dakota Valley, he piled up 2,309 points and helped the program go 93-8 – including 52-0 over the past two seasons.
Headed to the University of South Dakota next year, Bruns poured in a season-high 46 points in an early February win over Elk Point-Jefferson.
Kalen Garry of
DeSmet was the 2021-22 South Dakota Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at South Dakota State University, Garry averaged 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season to guide the Bulldogs to their second consecutive state title.
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).
