Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 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.
Mia Pauldo of
Morris Catholic (Denville) is the 2024-25 New Jersey MaxPreps Player of the Year. A repeat selection, the 5-foot-7 senior guard led the Crusaders to a 28-0 record and their third straight state championship.
For the season, Pauldo averaged 18.6 points, 5.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. In a 55-44 win over Paul VI (Haddonfield) in the Non-Public A title game, she tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Pauldo piled up 2,143 career points.
Mia Pauldo of Morris Catholic is the New Jersey MaxPreps Player of the Year. The Tennessee commit averaged nearly 19 points as the Crusaders went 28-0 and won their third straight state title. (PHOTO: Audrey Eapen)
A McDonald's All American, Pauldo is regarded as a top 20 prospect in the Class of 2025 by
247Sports. She is headed to Tennessee with twin sister
Mya Pauldo after the duo led Morris Catholic to a 107-6 record during their time with the program.
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 in April. Past selections include 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2024 All-WNBA first team picks Caitlin Clark (2020), Napheesa Collier (2015), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Past New Jersey MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Madison St. Rose, St. John Vianney (Holmdel)
2022-23 — Zoe Brooks, St. John Vianney (Holmdel)
2023-24 — Mia Pauldo, Morris Catholic (Denville)
