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.
Shane Douma-Sanchez of
Del Norte (Albuquerque) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps New Mexico High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the state in scoring and was named the District 6-4A Player of the Year for the third time.
For the season, Douma-Sanchez averaged 32.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He scored 60 points in a January loss to Eldorado (Albuquerque) and poured in 40 or more on three other occasions.
Douma-Sanchez, who helped Del Norte win a state title as a sophomore, finished his career with more than 1,800 points, 400 rebounds, 300 assists and 150 steals.
Deuce Benjamin of
Las Cruces was the 2021-22 New Mexico Player of the Year. Currently a freshman at New Mexico State, Benjamin averaged 25.3 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals to lead the Bulldawgs to the state title game.
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).
