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.
Dylan Harper of
Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) is the 2023-24 New Jersey MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior guard led the Ironmen to a 29-3 record and the Non-Public A state championship.
For the season, Harper averaged 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He tallied 38 points and eight rebounds in a 56-42 victory over St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City) in the North Jersey Non-Public A title game and contributed 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists in a 56-29 win over Paul VI (Haddonfield) in the state championship.
New Jersey MaxPreps Player of the Year Dylan Harper has led Don Bosco Prep to a 55-6 record over the past two seasons. (Photo: Lonnie Webb)
In four games against nationally-ranked opponents at the City of Palms Classic in December, Harper guided Don Bosco Prep to a 3-1 record, posting 30.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
Regarded as the No. 4 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to
247Sports, Harper signed with Rutgers in November over offers from Auburn, Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Texas Tech among others.
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 New Jersey MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Clifford Omoruyi, Roselle Catholic (Roselle)
2020-21 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2021-22 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2022-23 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
