Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school 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.
Terrion Burgess of
Benton is the 2024-25 Arkansas MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8 senior forward led the Panthers to a 30-3 record and the Class 5A state championship – the school's first.
For the season, Burgess averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots per game. He shot 55.2 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from 3-point range and 72.0 percent from the free throw line.
Arkansas Player of the Year Terrion Burgess helped deliver Benton its first state championship. (PHOTO: Justin Manning)
Burgess compiled over 2,000 career points and had single-game career highs of 46 points and 26 rebounds in separate contests. He led Benton to an unbeaten record in conference play over his final two seasons at 29-0.
In a 58-57 victory over Maumelle in the state title game, Burgess sank the game-winning layup through traffic with four seconds remaining to finish with 18 points and five rebounds in the win. He earned state tournament MVP honors.
Regarded as the No. 113 prospect in the Class of 2025 according to
247Sports, Burgess holds offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M 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 is scheduled to be released April 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Arkansas MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Chris Moore, West Memphis
2020-21 – Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (Sherwood)
2021-22 – Nick Smith, North Little Rock
2022-23 – Rashaud Marshall, Blytheville
2023-24 – Annor Boateng, Central (Little Rock)
