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 2020-21 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.
Daeshun Ruffin of
Callaway (Jackson)
is the 2020-21 Mississippi High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior led the Chargers to a 10-1 record and the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
Ruffin averaged 33.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 steals per contest this season, including a season-high 39 points in Callaway's double-overtime state quarterfinal loss to Lake Cormorant.
Ruffin tallied 2,337 career points over his four-year career, carrying a career average of 25.4 points per contest.
A Mississippi signee, Ruffin is regarded as the No. 47 prospect in the Class
of 2021 overall according to 247Sports. He chose the Rebels over offers from SEC rivals Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Mississippi State among others. He earned a spot on the McDonald's
All American Game roster last month, though the showcase will not be played this year due to the pandemic.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
