Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls 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.
Aili Tanke of
Johnston is the 2023-24 Iowa MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10 senior forward helped the Dragons to a 29-0 season capped with a Class 5A state championship.
For the season, Tanke averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. In a 48-36 win over Dowling Catholic (West Des Moines) in the title game, she posted a monster double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Iowa MaxPreps Player of the Year Aili Tanke at the line for Johnston during a January win over Ankeny Centennial. (Photo: John Howard)
In her four seasons at Johnston, Tanke played in four state championship games with wins capping unbeaten campaigns in 2022 and 2024. The Dragons went 96-4 during her storied career in the program.
Tanke signed with Iowa State in November after committing to the Cyclones over the summer.
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 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Iowa MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Hannah Stuelke, Washington
2022-23 — Sahara Williams, Waterloo West (Waterloo)
