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.
Nykolas Lewis of
Gonzaga is the 2024-25 District of Columbia MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the Eagles to a 29-5 record and the DCSAA Class AA title.
For the season, Lewis averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest for a Gonzaga squad that featured five senior Division I commits in the starting lineup.
Three-star Xavier signee averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game during an impressive senior campaign. (Photo: Darin Sicurello)
In a 67-51 victory over three-time defending champion Sidwell Friends in the championship game, Lewis earned MVP honors after putting up 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals while shooting 4 of 8 from the field and 2 of 3 from 3-point range.
Regarded as the No. 50 prospect in the Class of 2025 according to
247Sports, Lewis signed with Xavier over offers from Creighton, Georgetown, Iowa, Kansas State, Marquette, Maryland, Michigan and Tennessee 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 District of Columbia MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Terrance Williams, Gonzaga
2021-22 – Darren Buchanan, Wilson
2022-23 – Daquan Davis, St. John's
2023-24 – Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends
