Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Aliyahna Morris of
Etiwanda is the 2024-25 California MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-5 senior guard led the Eagles to a 28-5 record and third straight Open Division state championship.
For the season, Morris averaged 24.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. In a 75-59 win over Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) in the title game, she scored 12 points and dished out seven assists.
Etiwanda went 121-12 with three state titles during Aliyahna Morris' four years in the program. (PHOTO: David Steutel)
Morris helped Etiwanda beat four nationally-ranked teams in the postseason, including a 32-point performance against Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in the regional semifinals.
Regarded as a top 25 prospect in the Class of 2025 by
247Sports, Morris signed with California in November. She will participate in the McDonald's All American Game next month.
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 in April. Past selections include 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2024 All-WNBA first team picks Caitlin Clark (2020), Napheesa Collier (2015), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Past California MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
2022-23 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon
2023-24 — Kennedy Smith, Etiwanda
