As the 2022-23 high school basketball season approaches its final weeks, some of the nation's top players continue to shine and strengthen their resume for postseason accolades.
Among those postseason accolades is MaxPreps National Player of the Year, which will be announced March 29. Past winners include Kevin Love, Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball and Michael Porter Jr. Today, we narrow the list of candidates to join that list and capture the nation's highest prep hoops honor to five.
6-foot-9 | Forward | Class of 2025
Top-ranked sophomore prospect has guided the Explorers to the state semifinals in Florida's largest classification, averaging 21.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 steals while shooting 63 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free throw line. Columbus is currently ranked No. 11 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2023
USC signee is regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2023 and he has played like it this season, averaging 19.3 points, 6.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from inside the arc, 37 percent from 3-point range and 78 percent from the free throw line. Collier helped the Wildcats reach the Class AAAAAAA final four by dropping 24 points, six rebounds and five assists in a 79-71 victory over McEachern (Powder Springs) last night.
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2023
Top 10 Texas signee averaged 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 steals while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 79.3 percent from the free throw line to guide the Panthers to the No. 2 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25. Holland finished his high school career with over 1,500 points and 900 rebounds, helping Duncanville to a spot in the national rankings in all four seasons and never losing a state tournament game.
6-5 | Guard | Class of 2024
Top-ranked junior prospect is averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 53 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 91 percent from the free throw line this season. Johnson contributed a game-high 26 points in the Wildcats third round state tournament victory over Martin (Arlington) 48-45 earlier in the week. Lake Highlands is ranked No. 9 in this week's MaxPreps Top 25.
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2023
No. 4 prospect in the senior class averaged 22.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists to guide the Panthers to a record of 23-2 and the No. 6 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25. Wagner finished his impressive four year prep career with 2,040 points and a record of 94-5. He has been selected to the McDonald's All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit and Iverson Classic.
Past MaxPreps National Players of the Year
2006 — Greg Oden, Lawrence North (Indianapolis)
2007 — Kevin Love, Lake Oswego (Lake Oswego, Ore.)
2008 — Brandon Jennings, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)
2009 — Derrick Favors, South Atlanta (Atlanta)
2010 — Harrison Barnes, Ames (Iowa)
2011 — Austin Rivers, Winter Park (Fla.)
2012 — Kyle Anderson, St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.)
2013 — Jabari Parker, Simeon (Chicago)
2014 — Stanley Johnson, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
2015 — Ben Simmons, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
2016 — Lonzo Ball, Chino Hills (Calif.)
2017 — Michael Porter Jr., Nathan Hale (Seattle)
2018 — R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy
2019 — Sharife Cooper, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)
2020 — Cade Cunningham, Montverde Academy
2021 — Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
2022 — Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy
