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 2022-23 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.
Blake Buchanan of
Lake City (Coeur d'Alene) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Idaho High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Timberwolves to a 26-0 record and the Class 5A state title.
For the season, Buchanan averaged 15.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He rose to the occasion in a 75-61 victory over Meridian in the championship game, piling up 26 points and 11 rebounds.
MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year Blake Buchanan throws down during a December win over Eagle. (Photo: Michael Turner)
In Buchanan's final two seasons at Lake City, the Timberwolves went 46-1.
Buchanan is regarded as a top 100 recruit in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. He signed with Virginia in November over offers from Gonzaga, Iowa, Oregon State and Washington State among others.
Titus Yearout of
Lapwai was the 2021-22 Idaho Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Idaho, Lapwai averaged 15.5 points, seven assists and five rebounds to guide the Wildcats to their second consecutive state title.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
