Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Jules LaMendola of
Coppell is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Texas High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior guard led the Cowboys to a 38-4 record and the Class 6A state semifinals, where they fell to eventual champion Clark (San Antonio) on a buzzer-beater. The state tournament final four appearance was the first in school history.
For the season, LaMendola averaged 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Headed to Indiana, Jules LaMendola led Coppell to its first state tournament appearance. (Photo: Robbie Rakestraw)
Headed to Indiana to continue her basketball career in the fall, LaMendola earned district MVP honors and was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State team.
Gisella Maul of
Cedar Park was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Texas Player of the Year. Now a freshman guard for the Texas Longhorns, she averaged 25.3 points and
8.2 rebounds per game to lead the Timberwolves to a 37-0 season and Class 5A state championship.
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 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2022 All-WNBA picks Skylar Diggins-Smith (2009), Sabrina Ionescu (2016), Jonquel Jones (2012), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Kelsey Plum (2013), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Headed to Indiana, Jules LaMendola led Coppell to its first state tournament appearance. (Photo: Robbie Rakestraw)
