Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Shay Ijiwoye of
Desert Vista (Phoenix) is the 2023-24 Arizona MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-6 senior guard led the Thunder to a 24-6 record and appearance in the Open Division state championship game.
For the season, Ijiwoye averaged 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.6 steals per game. She shot 50 percent from the field with a high of 30 points in early December against Mountain Pointe (Phoenix).
Arizona MaxPreps Player of the Year Shay Ijiwoye earned MVP honors following a win over Centennial at Hoophall West in December. (Photo: Mark Jones)
Thanks in part to Ijiwoye's efforts, Desert Vista is 52-10 over the past two seasons with back-to-back championship game appearances. She committed to Stanford in October over offers from California, Harvard, Michigan, North Carolina, Penn State, Princeton and Villanova 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 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Arizona MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Jerzy Robinson, Desert Vista
2022-23 — Jennah Isai, Valley Vista
