Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close
out the 2025-26 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.
Braylen Schirado of
Beulah is the 2025-26 MaxPreps North Dakota High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10 senior guard led the Miners to a 25-3 record and their first state championship since 2012.
For the season, Schirado averaged 19.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest while connecting on 105 shots from 3-point range.
In a 49-48 victory over Central Cass (Casselton) in the Class A state final, Schirado scored a game-high 17 points while connecting on 6 of 7 shots from the free throw line.
A varsity contributor since eighth grade, Schirado finished with 1,816 career points and helped the Miners go 104-28 during that five-year span.
Schirado was one of five finalists for North Dakota Mr. Basketball honors. He also earned first team all-state honors for the second straight season.
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 2026 NBA All-Stars Karl Anthony-Towns
(2014), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015),
Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Cade Cunningham (2019, 2020), Kevin Durant
(2006), Jalen Duren (2021), Anthony Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016),
Chet Holmgren (2020, 2021), Brandon Ingram (2015), Jalen Johnson
(2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019) and Norman Powell (2011).
Past MaxPreps North Dakota Players of the Year
2019-20 – Boden Skunberg, Jamestown
2020-21 – Joe Hurlburt, Enderlin
2021-22 – Joe Hurlburt, Enderlin
2022-23 – Darik Dissette, Minot
2023-24 – Tommy Ahneman, Sheyenne (West Fargo)
2024-25 – Mason Kabo, Fargo Davies (Fargo)
