Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Gracyn Gilliard of
Center Grove (Greenwood) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Indiana High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11 senior guard led the Trojans to a 29-0 record and Class 4A state title.
For the season, Gilliard averaged 25.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7
steals per game. She piled up 692 points while shooting 53 percent
from the field.
MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year Gracyn Gilliard had seven 30-point games as Center Grove went unbeaten to win the Class 4A title. (PHOTO: Tyler Hart)
In a 56-53 win over Norwell (Ossian) in the state championship game, Gilliard dropped a team-high 23 points with nine boards and six steals. She helped the Trojans match a state record by overcoming an 11-point deficit in the final.
Gilliard led the way in making Center Grove the first unbeaten state champion in Indiana since 2013 and the 18th overall.
After piling up 1,898 career points, Gilliard will continue her career at Davidson after signing with the Wildcats in November.
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 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) along with 2025 All-WNBA selections Aliyah Boston (2017, 2018, 2019), Paige Bueckers (2018, 2019), Napheesa Collier (2015), Sabrina Ionescu (2015, 2016), Kelsey Mitchell (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and Jackie Young (2014, 2015).
Past MaxPreps Indiana Players of the Year2021-22 — Ashlynn Shade, Noblesville
2022-23 — Chloe Spreen, Bedford North Lawrence (Bedford)
2023-24 — Jaylah Lampley, Lawrence Central (Indianapolis)
2024-25 — Maya Makalusky, Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers)
