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.
James Jones of
East Catholic (Manchester) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior guard led the Eagles to a 27-1 record and their third consecutive Division I state title.
On the season, Jones averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals per game. Jones led the way with a game-high 24 points and six assists in a 49-47 victory over Northwest Catholic in the state title game after trailing by 18 points late in the second quarter.
James Jones initiates the offense in the Division I state title game for East Catholic. (Photo: Dan Smith)
Jones holds offers from Central Connecticut State, Columbia, Fairleigh Dickinson, Pennsylvania, Sacred Heart, Saint Peter's, Siena and Wagner according to his social media.
Donovan Clingan of
Bristol Central (Bristol) was the 2021-22 Connecticut Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Connecticut, Clingan averaged 29.9 points, 18.1 rebounds, 6.1 blocks and 3.1 assists last season to guide the Rams to their first state title since 1990.
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).
