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 2020-21 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.
Jalen Duren of
Montverde Academy (Montverde) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Florida High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-10, 230-pound junior post helped the Eagles finish the regular season with a 20-1 record and the No. 1 national ranking in this week's MaxPreps Top 25.
In 13 games of National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) play this season, Duren averaged 15.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest while shooting an efficient 63 percent from the field.
A Philadelphia native, Duren transferred from Roman Catholic prior to the 2019-2020 season. He was named first team MaxPreps Sophomore All-American last season.
Duren is regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2022 overall according to 247Sports. Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, UCLA and Villanova are among the college basketball powers that have extended offers.
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 13.
Jalen Duren throws down a dunk against Sunrise Christian Academy.
Photo by Annette Wilkerson
