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.
Eliezer Delbrey of
Classical (Providence) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Rhode Island High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior guard led the Purple to a 19-8 record and the Open Division state quarterfinals.
For the season, Delbrey averaged 26.9 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game while shooting over 90 percent from the free throw line.
In an 83-51 victory over East Providence in the opening round of the state tournament, Delbrey established a new school record with 46 points.
A three-time Division Player of the Year pick, Delbrey ended his his career with 2,203 points – the sixth-highest total in state history.
Delbrey has at least one Division I offer from Hampton but is considering a postgraduate year to bolster his recruitment.
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 Rhode Island Players of the Year
2019-20 – Erickson Bans, Shea (Pawtucket)
2020-21 – Tyriek Weeks, Pilgrim (Warwick)
2021-22 – Denzel Correia, Rocky Hill School (East Greenwich)
2022-23 – Kelvin Odih, La Salle Academy (Providence)
2023-24 – Wayne McNamara, Lincoln
2024-25 – Liam Simpson, La Salle Academy (Providence)
