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.
Jaxson Davis of
Warren Township (Gurnee) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Illinois High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 junior guard led the Blue Devils to a 30-4 record and Class 4A sectional semifinals.
For the season, Davis averaged 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals per contest.
Davis is on pace to bump Jalen Brunson (2,682 points) off the top of the Lake County career scoring list after surpassing 2,000 in February.
With a year left to play, Jaxson Davis has a chance to threaten Jalen Brunson's county scoring record. (PHOTO: Ricky Slaughter)
In a win over defending Missouri Class 4 state champion Vashon (St. Louis) at the Highland Shootout in January, Davis scored 33 points.
Regarded as a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2027 according to Rivals, Davis holds offers from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Marquette, Missouri, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue and Xavier among others.
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 Illinois Players of the Year
2019-20 – D.J. Steward, Whitney Young (Chicago)
2020-21 – Bryce Hopkins, Fenwick (Oak Park)
2021-22 – Braden Huff, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn)
2022-23 – Jeremy Fears Jr., Joliet West (Joliet)
2023-24 – Morez Johnson Jr., Thornton (Harvey)
2024-25 – Davion Thompson, Bolingbrook
