Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Shayla Smith of
Audenried (Philadelphia) is the 2023-24 Pennsylvania MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10 junior guard led the Rockets to a 25-6 record and Class 4A state semifinals.
For the season, Smith averaged 25.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 2.1 assists per game. She shot 54 percent from the field with a high of 41 points in a win over Delone Catholic (McSherrytown) in the state quarterfinals.
Smith has already scored over 1,800 career points and led Audenried to back-to-back Philadelphia Public League titles.
Arizona, DePaul, Florida, Penn State, Richmond, St. John's and Temple are among the Division I college programs that have extended offers to Smith.
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 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Pennsylania MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Cierra Toomey, Dunmore
2022-23 — Gabby Casey, Lansdale Catholic (Lansdale)
