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.
Jordan Smith of
Paul VI (Chantilly) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Virginia High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior guard led the Panthers to a 33-2 record and fourth state championship in the past five seasons.
For the season, Smith averaged 26.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 3.2 steals per game while
shooting 56.0 percent from the field, 36.9 percent from 3-point range
and 72.4 percent from the free throw line.
A highly-decorated player locally and nationally, Jordan Smith earned MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors last season. (PHOTO: David Custer)
In an 82-76 double-overtime victory over St. John's (Washington, D.C.) in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference tournament championship game, Smith tallied 39 points, seven assists and seven steals to help his team erase a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Smith guided Paul VI to a top national 10 finish in all four seasons and a record of 126-15 during that span. The Panthers had a record of 64-1 in WCAC games Smith suited up for.
Regarded as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, Smith committed to Arkansas over finalists Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky and Syracuse.
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 Virginia Players of the Year
2019-20 – Cam Thomas, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson)
2020-21 – Trevor Keels, Paul VI (Chantilly)
2021-22 – Chris Livingston, Oak Hill Academy
2022-23 – Deshawn Harris-Smith, Paul VI
2023-24 – Darren Harris, Paul VI
2024-25 – Nate Ament, Highland (Warrenton)
