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.
For the season, Daughtry averaged 26.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 steals per contest while shooting 54.5 percent from the field, 36.8 percent from 3-point range and 86.1 percent from the free throw line.
MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year Cayden Daughtry earned MVP honors at the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions in January after leading Calvary Christian Academy to a win over top-ranked Paul VI in the final. (FILE PHOTO: Jeff Klein)
In an 87-51 victory over The Villages Charter (The Villages) in the Class 3A state championship game, Daughtry led the way with 30 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals.
Establishing a new career-high, Daughtry went off for 44 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 95-75 win against Tampa Catholic (Tampa) back in November.
Regarded as the No. 17 prospect in the Class of 2027, Daughtry holds offers from BYU, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas A&M, USC, Villanova, Virginia and West Virginia 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 Florida Players of the Year
2019-20 – Cade Cunningham, Montverde Academy
2020-21 – Jalen Duren, Montverde Academy
2021-22 – Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy / Jarace Walker, IMG Academy (Bradenton)
2022-23 – Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami)
2023-24 – Cameron Boozer, Columbus
2024-25 – Cameron Boozer, Columbus
