Eli Sancomb named 2025-26 MaxPreps West Virginia High School Basketball Player of the Year

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.

Eli Sancomb of Wheeling Central Catholic (Wheeling) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps West Virginia High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 senior guard led the Maroon Knights to a 23-0 record and their second consecutive state championship.

For the season, Sancomb averaged 31.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 3.0 steals per game.

In a 55-39 victory over Wyoming East (New Richmond) in the Class AA state championship game, Sancomb led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Sancomb broke Class AA state tournament records for most points and assists in a game. He pumped in 41 points in an 86-43 victory over Wayne in the semifinals and dished out 16 assists in a 95-56 triumph vs. Frankfort (Ridgeley) in the quarterfinals.

Regarded as the No. 117 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, Sancomb signed with Liberty over offers from Belmont, Charleston, Colorado State, Dayton, Drexel, Loyola, Miami (Ohio), Murray State, Richmond and St. Louis 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).

2023-24 – Sharron Young, Morgantown

2024-25 – Eli Sancomb, Wheeling Central Catholic (Wheeling)