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.
Jaylen Alexander of
Oxford is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Alabama High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Yellow Jackets to a 30-4 record and the program's first state championship
For the season, Alexander averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year Jaylen Alexander led Oxford to 16 consecutive victories to close out the season. (PHOTO: Brad Campbell)
In a 68-44 victory over Cullman in the Class 6A title game, Alexander posted 11 points, eight assists and five steals. He also piled up 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in a 52-37 semifinal win over Saraland.
After surpassing 2,000 career points early in the season, Alexander signed with Belmont over offers from Auburn, Illinois-Chicago, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Murray State, Samford and UAB.
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 Alabama Players of the Year
2019-20 – Colby Jones, Mountain Brook (Birmingham)
2020-21 – J.D. Davison, Calhoun (Letohatchee)
2021-22 – Barry Dunning, McGill-Toolen (Mobile)
2022-23 – Labaron Philon, Baker (Mobile)
2023-24 – Caleb Holt, Buckhorn (New Market)
2024-25 – DeWayne Brown, Hoover
