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.
K.J. Torbert of
East Lansing is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior guard led the Trojans to a 27-2 record and an appearance in the Division 1 state championship game.
For the season, Torbert averaged 26.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 52.4 percent from the field, 39.9 percent from 3-point range and 84.1 percent from the free throw line.
K.J. Torbert averaged 21.6 points per game across three seasons at East Lansing. (PHOTO: Scott Hasse)
In a 54-50 loss to Rockford in the Division 1 state championship game, Torbert had 28 points and five rebounds. He poured in a career-high 39 points in an 80-71 victory over Rockford earlier in the season.
Torbert was named Michigan's Mr. Basketball this season, receiving the award 25 years after his father won the award in 2001. The pair became the first father-son duo to earn the honor in state history.
In three seasons at East Lansing, Torbert scored 1,750 points and led the Trojans to a record of 79-6 that includes a state championship in 2025. He signed with Bowling Green State in November.
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 Michigan Players of the Year
2019-20 – Emoni Bates, Lincoln (Ypsilanti)
2020-21 – Pierre Brooks II, Douglass (Detroit)
2021-22 – Chansey Willis Jr., King (Detroit)
2022-23 – Darius Acuff, Cass Tech (Detroit)
2023-24 – Trey McKenney, St. Mary's (Orchard Lake)
2024-25 – Trey McKenney, St. Mary's
