Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 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.
Bijan Cortes of
Kingfisher is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Oklahoma High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior point guard led the Yellowjackets to a 25-1 record and their second Class 4A state championship in three years.
Kingfisher went 107-4 during his four years on the varsity squad.
Cortes scored almost half of his team's points in a 48-40 win over Heritage Hall in the state championship game. Cortes poured in 13 of his game-high 23 points in the second half after Kingfisher fell behind by eight points in the third quarter en route to its 20th straight win.
The Oklahoma signee is regarded as one of the top 200 senior prospects in the country according to 247Sports. North Texas, Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts and Tulsa also extended offers.
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 April 13.
Bijan Cortes in action against Chickasha during his junior year.
Photo by Russell Stitt
