Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Haylen Ayers of
University School of Jackson (Jackson) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Tennessee High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 junior point guard led the Bruins to a 25-6 record and Division II Class A runner-up finish.
For the season, Ayers averaged 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game.
In a 60-49 loss to Providence Christian Academy (Murfreesboro) in the state final, Ayers scored 24 points after going for 34 in the semifinals.
Regarded as one of the top players in the Class of 2027 nationally, Ayers recently announced Connecticut, Duke, Kentucky, Texas and Vanderbilt as her top five collegiate choices. She is also a standout softball player for the Bruins with more than 30 offers on the diamond.
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 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) along with 2025 All-WNBA selections Aliyah Boston (2017, 2018, 2019), Paige Bueckers (2018, 2019), Napheesa Collier (2015), Sabrina Ionescu (2015, 2016), Kelsey Mitchell (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and Jackie Young (2014, 2015).
Past MaxPreps Tennessee Players of the Year2021-22 — Jaloni Cambridge, Ensworth (Nashville)
2022-23 — Jaloni Cambridge, Ensworth
2023-24 — Imari Berry, Clarksville
2024-25 — Kimora Fields, Bradley Central (Cleveland)
