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.
A repeat selection,
Abby Casper of
Northwest Catholic (West Hartford) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-0 senor guard led the Lions to a 26-2 record and Division I state championship game.
For the season, Casper averaged 19.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Headed to Holy Cross, Abby Casper of Northwest Catholic won state titles as a freshman, sophomore and junior. (PHOTO: Lonnie Webb)
In a 51-46 loss to Greenwich in the state final, Casper scored 18 points. It was a disappointing end to a spectacular career that included three state titles, a 93-16 record, 2,021 points and 1,041 rebounds.
Casper signed with Holy Cross 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 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 Connecticut Players of the Year2021-22 — Mackenzie Nelson, St. Luke's (New Canaan)
2022-23 — Leah Philpotts, Hamden
2023-24 — Ayanna Franks, Windsor
2024-25 — Abby Casper, Northwest Catholic (West Hartford)
