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.
Bryson Howard of
Heritage (Frisco) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Texas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 senior guard led the Coyotes to a 34-2 record and the program's first state championship.
For the season, Howard averaged 22.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per contest while shooting 53.7 percent from the field, 33.2 percent from 3-point range and 76.6 percent from the free throw line.
Bryson Howard piled up nearly 1,500 points in his final two seasons at Heritage. (PHOTO: Michael Horbovetz)
In a 60-47 victory over West Brook (Beaumont) in the Conference 5A Division 1 title game, Howard piled up 28 points and 15 rebounds – his 13th double-double of the season.
Howard established a new career-high with 32 points to go along with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals in an 80-54 triumph over Emerson (McKinney) in February.
Regarded as the No. 14 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, Howard signed with Duke over offers from Baylor, Connecticut, Houston, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia among others.
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 Texas Players of the Year
2019-20 – Greg Brown III, Vandegrift (Austin)
2020-21 – Daimion Collins, Atlanta
2021-22 – Cason Wallace, Richardson
2022-23 – Ron Holland, Duncanville
2023-24 – Josiah Moseley, Stony Point (Round Rock)
2024-25 – Kingston Flemings, Brennan (San Antonio)
