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.
Nolan Ames of
Camden Hills (Rockport) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Maine High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Windjammers to a 20-2 record and appearance in the Class A state championship game.
For the season, Ames averaged 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.0 steals per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from 3-point range and 72.4 percent from the free throw line.
In a 60-48 victory over Brunswick in the state semifinals, Ames posted 21 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. He followed that up with a game-high 30 points in a 76-60 loss to Portland in the title game.
Headed to Colby College next year, Ames broke the school record for career points with 1,580. He led the state in scoring this season with the highest per-game average for Class A or AA since 2022.
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 Maine Players of the Year
2019-20 – Bryce Lausier, Hampden
2020-21 – Cash McClure, Maranacook (Readfield)
2021-22 – Cooper Flagg, Nokomis (Newport)
2022-23 – Silvano Ismail, Cheverus (Portland)
2023-24 – Pierce Walston, Orono
2024-25 – Jamier Rose, Noble (North Berwick)
