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.
Jordan Carlson of
Lake City (Coeur d'Alene) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Idaho High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 junior forward led the Timberwolves to a 19-8 record and second 6A state championship in the past four seasons.
For the season, Carlson averaged 17.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest while knocking down 46 shots from 3-point range.
MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year Jordan Carlson averaged 19.3 points per contest during state tournament play to lead Lake City to an unexpected state title run. (FILE PHOTO: David Fish)
In a 55-47 victory over Owyhee (Meridian) in the state championship game, Carlson scored 13 points and went on a personal 7-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter to extend a two-point lead to nine.
Carlson came up big throughout the state tournament, scoring a game-high 23 points in a 48-37 quarterfinal win over Timberline (Boise) and 22 in a 68-51 victory over Centennial (Boise) in the semifinals.
Carlson surpassed 1,000 points for his career in February as has been a key contributor for the program since his freshman year.
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 Idaho Players of the Year
2019-20 – Austin Bolt, Borah (Boise)
2020-21 – Brody Rowbury, Meridian
2021-22 – Titus Yearout, Lapwai
2022-23 – Blake Buchanan, Lake City (Coeur d'Alene)
2023-24 – Liam Campbell, Owyhee (Meridian)
2024-25 – Boden Howell, Owyhee
