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.
Grace Hays of
Cody is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Wyoming High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11 junior guard led the Fillies to a 27-0 record and Class 3A state championship.
For the season, Hays averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.2 steals and 3.2 assists per game. She was the state's second-leading scorer.
Hays has tallied more than 1,300
points, 475 rebounds, 400 steals and 250 assists in her career.
A three-time all-state selection, Hays joins sister Molly in being honored as MaxPreps Wyoming Player of the 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 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 Wyoming Players of the Year2021-22 — Jordan Jones, East (Cheyenne)
2022-23 — Molly Hays, Cody
2023-24 — Molly Hays, Cody
2024-25 — Lauren Olson, Douglas
