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.
Spencer Laird of
Loyola-Sacred Heart (Missoula) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Montana High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 junior forward led the Rams to a 22-3 record and third-place finish in the Class B state tournament.
For the season, Laird averaged 27.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.1 steals per night. She shot 59 percent from the field.
Laird is the top-ranked player in the state in the Class of 2027 and has already committed to Stanford.
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 Montana Players of the Year2021-22 — Brooke Berry, Skyview (Billings)
2022-23 — Breanna Williams, Skyview
2023-24 — Breanna Williams, Skyview
2024-25 — Paige Lofing, Huntley Project (Worden)
