Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Kennedy Smith of
Etiwanda is the 2023-24 California MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior forward led the Eagles to a 32-3 record, MaxPreps National Championship and second straight Open Division state championship.
For the season, Smith averaged 20.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game. A MaxPreps National Player of the Year finalist, she shot 59 percent from the field with six games of 29 points.
Kennedy Smith of Etiwanda is the 2023-24 California MaxPreps Player of the Year. The USC commit averaged 20.2 points per game while leading the Eagles to a second straight CIF Open Division title. (Photo: Greg Jungferman)
In Etiwanda's 60-48 win over previously-unbeaten Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) in the title game, Smith scored 15 points to help the Eagles improve their record to 93-7 over the past three seasons.
Smith signed with USC in November, picking the Trojans over Duke, Louisville, South Carolina and UCLA. She is regarded as a top 10 prospect in the Class of 2024.
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 April 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past California MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
2022-23 — Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
