Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school basketball. The tradition continued 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.
Owen Walker of
Lovell is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Wyoming High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8 senior forward led the Bulldogs to a 22-2 record and their second consecutive state championship.
For the season, Walker averaged 16.7 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots per contest while shooting 57 percent from the field.
In a 57-54 victory over Douglas in the Class 3A state title game, Walker scored 17 points. He also piled up 18 points and eight rebounds in an 81-33 semifinal victory against Torrington.
A three-time all-state selection, Walker led Lovell to a record of 71-13 over the past three seasons. He earned Class 3A Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this winter.
Walker also helped the Lovell football team go 7-4 last fall with a trip to the Class 2A semifinals.
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 Wyoming Players of the Year
2019-20 – Samuel Lecholat, Sheridan
2020-21 – Samuel Lecholat, Sheridan
2021-22 – Deegan Williams, Thunder Basin
2022-23 – Stuart Lerwick, Pine Bluffs
2023-24 – Joe Sawyer, Central (Cheyenne)
2024-25 – Neil Summers, Laramie
