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.
B.J. Ranson of
Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Maryland High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior guard led the Gaels to a 31-8 record and trip to the Baltimore Catholic League tournament semifinals.
For the season, Ranson averaged 22.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game en route to Baltimore Catholic League MVP honors.
In an 80-66 victory over Calvert Hall (Baltimore) in the league tournament quarterfinals, Ranson scored a game-high 22 points to go along with seven rebounds.
Ranson finished his career with 1,456 points. He established a career-high with 35 points in an 80-45 victory over Gilman (Baltimore) in January.
Regarded as one of Maryland's top prospects in the Class of 2026, Ranson signed with St. Joseph's over offers from Albany, Hampton, George Mason and Manhattan.
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 Maryland Players of the Year
2019-20 – Hunter Dickinson, DeMatha (Hyattsville)
2020-21 – Jordan Hawkins, DeMatha
2021-22 – Cam Whitmore, Archbishop Spalding (Severn)
2022-23 – Amani Hansberry, Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore)
2023-24 – Cameron Ward, Largo (Upper Marlboro)
2024-25 – Cameron Ward, Largo
