Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in
high school basketball. America's source for high school sports
continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 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.
Deshawn Harris-Smith of
Paul VI (Chantilly) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Virginia High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 senior guard led the Panthers to a 31-3 record, the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference regular season title and a national top 10 ranking at the time of his selection.
Harris-Smith averaged 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.6 steals this season. He notched a career-high 41 points against Bishop O'Connell in February on the way to being named Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Deshawn Harris-Smith attacks the basket against Lake Highlands (Texas) at the City of Palms Classic. (Photo: Pete Wright)
Headed to Maryland next season, Harris-Smith is regarded as the No. 32 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports.
Chris Livington of
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson) was the 2021-22 Virginia Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky, Livingston averaged 18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season to help the Warriors qualify for GEICO Nationals.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
