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.
Colt Fowler of
James F. Byrnes (Duncan) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps South Carolina High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10 junior guard led the Rebels to a 23-6 record and an appearance in the Class AAAAA Division I state semifinals.
For the season, Fowler averaged 24.3 points, 10.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.0 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from 3-point range and 86.4 percent from the free throw line.
MaxPreps South Carolina Player of the Year Colt Fowler averaged 10.8 assists per game this season, the second-highest average nationally. (PHOTO: Chris Martino)
In an 84-76 loss to Ridge View (Columbia) in the semifinals, Fowler posted 22 points, 14 assists and four rebounds.
Fowler posted triple-doubles on three separate occasions during the 2025-26 campaign, including 33 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a 94-81 win over Eastside (Taylors) in January.
Through three seasons at Byrnes, Fowler has piled up 1,474 points and 777 assists in 88 games while helping the Rebels to a record of 73-15.
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 South Carolina Players of the Year
2019-20 – Myles Tate, Dorman (Roebuck)
2020-21 – Bryce McGowens, Legacy Early College (Greenville)
2021-22 – G.G. Jackson, Ridge View (Columbia)
2022-23 – Cam Scott, Lexington
2023-24 – Cam Scott, Lexington
2024-25 – Jordan Watford, Lancaster
