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.
Rashaud Marshall of
Blytheville is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Arkansas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Chickasaws to a 34-2 record and the Class 4A state championship game.
In three state tournament games, Marshall averaged 21.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocked shots per game – including 23 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in a title game loss.
MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year Rashaud Marshall battles against Little Rock Christian Academy in the Class 4A state championship game. (Photo: Ted McClenning)
Headed to Mississippi next season, Marshall is regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. Saint Louis, TCU and Texas A&M were among other programs to extend offers.
Nick Smith of
North Little Rock was the 2021-22 Arkansas Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Smith averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists to lead the Charging Wildcats to their second consecutive state title and the No. 5 spot in
the MaxPreps Top 25.
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).
