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.
Micah Gordon of
Plainfield is the 2025-26 MaxPreps New Jersey High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Cardinals to a 26-5 record and their second consecutive Group 4 state championship.
For the season, Gordon averaged 24.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.9 steals per contest.
In a 49-40 victory over Montgomery (Skillman) in the title game, Gordon finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Gordon poured in a career-high 42 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 72-51 triumph against Scotch Plains-Fanwood in January.
Regarded as a top 40 prospect in the Class of 2027 according to Rivals, Gordon has piled up 1,841 career points through three seasons.
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 New Jersey Players of the Year
2019-20 – Clifford Omoruyi, Roselle Catholic (Roselle)
2020-21 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2021-22 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2022-23 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2023-24 – Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)
2024-25 – Najai Hines, Plainfield
