Derek Swartz named 2025-26 MaxPreps New Hampshire High School Basketball Player of the Year

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.

Derek Swartz of Portsmouth is the 2025-26 MaxPreps New Hampshire High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 sophomore guard led the Clippers to an 18-4 record and a trip to the Division I state semifinals.

For the season, Swartz averaged 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Swartz saved his best games for late in the season as he recorded 28 points and 15 rebounds in a 67-51 win over Windham on Feb. 13 and 28 point and 14 rebounds in a 74-61 victory over Exeter in the state quarterfinals.

Swartz was named Division I Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball by the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches Organization.

Regarded as the No. 62 prospect in the Class of 2028 according to Rivals, Swartz holds offers from Boston College, Georgetown, Oklahoma State and Rutgers.

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).

2019-20 – Ryan Grijalva, Exeter

2020-21 – Dylan Khalil, Sanborn Regional (Kingston)

2023-24 – Elijah Crawford, Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro)

2024-25 – Josh Caruso, Nashua South (Nashua)