Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Ashlinn James of
Assumption (Louisville) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Kentucky High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8 senior point guard led the Rockets to a 29-6 record and runner-up finish in the Kentucky state tournament.
For the season, James averaged around 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals per game.
Ashlinn James led Assumption to wins over teams from Georgia, Indiana and Ohio this season. (PHOTO: Ansley White)
Regarded as one of the top 100 seniors in the country, James signed with Indiana in November.
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 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) along with 2025 All-WNBA selections Aliyah Boston (2017, 2018, 2019), Paige Bueckers (2018, 2019), Napheesa Collier (2015), Sabrina Ionescu (2015, 2016), Kelsey Mitchell (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and Jackie Young (2014, 2015).
Past Kentucky MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — ZaKiyah Johnson, Sacred Heart (Louisville)
2022-23 — ZaKiyah Johnson, Sacred Heart
2023-24 — ZaKiyah Johnson, Sacred Heart
2024-25 — ZaKiyah Johnson, Sacred Heart
