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.
Rylee Little of
Kanab is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 senior center led the Cowboys to a 25-2 record and Class 2A state title, the program's fourth championship in the past five years.
For the season, Little averaged 21.1 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. She had a double-double in 26 of Kanab's 27 games.
Kanab won 22 games or more in all four seasons MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year Rylee Little was on the roster. (PHOTO: Caleb Brown)
In a 54-29 victory over Enterprise in the state championship game, Little scored 17 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and was the anchor of a stifling zone defense.
Little piled up 1,749 points and 1,132 rebounds during her career. Regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2026, she will continue her career at Utah next year.
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 MaxPreps Utah Players of the Year
2021-22 — Teya Sidberry, Judge Memorial (Salt Lake City)
2022-23 — Kailey Wolston, Lone Peak (Highland)
2023-24 — Emilee Skinner, Ridgeline (Millville)
2024-25 — Emilee Skinner, Ridgeline
