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.
Sam Funches of
Germantown (Madison) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Mississippi High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-10 senior center led the Mavericks to a 23-9 record and appearance in the Class 7A state championship game.
For the season, Funches averaged 21.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.0 blocked shots per contest while earning Mississippi Class 7A Mr. Basketball honors.
In a 46-39 victory over Northwest Rankin (Brandon) in the state semifinals, Funches accounted for nearly half his team's points as he tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds. He also scored a team-high 22 points in a 63-51 victory over DeSoto Central (Southaven) in the quarterfinals.
Funches became the first player in Germantown history to earn Mississippi Mr. Basketball honors. As a junior he helped the Mavericks claim their first state championship.
Regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, Funches signed with Gonzaga over finalists Mississippi, Missippi State and LSU.
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 Mississippi Players of the Year
2019-20 – Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway (Jackson)
2020-21 – Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway
2021-22 – Kimani Hamilton, Clinton
2022-23 – Josh Hubbard, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
2023-24 – E.J. Paymon, Raymond
2024-25 – Jamarion Davis-Fleming, Canton
