Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 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.
Reniya Kelly of
Hoover is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Alabama High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8 senior guard led the Buccaneers to a 35-1 record and the program's third straight Class 7A state title.
For the season, Kelly averaged 14.6 points, 5.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. She scored 25 points in the title game to help Hoover knock off Sparkman 55-44.
Kelly scored over 2,000 points in her high school career and departs as Hoover's all-time leading scorer.
Regarded as a top 50 recruit in the Class of 2023, Kelly will continue her basketball career next year at North Carolina.
Samiya Steele of
Hazel Green was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year. The current Alabama State freshman guard averaged 17.3 points and 5.5 assists while leading her team to the 6A title.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in April. Past selections include 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2022 All-WNBA picks Skylar Diggins-Smith (2009), Sabrina Ionescu (2016), Jonquel Jones (2012), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Kelsey Plum (2013), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Hoover's Reniya Kelly is the MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year after leading the Bucs to a third-straight 7A title. She averaged 14.6 points for the 35-1 Bucs. (Photo: Brandon Sumrall)
