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.
Sydney Mobley of
Big Walnut (Sunbury) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Ohio High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 junior forward led the Golden Eagles to a 23-5 record and the Division 2 state semifinals.
For the season, Mobley averaged 20.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.4 assists per game.
In a semifinal loss to Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati), Mobley topped the career 1,500-point mark. She also is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds.
Regarded as a top 25 prospect in the Class of 2027, Mobley has received more than 40 college offers.
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 Ohio Players of the Year2021-22 — Imarianah Russell, Reynoldsburg
2022-23 — Dee Alexander, Purcell Marian (Cincinnati)
2023-24 — Dee Alexander, Purcell Marian
2024-25 — Dee Alexander, Purcell Marian
