Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 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.
Kendal Cheesman of
Plant (Tampa) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Florida High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior led the Panthers to a 26-3 record and the Class 7A championship.
Cheesman averaged 17.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, posting 10 double-doubles during the year. She also hit 43 percent of her 3-point attempts and 89 percent of her free throws. She scored 24 points and made all four of her shots from beyond the arc in a 52-40 win over Miami in the title game.
Cheesman is part of a strong Vanderbilt recruiting class that is expected to make an immediate impact next year.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
