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.
For the second consecutive season,
ZaKiyah Johnson of
Sacred Heart (Louisville) is the MaxPreps Kentucky High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 sophomore guard led the Valkyries to a 37-3 record and their second consecutive state title.
For the season, Johnson averaged 22.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game. She poured in 30 points in a 68-53 win over McCracken County (Paducah) in the state championship game.
Sacred Heart sophomore ZaKiyah Johnson is the MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year for the season straight season. She led the Valkyries to a Bluegrass State title this season. (Photo: Darin Sicurello)
Johnson topped the 25-point mark 13 times this season, including a season-high 41 points in a January win. She was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year and MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year in 2021-22 after posting 17.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
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).
