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.
Nolan Hickman of
Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant) is the 2020-21 Utah High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior helped the Tigers go 18-6 against a rugged national schedule. Wasatch Academy – ranked No. 12 in this week's MaxPreps Top 25 – is expected to earn an invitation to GEICO Nationals thanks in part to his contributions.
After spending his first three years of high school at Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.), Hickman averaged 16.0 points, 3.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game during his lone season at Wasatch Academy.
Signed with Kentucky, Hickman is regarded as the No. 31 prospect in the Class of 2021 overall according to 247Sports. He was announced as a McDonald's All-American last month and also entertained offers from Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, UCLA and Washington.
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 April 13.
Nolan Hickman in action during a February game against Oak Hill Academy.
Photo by Annette Wilkerson
