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 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.
Jeremy Fears Jr. of
Joliet West (Joliet) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Illinois High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Tigers to a 28-6 record and the Class 4A sectional finals.
For the season, Fears averaged 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He will close out his prep career at the McDonald's All American Game in Houston later this month.
Michigan State signee Jeremy Fears looks to beat his defender off the dribble. (Photo: Ricky Slaughter)
After spending the previous two seasons at La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.), Fears teamed up with his brother
Jeremiah Fears for his senior season.
Headed to Michigan State next season, Fears is regarded as the No. 30 prospect in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports. Gonzaga, Indiana, Kansas and Michigan were among other programs to extend offers.
Braden Huff of
Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn) was the 2021-22 Illinois Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at Gonzaga, Huff averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season to lead the Hilltoppers to their first state 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 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
