Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 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.
Davion Thompson of
Bolingbrook is the 2024-25 Illinois MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard led the Raiders to a 28-5 record and the Class 4A sectional semifinals.
For the season, Thompson averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest. He shot 59.2 percent from the field, 49.3 percent from 3-point range and 86.4 percent from the free throw line.
Illinois MaxPreps Player of the Year Davion Thompson in action against nationally-ranked Vashon of Missouri in early February. (PHOTO: Jimmy Simmons)
Thompson became the first sophomore to ever win Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year in the 67-year history of the award. He also became just the second sophomore in program history to surpass 1,000 points for his career.
In a 64-48 victory over De La Salle (Chicago) in early January, Thompson knocked down eight 3-pointers en route to 35 points.
Regarded as the No. 28 prospect in the Class of 2027 according to
247Sports, Thompson holds offers from DePaul, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee and Wake Forest among others.
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 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Illinois MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – D.J. Steward, Whitney Young (Chicago)
2020-21 – Bryce Hopkins, Fenwick (Oak Park)
2021-22 – Braden Huff, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn)
2022-23 – Jeremy Fears Jr., Joliet West (Joliet)
2023-24 – Morez Johnson Jr., Thornton (Harvey)
