Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Morez Johnson Jr. of
Thornton (Harvey) is the 2023-24 Illinois MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior center helped the Wildcats go 29-5 and reach the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
For the season, Johnson averaged 17.2 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.4 blocks and 2.6 steals per contest.
Johnson racked up double-doubles in 29 of 34 games and contributed a season-high 30 points to go along with 17 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in a 67-60 victory over Miles North (Skokie) on Jan. 15.
Regarded as the No. 28 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to
247Sports, Johnson signed with Illinois in November over offers from Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio State, Providence and Texas among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released April 10. Past selections include 2024 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016), Paolo Banchero (2020), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015), Jalen Brunson (2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014) and Trae Young (2017).
Past Illinois MaxPreps Players of the Year
2019-20 – 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)
