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.
Jalen Atkins of
Barlow (Gresham) is the 2024-25 Oregon MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Bruins to a 27-3 record and the Class 6A state championship – the school's first.
For the season, Atkins averaged 20.9 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest. In a 61-55 victory over Jesuit (Portland) in the title game, he contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, three
assists and three steals while connecting of 10 of 13 attempts from the
free throw line. He averaged 26.2 points per contest in the postseason.
Jalen Atkins is one of 12 players in state history to surpass 2,000 career points. (PHOTO: Brian Murphy)
Atkins ended his career as Barlow's all-time leader in minutes played, assists, 3-point field goals, free throws and steals. He finished second in career points with 2,055 while becoming just the 12th player in state history to surpass the 2,000-point milestone.
Atkins committed to Eastern Arizona College in December after fielding over from Eastern Washington, Portland, San Francisco and Washington State.
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 Oregon MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Nate Bittle, Crater (Central Point)
2020-21 – Lamar Washington, Jefferson (Portland)
2021-22 – Jackson Shelstad, West Linn
2022-23 – Jackson Shelstad, West Linn
2023-24 – Pearson Carmichael, Summit (Bend)
