Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Neleigh Gessert of
Millard West (Omaha, Neb.) is the 2024-25 Nebraska MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot senior guard led the Wildcats to a 28-1 record and a second straight Class A state championship.
For the season, Gessert averaged 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.2 assists per game. She produced a season-high 35 points in an early January win over Millard North (Omaha).
En route to back-to-back state championships, Neleigh Gessert led Millard West to a 55-2 record over the past two seasons. (PHOTO: Hannah Pokharel)
In a 70-44 win over Omaha West (Omaha) in the title game, Gessert scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds.
A Creighton commit along with twin sister Norah, Neleigh topped 1,500 career points as the Wildcats went 55-2 in their back-to-back championship seasons.
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 in April. Past selections include 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2024 All-WNBA first team picks Caitlin Clark (2020), Napheesa Collier (2015), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Past Nebraska MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Taylor McCabe, Fremont
2022-23 — Britt Prince, Elkhorn North (Elkhorn)
2023-24 — Britt Prince, Elkhorn North (Elkhorn)
