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 2020-21 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.
Saint Thomas of
Millard North (Omaha)
is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Basketball Player of the
Year. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound senior helped the Mustangs go 27-2 en route
to the program's first state championship.
Thomas averaged 21.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest while
shooting 57 percent from the field and 45 percent from three.
The under-the-radar prospect burst onto the national scene after posting a career-high 48 points and 16 rebounds in a 94-91 double-overtime victory over nationally-ranked Bellevue West on Jan. 2.
Thomas is ranked the No. 232 prospect in the
Class of 2021 overall according to 247Sports. Mississippi State, TCU, UC Santa Barbara, VCU, Virginia Tech and Wofford have all extended offers.
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
13.

Nebraska Player of the Year Saint Thomas in action during a December game against Burke.
File photo by Samuel Mfinanga