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 2022-23 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.
Matas Buzelis of
Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Buffaloes to a 21-7 record and a spot in the field for GEICO Nationals later this month.
For the season, Buzelis averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocked shots per game.
MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year Matas Buzelis in action during the title game of the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions in January. (Photo: Marty Beck)
Regarded as the No. 5 prospect in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Buzelis will take his talent to the G League next year over offers from college programs like Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina and UCLA.
Gradey Dick and Mark Mitchell of Sunrise Christian Academy shared 2021-22 Kansas Player of the Year honors. Both players are starring for prominent college programs this season with Dick at Kansas and Mitchell at Duke.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
April. Past selections include 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
