Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
For the season, Potts averaged 18.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Those numbers helped Incarnate Word Academy extend the nation's longest win streak to 100 games and bring home the program's sixth straight state title.
MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year Natalie Potts in action at the Webster Winter Challenge in early February. (Photo: Jimmy Simmons)
Headed to Nebraska next year, Potts surpassed 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds during her team's run to the state title. A three-time state champion (the pandemic wiped out her freshman season), she helped Incarnate Word Academy go 117-4 during her high school career and is likely to become a three-time all-state pick.
Bella Fontleroy of
Kickapoo (Springfield) was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year. Now a freshman at Baylor, Fontleroy averaged 23.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.
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 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2022 All-WNBA picks Skylar Diggins-Smith (2009), Sabrina Ionescu (2016), Jonquel Jones (2012), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Kelsey Plum (2013), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
