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.
Liam Simpson of
La Salle Academy (Providence) is the 2024-25 Rhode Island MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior forward led the Rams to a 27-2 record and their first state championship since 2015.
For the season, Simpson averaged 12.1 points, 15.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest while shooting 62.8 percent from the field.
In a 75-60 victory over Bishop Hendricken (Warwick) in the state championship game, Simpson piled up 21 points and 17 rebounds en route to MVP honors of the state tournament.
Simpson was a consistent force in the overall Rhode Island state tournament as he also had a game-high 25 points in an 73-54 triumph against Central (Providence) in the semifinals and 18 points in a 69-53 victory over Tolman (Pawtucket) in the quarterfinals.
Simpson's most impressive performance of the season came in an 86-78 victory over Central in the Division 1 semifinals when he finished with 28 points and 25 rebounds.
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 Rhode Island MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Erickson Bans, Shea (Pawtucket)
2020-21 – Tyriek Weeks, Pilgrim (Warwick)
2021-22 – Denzel Correia, Rocky Hill School (East Greenwich)
2022-23 – Kelvin Odih, La Salle Academy (Providence)
2023-24 – Wayne McNamara, Lincoln
