Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
E.J. Paymon of
Raymond is the 2023-24 Mississippi MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Rangers to a 31-4 record and Class 4A state championship.
For the season, Paymon averaged 23.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.5 blocked shots per contest. He recorded a career-high 36 points in a win over Lanier (Jackson) late in the season and tallied 17 points and 12 rebounds in a 53-28 victory over McComb in the state title game.
Regarded as a top 200 prospect in the Class of 2024 by
247Sports, Paymon committed to Mississippi State last month over offers from Georgia State, Jackson State, Mississippi and New Mexico State.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released April 10. Past selections include 2024 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016), Paolo Banchero (2020), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015), Jalen Brunson (2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014) and Trae Young (2017).
Past Mississippi MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway (Jackson)
2020-21 – Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway (Jackson)
2021-22 – Kimani Hamilton, Clinton
2022-23 – Josh Hubbard, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
