Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep girls 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.
Jezelle Banks of
Ursuline Academy (Wilmington) is the 2023-24 Delaware MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-7 freshman point guard led the Raiders to an 18-6 record and state championship.
For the season, Banks averaged 21.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.6 per game. She shot 63 percent from the field with a high of 32 points three times, including twice in the playoffs.
Banks scored 29 points in the DIAA title game and hit a free throw with 1.9 seconds left to give Ursuline Academy a 49-48 win over Caravel (Bear).
Ohio State, South Carolina and Texas have already extended offers to Banks.
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 11. Past selections include 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart (2012) as well as 2023 All-WNBA first team picks Napheesa Collier (2015), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and A'ja Wilson (2014).
Past Delaware MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — India Johnston, Caravel (Bear)
2022-23 — Dallas Pierce, Sanford (Hockessin)
