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.
Josiah Dotzler of
Bellevue West (Bellevue) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Thunderbirds to a 29-0 record and the Class A state title.
For the season, Dotzler averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting 48 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line. He contributed a game-high 16 points, five rebounds and four assists in the state title game.
The three-star Creighton signee led the Thunderbirds to an unbeaten record and the No. 14 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25. (Photo: Nathanial George)
Dotzler compiled 1,362 points and helped the program to a record of 103-10 over the course of his four-year career. He also won a state title as a freshman.
Headed to Creighton next season, Dotzler is regarded as the top prospect in Nebraska for the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports.
Isaac Traudt of
Grand Island was the 2021-22 Nebraska Player of the Year.
Currently redshirting as a freshman at the University of Virginia, Traudt averaged 23.6 points and 8.5 rebounds last season.
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).
