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, Johnson averaged more than 24 points, six assists and five rebounds per game. In a 71-70 win over perennial power Hopkins in the title game, she finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds as St. Michael-Albertville became the first school in state history to win a championship in three classes.
After playing in the McDonald's All American Game next week, Johnson will continue her basketball career at South Carolina. She is regarded as a top 25 prospect in the Class of 2023.
Amaya Battle of
Hopkins (Minnetonka) was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Minnesota Player of the Year. Now a freshman at Minnesota, Battle led the Royals to a state title.
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).
St. Michael-Albertville senior Tessa Johnson is the MaxPreps Minnesota Player of the Year. A South Carolina commit, she led the Knights to the Class AAAA title this season. (Photo: Lainie Hiller)
