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.
Dionte Neal of
Reidsville is the 2024-25 North Carolina MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9 junior guard led the Rams to a 31-0 record and their second consecutive Class 2A state championship.
For the season, Neal averaged 22.9 points, 9.3 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.8 rebounds per contest. He shot 65.2 percent from the field, 62.6 percent from 3-point range and 87.5 percent from the free throw line.
The sparkplug for Reidsville's 60-game win streak, Dionte Neal is North Carolina's MaxPreps Player of the Year.(PHOTO: Jerrell Jordan)
Neal recorded 19 double-doubles and three triple-doubles on the season. In a 77-35 win over West Stokes (King), he posted a season-high 33 points to go along with 10 assists, seven steals and five rebounds while shooting.
At the John Wall Holiday Invitational in December, Neal earned MVP honors in the Day'Ron Sharpe bracket after putting up 27.3 points, 5.3
rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest to lead the Rams to the title of
the eight-team field.
In three seasons at Reidsville, Neal has piled up 1,872 points and 900 assists while helping the Rams go 86-1 with three consecutive state championship game appearances.
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 North Carolina MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Jaden Bradley, Cannon (Concord)
2020-21 – Terquavion Smith, Farmville Central (Farmville)
2021-22 – Paul McNeil, Richmond (Rockingham)
2022-23 – Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg (Huntersville)
2023-24 – Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg
