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.
Darius Acuff of
Cass Tech (Detroit) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Michigan High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard led the Technicians to a 27-1 record and the school's first Division 1 state championship.
For the season, Acuff averaged 21.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. With his team trailing 54-51 in the state semifinals, he banked in a 3-pointer with three seconds left to extend the contest and allow Cass Tech to claim a 62-56 win over Grand Blanc.
MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year Darius Acuff led Cass Tech to the Division 1 state title. (Photo: Mariusz Nowak)
Acuff scored 19 points in the semifinal win as well as a 78-63 win over Muskegon in the title game.
Chansey Willis Jr. of
King (Detroit) was the 2021-22 Michigan Player of the
Year.
Currently a freshman at Saginaw Valley State, Willis averaged 25.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 4.0 steals last season to lead the Crusaders to the Division 1 District 24 title game.
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).
