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 2020-21 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.
Amari Bailey of
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
is the 2020-21 MaxPreps California High School Basketball Player of the
Year. The 6-foot-5 junior guard helped the Trailblazers go 16-2 en route
to the CIF Southern California Open Division regional semifinals.
Bailey averaged 29.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, recording three triple-doubles across 18 games.
The five-star prospect put together a number of strong postseason performances as well, scoring 38 points in a comeback victory over Ribet Academy (Los Angeles) in the Southern Section Open Division semifinals and pouring in 33 points in the Open Division title game loss to Centennial (Corona). Bailey finished with an impressive 37-point performance in a season-ending loss to Etiwanda in the CIF State Regional semifinals.
Regarded as the No. 3 prospect in the Class of 2022 according to 247Sports, Bailey committed to UCLA in February.
Five-star junior drives to the basket during his 35-point performance against Windward.
Photo by Nick Koza
