Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls 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.
Emilee Skinner of
Ridgeline (Millville) is the 2024-25 Utah MaxPreps Player of the Year. A repeat selection, the 6-foot senior point guard led the Riverhawks to a 28-0 record and Class 4A state championship.
For the season, Skinner averaged 26.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.8 steals per game while leading the Riverhawks to their third straight state title and a 50-game win streak.
Ridgeline guard Emilee Skinner is the MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year. The Duke commit led the Riverhawks to a 28-0 record and third straight Class 4A title while averaging 26 points and 10 rebounds per night. (PHOTO: Craig Peterson)
In a 65-46 win over Snow Canyon (St. George) in the championship game, Skinner scored 21 points despite battling the flu and having to leave the floor in the fourth quarter due to exhaustion.
Skinner posted 13 double-doubles this winter and topped 30 points eight times, including a season-high 41 against Mountain Crest (Hyrum) in February.
Headed to Duke, Skinner has been selected to participate in the McDonald's All American Game as well as the Nike Hoops Summit.
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. Past selections include 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2024 All-WNBA first team picks Caitlin Clark (2020), Napheesa Collier (2015), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
Past Utah MaxPreps Players of the Year2021-22 — Teya Sidberry, Judge Memorial (Salt Lake City
2022-23 — Kailey Wolston, Lone Peak (Highland)
2023-24 — Emilee Skinner, Ridgeline (Millville)
