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.
Labaron Philon of
Baker (Mobile) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Alabama High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 guard led the Hornets to a 25-7 record and the Class 7A state quarterfinals.
Philon averaged 35.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game while shooting 52 percent from the field, 34 percent from 3-point range and 82 percent from the free throw line. He scored a career-high 51 points in November.
After scoring 1,051 points this season, Philon is up to 2,310 career points and on pace to become a top 10 scorer in state history.
Committed to Auburn, Philon is regarded as the No. 40 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports.
Barry Dunning of
McGill-Toolen (Mobile) was the 2021-22 Alabama Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Dunning averaged 25.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.3 steals last season to lead the Yellow Jackets to the state semifinals.
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).
Junior Auburn commit averaged 35.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game. (Photo: Brad Boland)
