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.
Dean Shepherd of
Tower Hill (Wilmington) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Delaware High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Hillers to a 17-5 record and the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association quarterfinals.
Shepherd averaged more than 22 points per game and reached 30 points or
more four times. He put up a season-high 34 in a win over St. Andrew's in early December.
Despite 23 points from Shepherd, Tower Hill fell to eventual state champion Salesianum 45-43 in the DIAA quarterfinals.
Shepherd topped the 1,000-point mark for his career in February and along with twin brother
Dylan helped lead Tower Hill to a state title as a junior.
Justin Molen of
Salesianum (Wilmington) was the 2021-22 Delaware Player of the Year.
Currently a post-grad at Hill School, Molen averaged 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season to lead the Sallies to their first state title game appearance since 2015.
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).
