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.
Chris Lockett Jr. of
Newman (New Orleans) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5 senior guard led the Greenies to a 26-5 record and the Division III Select state championship.
For the season, Lockett averaged 16.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He rose to the occasion in a 52-42 triumph over Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport) in the title game, scoring 16 points to help Newman capture its 11th state crown.
MaxPreps Louisiana Player of the Year Chris Lockett Jr. in action at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in January. (Photo: Lonnie Webb)
Lockett will continue his career next year at Boise State, picking the Broncos over offers from Baylor, Houston, Kansas, LSU, Memphis and Ohio State among others.
Solomon Washington of
Carver Collegiate Academy (New Orleans) was the 2021-22 Louisiana Player of the Year.
Currently a freshman at Texas A&M, Washington averaged 14.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 2.4 steals to lead the Rams to a state title.
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).
