Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in prep basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023-24 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.
Jacob Cofie of
Eastside Catholic (Sammamish) is the 2023-24 Washington MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Crusaders to a 23-6 record and Class 3A state championship – the school's first.
For the season, Cofie averaged 21.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.9 steals and 2.3 blocks per contest. In a 65-57 win over Rainier Beach (Seattle) in the state title game, he tallied 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Washington's MaxPreps Player of the Year Jacob Cofie led Eastside Catholic to its first state title. (Photo: Steve Faber)
Cofie led Eastside Catholic to three consecutive 20-win seasons and owns the school record for rebounds in a game with 25 in a win over Bishop Blanchet (Seattle).
Regarded as the No. 94 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to
247Sports, Cofie signed with Virginia in November after receiving offers from Colorado, Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Washington and Washington State among others.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released April 10. Past selections include 2024 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016), Paolo Banchero (2020), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015), Jalen Brunson (2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014) and Trae Young (2017).
Past Washington MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Paolo Banchero, O'Dea (Seattle)
2020-21 – Jackson Grant, Olympia
2021-22 – Tyler Bilodeau, Kamiakin (Kennewick)
2022-23 – Zoom Diallo, Curtis (University Place)
