MaxPreps.com honors the top 50 high school girls basketball players in America.
Selections are based on statistics, team success and local, regional and state honors from the recently-completed season.
Richa Jackson, Midwest City (Midwest City, Okla.)
6-0 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Duke
Led the Bombers to a 6A state title and No. 12 Xcellent national ranking by averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. She had game-high 16 points in 46-32 title-game win over Norman, the school’s first title since 1992.
Shoni Schimmel, Franklin (Portland, Ore.)
5-10 / Senior / Guard
Uncommitted
Oregon’s 6A Player of the Year opened with games of 41, 38, 43 and 48 points and made 11 3-pointers in a single game. She averaged 29.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 5.5 steals a game, leading the Quakers to a 22-5 season and second straight state quarterfinal appearance. She made what is believed a state-record 121 3-pointers.
Alyssa Thomas, Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, Pa.)
6-1 / Senior / Wing
Headed to: Maryland
The do-all standout averaged 24.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Rams (26-7), who finished ranked No. 7 in the state.
THIRD TEAM
Karla Gilbert, A&M Consolidated (College Station, Texas)
6-5 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Texas A&M
After averaging 20 points, 16 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game for the Tigers, Gilbert was one of the top players at the McDonald’s All-American game with 15 points and five steals leading the West to an 84-75 victory.
Bria Goss, Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.)
5-10 / Junior / Guard
Uncommitted
Led Giants to their second straight undefeated state 4A championship with averages of 15.9 points, 4.2 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game. The undisputed leader to the nation’s No. 3 team (28-0).
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
Oak Ridge standout Sara James goes to hoop hard.
Sara James, Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
5-10 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Stanford
Finished off brilliant career with one of the biggest upsets in California history with 55-42 win over No. 4 nationally-ranked Long Beach Poly, which was after its fifth straight state crown. James had 26 points in the victory and finished with averages of 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.5 steals per game.
Meighan Simmons, Steele (Cibolo, Texas)
5-9 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Tennessee
An absolute blur, Simmons averaged 24.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game for the 35-5 Knights, who finished ranked No. 34 in the state. Simmons came off the bench and led the West to an 84-75 victory in the McDonald’s All-American game. She had 21 points in 14 minutes.
Elizabeth Williams, Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)
6-3 / Junior / Center
Uncommitted
Generally regarded as one of the top two in her class, Williams led the Cavaliers to a 29-2 record and spot in the state finals. She averaged 16.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.5 blocks and shot 51 percent from the floor.
FOURTH TEAM
Alicia Devaughn, Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.)
6-4 / Senior / Center
Headed to: Maryland
An absolutely dominant force down low, DeVaughn averaged 19.5 points, 18.7 rebounds and 8.2 blocks per game while leading the Tigers to a 20-4 record and No. 13 state ranking.
Stefanie Doloson, Minisink Valley (Slate Hill, N.Y.)
6-5 / Senior / Center
Headed to: Connecticut
A powerful force in the block, Dolson absolutely dominated play while averaging 23.9 points, 17.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 5.2 blocks per game. She finished with 1,951 points and 1,607 rebounds in her prep career.
Maggie Lucas, Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, Pa.)
5-9 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Penn State
One of the top shooters in the country, Lucas averaged 23.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while leading the Patriots to a 23-4 season and No. 3 overall state ranking. She finished her career with 2,195 points and won the McDonald’s All-American 3-point contest.
Ariel Massengale, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)
5-7 / Junior / Guard
Uncommitted
One of the nation’s top juniors, Massengale led Bolingbrook to another state title, this one was with a 60-50 win over No. 13 Young. Massengale took over with 18 points and for the season averaged better than 15 points and six assists per game.
Madison Williams, Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills, Mich.)
6-7 / Senior / Center
Headed to: Michigan State
A game-changer, Williams averaged 11.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.7 blocks per game for the 24-1 Yellowjackets, who finished second in the state and No. 28 nationally.
FIFTH TEAM
Aaryn Ellenberg, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)
5-6 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Oklahoma
Makes up for her lack of size with a quick burst as she displayed during another state-title run. She averaged 22.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 steals a game for the 27-5 Gaels.
Kayla McBride, Villa Maria Academy (Erie, Pa.)
5-11 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Notre Dame
McBride did it all for the Victors (28-2), who won the 2A state title with a 52-44 over York Catholic. In the title game she had 29 points and 11 rebounds and finished with averages of 21.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.6 steals per game.
Hallie Peters, Peddie (Hightstown, N.J.)
6-3 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Duke
After an appearance in the McDonald’s All-American game, Peters led Peddie to the championship of the National High School Invitational in Baltimore and a 25-2 overall record. She averaged 18.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. The Falcons No. 20 in the nation and No. 1 in New Jersey according to the MaxPreps Freeman rankings.
Photo by Mitchell Reibel
Bolingbrook sophomore Morgan Tuck (44).
Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook (Ill.)
6-2 / Sophomore / Forward
Uncommitted
One of nation’s top sophomores, Tuck averaged better than 15 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Raiders who finished 29-1 and won their second straight state crown. Tuck had 28 points in a 56-30 semifinal win over Hersey. Bolingbrook finished No. 6 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 national rankings.
Mercedes Wetmore, Auburn Riverside (Auburn, Wash.)
5-8 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Washington
Led the Ravens (29-0) to a 4A state title and No. 17 national rankings by scoring 17.5 points per game. She was named the tournament MVP as well after the Ravens defeated Mead 56-52 in the finals.
HONORABLE MENTION (alphabetical)
Jordan Adams, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
6-1 / Sophomore / Guard
Uncommitted
Considered the top point guard in her class, Adams controlled tempo all season for the Monarchs who finished No. 2 in the MaxPreps Xcellent rankings but No. 1 in the MaxPreps Freeman rankings.
Shacobia Barbee, Riverdale (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
5-11 / Sophomore / Forward
Uncommitted
Led the Warriors to a state AAA title and No. 17 national ranking by averaging 16.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.4 steals per game. She also led the team in blocked shots. Barbee was even better down the stretch, averaging 28.6 points and 16 rebounds in three tournament games.
Sheila Boykin, Poly (Long Beach, Calif.)
6-0 / Junior / Forward
Uncommitted
Led the extremely balanced Jackrabbits, the nation’s No. 13 team, in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals.
Cierra Burdick, Butler (Matthews, N.C.)
6-3 / Junior / Wing
Headed to: Verbal to Tennessee
Averaged a team-best 18.9 points and 10.3 rebounds a game for the 26-4 Bulldogs, who won a state crown and finished No. 23 nationally.
Madison Cable, Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
5-11 / Junior / Guard
Uncommitted
She was the best player on the best team in her state and the No. 7 team in the country. She didn’t need to score much but when she did – like the state finals, she responded with a career game, scoring 30 points to go along with nine rebounds, six steals, five assists and two blocks in a 70-43 win over Archbishop Ryan.
Maegan Conwright, Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, Texas)
5-9 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Kentucky
Led the Wolves (39-2) to a state title by averaging a team-best 15.5 points per game and 4.2 steals per game.
Syessence Davis, Neptune (Neptune, N.J.)
5-7 / Junior / Guard
Uncommitted
Though the nation’s No. 14 team (29-1) was extremely balanced, Davis led in points (12.5 ppg), steals (4.6) and, remarkably, blocks (1.1).
Kristen Doherty, Sachem East (Farmingville, N.Y.)
5-10 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Boston College
The fundamentally flawless left-handed guard averaged more than 20 points per game while leading Sachem East to a 22-4 record and No. 2 state ranking before being eliminated by Christ the King, 56-47. Doherty closed her illustrious career in style with 29 points.
Ariel Edwards, Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.)
6-2 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Penn State
She scored 19 points in help Christ the King knock off St. Michael’s Academy 61-48 in the Class AA Federation Tournament for the first time in four years. Edwards, who averaged better than 17 per game this season, led the Royals to a 26-5 record, a No. 1 state and No. 19 national ranking.
Afure Jemerigbe, St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.)
5-11 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Cal
The second half of the dynamic St. Mary’s duo that won the mythical national championship. The athletic Jemerige averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the balanced Rams.
Photo by Keith Owens
MacArthur's Alexis Jones (30).
Alexis Jones, MacArthur (Irving, Texas)
5-9 / Sophomore / Guard
Uncommitted
Though Sims ran the ship, Jones was almost as impressive averaging 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game for the 38-2 Cardinals.
Jazmin Hitchens, Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis, Mo.)
5-11 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Louisville
Led the Red Knights (30-1) to a state Class 5 crown and No. 15 national rankings by averaging 17.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.65 steals per game.
Nicole Hung, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.)
5-11 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Princeton
Led the Wolverines to their first state Division IV title, a 34-1 record and a No. 9 national rankings after scoring a team-best 17.7 points per game and grabbing a team-high 9.0 rebounds per contest.
Tiffany Moore, Frisco (Frisco, Texas)
5-10 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Texas
The silky smooth forward averaged 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while leading the Raccoons to a 30-6 season and No. 16 state ranking.
Jennifer O'Neill, St. Michael Academy (New York, N.Y.)
5-6 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Kentucky
O’Neill led the Eagles to a No. 8 state ranking by averaging 25.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Madison Parrish, Hanford (Hanford, Calif.)
5-9 / Junior / Guard
Headed to: Verbal to Fresno State
One of the country’s top junior point guards, Parrish led the Bullpups in scoring (14.8), assists (7.2) and steals (4.5) as Hanford went 31-4 and finished No. 16 in the country according to the MaxPreps Freeman rankings.
Theresa Plaisance, Vandebilt Catholic (Houma, La.)
6-5 / Senior / Center
Headed to: LSU
Won the state’s Mrs. Basketball award while leading Vandebilt Catholic to its first Class 4A state title. She had 24 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and three assists in the title victory, a 70-51 decision over Jennings. She averaged 16.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
Samisha Powell, Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)
5-8 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Georgetown
Helped the Cavaliers (29-2) into the state title game by averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 steals and 3.5 steals per game. Princess Anne finished No. 23 in the country.
Ronika Ransford, Woodson (Washington, District of Columbia)
5-8 / Senior / Guard
Headed to: Georgia
The highly-versatile guard averaged 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for the 21-5 Warriors, who finished No. 3 in the state.
Cassie Rochel, Lakeville North (Lakeville, Minn.)
6-4 / Senior / Center
Headed to: Wisconsin
Led the Panthers to a perfect 32-0 season and a state crown by averaging 15.4 points and 13.2 rebounds a game.
Lindsay Sherbert, Great Oak (Temecula, Calif.)
6-1 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Cal
A versatile player who can play at the wing or block, Sherbert averaged 27 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game for the 22-6 Wolfpack.
Photo by Jim Redman
Hoover's Tyrese Tanner.
Linda Stepney, Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.)
5-6 / Junior / Guard
Uncommitted
Led the Titans to a 30-1 record and state title with huge 50-44 win over No. 23 Princess Anne. Stepney led the team in scoring at 13.8 per game to go along with 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game. She picked her game up even more in the postseason, averaging 19.7 in three state playoff games. Lake Taylor finished No. 21 in the country.
Tyrese Tanner, Hoover (Hoover, Ala.)
6-0 / Senior / Wing
Headed to: Auburn
Led Hoover to a 33-1 record and No. 8 national ranking by averaging more than 18 points and 10 rebounds a game. The team’s only loss was to No. 1 St. Mary’s in the Nike Tournament of Champions, 50-44.
Samarie Walker, Chaminade-Julienne (Dayton, Ohio)
6-1 / Senior / Forward
Headed to: Connecticut
Averaged 16.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while leading the Eagles to a 19-6 season and No. 31 state ranking.
Lexus Williams, North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.)
6-1 / Sophomore / Center
Uncommitted
One of the top sophomores in the country, Williams averaged a team-best 12.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game leading the Charging Wildcats to a 31-0 ranking, a state title and No. 16 national rankings.