The high school girls basketball season is entering the homestretch and though there have been some challenges playing in the era of COVID, the top teams and players have found a way to ensure their talent shines.
From dominating post play to guards who one day will take the floor for college and WNBA squads, this season's stars are certain to become household names of the future.
There are more than 10 elite players who could be on the MaxPreps National Player of the Year Watch list — and we wouldn't argue too much if someone suggested we missed out on a future college star — but right now, this is who we're looking at. And given the proliferation of games available online, you might want to look at them, too.
Janiah Barker, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)Height: 6-2 |
Position: Wing
| Year: Senior
Barker, who will play for Georgia next year, has led the Eagles to a No. 12 ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25, and her size and athleticism make her a force in Florida. She averages17.9 points and 9.1 rebounds against one of the toughest lineup of opponents in the country.
Lauren Betts, Grandview (Aurora, Colo.)Height: 6-7 |
Position: Post |
Year: Senior
Hands-down the best post in the country, and though her offensive output has been limited by a complete defensive focus on slowing her down, her defense still dominates. She's heading to Stanford next year.
KK Bransford, Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati)Height: 5-10 |
Position: Forward |
Year: Senior
A pure power player in a game that has steadily become more finesse-oriented, but her ability to dominate the paint is game-changing, despite her relative lack of size. She'll take her scoring (22.7 points per game), rebounding (8.7) and yes, assists (4.7) to Notre Dame next year.
Breya Cunningham, La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla, Calif.)Height: 6-4 |
Position: Post |
Year: Junior
In a season without Betts, Cunningham would be the alpha among post players, but she's got next year to claim as her own when Betts moves on. But she's awfully good this year as well, averaging 19.9 points and 12.1 rebounds while shooting 62 percent from the field.
Milaysia Fulwiley, Keenan (Columbia, S.C.)Height: 5-6 |
Position: Guard |
Year: Junior
She can fill it up to the tune of 29 points per game, and despite her size, she also manages 11 rebounds a night. Oh, and she passes too (4.2 assists), which makes her basically impossible to defend.
Nyla Harris, Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, Fla.)Height: 6-2 |
Position: Forward |
Year: Senior
Florida is loaded with elite talent this year, and more than a few observers feel the Highlanders' star is the cream of the crop. She averages a double-double (17.1 and 11.2) for the No. 15 team in the MaxPreps Top 25, and is a great get for Louisville.
Kiki Rice, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.)Height: 5-11 |
Position: Guard |
Year: Senior
She runs the show for the best team in the country, and with all the talent around her, she doesn't need to put up big numbers. But she does handle the ball all the time for the Quakers, and most agree she's the best UCLA recruit this century.
Madison St. Rose, St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.)Height: 5-10 |
Position: Guard |
Year: Senior
She's a big reason why the Lancers are the third-ranked team in the nation. She's the all-around engine, averaging 22 points and six rebounds, but her competitiveness and desire can't be measured by the stats.
Juju Watkins, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)Height: 6-0 |
Position: Guard |
Year: Junior
Athletic and uber-talented, she's has been on the girls basketball radar since middle school and has pretty much lived up to all the hype. The Trailblazers' transfer averages 23.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.9 steals per game.
Mikaylah Williams, Parkway (Bossier City, La.)Height: 6-0 |
Position: Guard |
Year: Junior
Though not many fans outside of Louisiana have seen her in action, you can bet every Power 5 college program has a complete book her. Williams can do pretty much everything on the court, just like Louisiana all-time great Seimone Augustus — and there are those who think Williams could be mentioned in the same breath.
