As the 2025-26 season gets underway, high school girls basketball's upper ranks have as much talent as ever.
In fact, there are at least 200 players with a serious chance to emerge as legitimate national Player of the Year candidates entering the season. SN's watchlist starts with 85 can't-miss candidates, and throughout the season it will be periodically narrowed down and also updated with new additions.
The main criteria are players' ability at the high school level and any situational factors that affect their chances to put up MVP-caliber numbers for nationally prominent programs.
The watchlist does not include players with injuries who are expected to miss the rest of the season.
(All recruiting rankings refer to ESPN SportsCenter NEXT rankings unless otherwise noted.)
2025-26 girls basketball National Player of the Year watchlist
Jacy Abii, F, Legion Prep, 6-3 – Sr. (Notre Dame): 5-star W/F will stuff the stat sheet for one of the nation's most talented teams in her return from an ACL injury.
Kie'Aundria Acree, G/F, Monroe, 6-0 – Jr.: Blue chip W already posted one of the nation's gaudiest stat lines on 24-6 team as a sophomore.
Haylen Ayers, G, University School of Jackson, 6-1 – Jr.: Reigning Gatorade State POY has opportunity to get Bruins over state title hump.
Jezelle "GG" Banks, G, The St. James Performance Academy, 5-8 – Jr.: Blue chip lead guard likely to help St. James to national title conversation after fantastic sophomore year at Ursuline Academy.
GiGi Battle, G, DME Academy, 5-11 – Sr. (Indiana): Established No. 1 option for prep school powerhouse could lead DME to strongest season yet.
Leelee Bell, F, Minot, 6-3 – Sr. (Oklahoma): Two-time reigning Gatorade State Player of the Year averaged 27 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals as junior.
Love Lei Best, G, Tualatin, 5-7 – So.: A lock for another enormous season for nationally ranked team after leading Tualatin to Oregon crown as just a freshman.
Addison Bjorn, G/F, Park Hill South, 6-1 – Sr. (Texas): Reigning Gatorade State POY, 5-star recruit looks to pick up where she left off after undefeated regular season, early playoff exit.
Aaliyah Blanchard, G, Hoover, 5-11 – Sr. (Middle Tennessee): Do-it-all G poised for massive senior year for top-ranked team in Alabama and beyond.
DhaKari "Strawberry" Blankumsee, G, Winton Woods, 5-9 – So.: Top-10 prospect in Class of 2028 led Winton Woods to undefeated state championship run, national ranking as just a freshman.
Lauren Bousquet, F, Moses Brown, 5-10 – Sr. (Marist): Reigning Gatorade State POY and walking 20/10 led Moses Brown to state finals as a junior.
Caroline Bradley, C, Oak Grove, 6-5 – Jr.: Nation's No. 3 junior led Tigers to state finals in 2024-25 and was named Lousiana's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Cydnee Bryant, C, Corona Centennial, 6-5 – Sr. (Kansas): One of California's most dominant two-way posts in years has an elite supporting cast transferring in.
Amari Byles, F, Kingdom Collegiate Academy, 6-2 – Sr. (Notre Dame): Long considered one of her classes top PFs and could have a huge senior year in store with loaded new program.
Ryan Carter, G, Friends Central, 6-0 – Jr.: 5-star SG is an imminent threat to lead Friends Central to national-level success in 2025-26.
Brihanna Crittendon, F, Riverdale Ridge, 6-3 – Sr. (Texas): 5-star W could be Colorado's second consecutive National POY if Riverdale Ridge makes a national-caliber leap.
Rieyan Desouze, G, Legion Prep, 5-7 – Sr. (Texas A&M): Blue chip PG lifted Legion Prep to elite status during the games she was healthy in 2024-25.
Sydney Douglas, F, Corona Centennial, 6-7 – So.: One of the nation's highest-upside recruits steps into bigger role after helping Ontario Christian win first CIF-Southern Section Open Division title.
Nihoa Dunn, F/C, Kamehameha Kapalama, 6-0 – Sr. (Portland State): Back for more after earning Gatorade State Player of the Year, Division 1 state title as junior.
Kimora Fields, F, Bradley Central, 6-1 – Sr. (Clemson): 4-star W/F will need monster production to keep reigning Tennessee champs in national picture.
Arynn Finley, G, Etiwanda, 5-10 – Sr. (Florida): 4-star CG who helped win three state crowns ready for featured role for two-time reigning national champion.
Autumn Fleary, G, Sidwell Friends, 5-7 – Sr. (Duke): 5-star PG will need to carry heavy load for new-look Quakers after phenomenal summer of club ball.
Bella Flemings, G/F, Brennan, 6-0 – Sr. (Duke): 5-star W will torch elite defenses with a chance to lead Texas powerhouse to banner year.
Miciah Fusilier, F, IMG Academy, 6-3 – Jr.: 4-star transfer and point forward from Camden Fairview could emerge as top player on perennial national powerhouse.
Jayla Forbes, C, Montverde Academy, 6-7 – Jr.: One of the nation's most physically imposing inside presences might be in a starring role for the perpetual national title contender.
Khloe Ford, C, Hoover, 6-3 – Sr. (Missouri): A versatile post and one of two top-100 seniors on the watchlist for the perennial Alabama juggernaut.
Kennedi Gaines, G, Bartlett, 5-5 – So.: MaxPreps' Alaska POY averaged 28.1 points, 7.2 steals, 4.8 assists on 25-3 team as just a freshman.
Amayah Garcia, G/F, Faith Family Academy, 5-11 – Sr. (Washington): Could put up monster numbers against elite competition after most of Faith Family's core transferred to Kingdom Collegiate Academy.
Sanai Green, G/F, Long Island Lutheran, 6-0 – Sr. (Duke): No. 25 senior is one of a slew of can't-miss candidates on the fourth-ranked Crusaders.
Maddyn Greenway, G, Providence Academy, 5-8 – Sr. (Kentucky): Was one of the most productive players in the nation last year for a nationally-ranked and undefeated Minnesota champion.
Tati Griffin, G/F, Ontario Christian, 6-0 – So.: Reigning National Freshman of the Year is one of two preseason All-Americans on the second-ranked team in high school girls basketball.
Ella Gunderson, G/F, San Ramon Valley, 5-11 – Jr.: Averaged 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists as a sophomore for nationally ranked team and defending CIF-NCS Open Division champion.
Saniyah Hall, G, SPIRE Academy, 6-2 – Sr. (USC): Top-ranked prospect in the country is a no-brainer inclusion after dominant junior year at Montverde Academy and FIBA U19 World Cup MVP run.
Kate Harpring, G, Marist, 5-10 – Sr. (North Carolina): Preseason All-American and reigning Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year averaged more than 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists on one of state's top teams.
Brooklyn Haywood, G, Union, 5-9 – Sr. (Oregon): Top-30 senior looks to pick up her fifth star after averaging more than 30 points, five assists in 2024-25.
Amalia Holguin, G, Sage Hill, 5-9 – Sr. (Texas): Highly decorated and productive 4-star PG has a chance to lead Sage Hill back to national relevance after huge summer.
KK Holman, G, Hamilton Southeastern, 5-10 – Sr. (Florida): One of the nation's top two-way playmakers led Royals to 27-1 record, national ranking as a junior.
Samari Holmen, G, Duncanville, 5-8 – Jr.: Explosive lead guard will need to put up huge numbers to keep traditional Texas powerhouse on national radar.
Jada Jackson, F/C, Frenship, 6-2 – Jr.: No. 18 junior leads a possible Texas state title contender coming off 31-7 season.
Jordyn Jackson, G/F, The St. James Performance Academy, 6-1 – Sr. (Maryland): Decorated, experienced transfer from Sidwell Friends looks to go out with a bang in the Strivers' first year of existence.
Charlotte Jasmin, G, Hartford, 5-10 – Sr.: Vermont's Gatorade POY looks to build on explosive junior season for state contender.
Olivia Jones, G, Long Island Lutheran, 5-11 – Sr. (Vanderbilt): Emerged as LuHi's top player as the team dealt with injuries in 2024-25 and could star on a national champion this winter.
Trinity Jones, G, Naperville Central, 6-1 – Sr. (Clemson): 5-star G is back where she played her freshman year after two dominant seasons at fellow Illinois heavyweight Boilingbrook.
Gianna Jordan, G, Kingdom Collegiate Academy, 5-7 – Sr. (Texas Tech): Could see some crazy assist totals running the show for a star-studded prep squad with ambition.
Fran Kelly, G, Collierville, 5-10 – Sr. (Austin Peay): Now at Collierville after winning Mississippi's Gatorade POY at Hernando with 26 points and four steals per game.
Ashlyn Koupal, G/F, Wagner, 6-2 – Sr. (Nebraska): Reigning Gatorade POY for South Dakota ready to build on eye-opening stat line, Wagner's deep playoff run.
Natalie Kussow, G, Arrowhead, 5-11 – Sr. (Minnesota): A strong candidate as the clear top star on what could be the Midwest's best team.
Lola Lampley, F, Lawrence Central, 6-2 – Sr. (LSU): Ready for a high-usage role for one of Indiana's premier programs after spending her underclassman years as a No. 2-3 option.
Jenica Lewis, G, Johnston, 5-10 – Sr. (Notre Dame): A guaranteed candidate to stick around after helping lead Johnston to back-to-back undefeated state titles and top-20 national rankings.
Karisma Lewis, G, Oak Park, 5-10 – Sr. (UC Santa Barbara): High-scoring 4-star CG could lead new-look Oak Park to high-level success with big numbers after transferring from Buena.
Kaleigh Lucas, G, South Pointe, 5-5 – So.: Led one of South Carolina's top teams to a 29-1 record, state semifinals appearance with big stat line as just a freshman.
Easton McCullough, G, Farmington, 5-9 – So.: Led Farmington to a state title with 21 PPG as just a freshman.
Madeline Mignery, G, IMG Academy, 6-0 – Jr.: Transfer from Cardinal Mooney has the talent to be the top scorer on a national title contender at IMG.
De'Andra Minor, G, Grind Prep, 6-0 – Jr.: No. 17 junior and high-upside G plays strong competition with high stakes for nationally relevant Grind Prep.
Jemini Mitchell, G/F, Legion Prep, 6-2 – Jr.: Sophomore All-American at Cypress Springs could turn out to be senior-heavy LPA's top player as a junior on an elite team.
Jessie Moses, G, IMG Academy, 5-10 – Jr.: Former Westtown star is one of many legit candidates to emerge as IMG Academy's next No. 1 threat.
Elyse Ngenda, G, New Hampton, 5-8 – Sr. (Stanford): Nationally-ranked lead guard won New Hampshire's Gatorade POY as a junior and was still just scratching the surface of her potential.
Addison Nyemchek, G/F, Red Bank Catholic, 6-1 – Sr. (Indiana): Blue chip talent leads a tremendous returning cast for the perennial New Jersey alpha dog.
Finley Parker, F, River Ridge, 6-3 – Jr.: Leading scorer on nationally-ranked Georgia champion as a sophomore, has the upside to build on it as a junior with some key teammates off to college.
Missy Odom, F/C, Montverde Academy, 6-2 – Sr. (Florida State): Expected by many to be the top player for new-look Montverde Academy as the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder.
Tori Oehrlein, G, Crosby-Ironton, 5-11 – Sr. (Minnesota): Already one of the most productive players in Minnesota history entering senior year for team that went 30-1.
Micah Ojo, G/F, Princess Anne, 6-1 – Jr.: A shoo-in to contend for more All-American awards after leading the nationally ranked Cavaliers to an undefeated state title run with big numbers.
Jordyn Palmer, G/F, Westtown, 6-2 – Jr.: Has been one of the nation's premier players regardless of class since her first days at national title contender Westtown.
Kamora Pruitt, F, Legion Prep, 6-2 – Sr. (North Carolina State): Another talented upperclassman who could star on a national champion for reloaded LPA.
Adyra Rajan, G, Fairmont Prep, 5-9 – Sr. (Harvard): High-scoring SG could lead Fairmont Prep to national relevance after earning First Team All-State honors as a junior.
Arianna Robinson, G, Plano East, 5-10 – So.: Highly-touted lead guard could enter the fold as just a sophomore after dominating against many of Texas' top foes as a freshman.
Jerzy Robinson, G/F, Sierra Canyon, 6-1 – Sr.: A 5-star senior and obvious candidate after putting up big numbers for the perpetual national title contender as a sophomore and junior.
Whitley Rogers, G, Little Rock Christian Academy, 6-0 – Sr.: 4-star prospect enters senior year as Arkansas' reigning Gatorade POY.
Alyssa Rudd, G, San Ramon Valley, 5-8 – Sr. (San Jose State): Averaged 15.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game last season for preseason No. 25 team.
Qandace Samuels, G/F, Bishop McNamara, 6-2 – Jr.: A high-profile breakout candidate on one of the nation's top teams – which needs to replace productivity from key seniors who graduated.
Sydney Savoury, G, Belleville, 6-0 – Jr.: A safe bet to be in the mix for nationally ranked Belleville after averaging 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.4 steals on 60% FG.
Dasia Scott, F, Principia, 6-2 – Jr.: Led the Panthers to a state title as a sophomore with 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals a game.
Julia Scott, F/C, Albertus Magnus, 6-3 – Sr. (Clemson): 4-star P was one of the most statistically dominant interior players in high school hoops for NYSPHSAA AAA state champion.
Kaleena Smith, G, Ontario Christian, 5-6 – Jr.: The top-ranked junior in the country, California's reigning Gatorade POY, and the reigning National Freshman and Sophomore of the Year.
Aaliah Spaight, G, Bishop Gorman, 5-7 – Sr. (Texas): Top-20 senior enters 2025-26 with state title, phenomenal club season under her belt.
Jordan Speller, G, Montverde Academy, 5-6 – Jr.: One of many candidates to emerge as top star for prestigious Montverde.
Morgan Stewart, G, St. John's, 5-11 – Sr. (Florida State): Scored nearly 20 PPG against national schedule for nationally ranked team in 2024-25.
Savvy Swords, G/F, Long Island Lutheran, 6-2 – Sr. (Kentucky): Preseason All-American is back from ACL injury and could put up big numbers on national title heavyweight.
Olivia Vukosa, C, Christ the King, 6-5 – Sr. (UConn): Top-ranked C in nation is lock for another All-American season for reigning New York champion.
Lilly Williams, C, Howell, 6-5 – Sr. (Michigan State): 5-star bruiser makes Michigan squad a national X-factor after transferring from home school program.
Nation Williams, F/C, Las Vegas Centennial, 6-2 – Jr.: Reigning Gatorade State Player of the Year has strong chance to power storied program back to national prominence.
Zaniyah Williams, G, Montverde Academy, 5-8 – Sr. (Auburn): Long Island Lutheran transfer could earn floor general role for one of the nation's most stacked rosters.
Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, G/F, Bullis, 6-2 – Jr.: Nation's No. 2 junior does it all for nationally ranked program against elite competition.
McKenna Woliczko, F/C, Archbishop Mitty – 6-2 – Sr. (Iowa): Former National Freshman and Sophomore of the Year returns from ACL injury to spearhead nation's top-ranked team.
Kaeli Wynn, F, Mater Dei, 6-2 – Sr. (South Carolina): After huge junior year, 5-star scoring machine will need big numbers to keep Mater Dei in national title race.