Our coverage of the upcoming 2023-24 high school girls basketball season continues with a look at the leading team from each of the 50 states.
Previous previews featured the Preseason Top 25, highlighted by No. 1 Etiwanda (Calif.), and the Preseason All-America Team.
From Alabama to Wyoming, we have identified the standout team from every state to watch this season.
Best high school girls basketball team in every state
Alabama: Hoover
The Bucs aim for a fifth consecutive Class 7A title, led by 6-foot-3 center Khloe Ford and senior point guard Kaitlyn Gipson. They start the season at 2-0 after finishing 28-7 last year.
Alaska: Grace Christian (Anchorage)
Returning standout Sophie Lentfer, who averaged 20.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, leads the Grizzlies as they defend their Class 3A title. Supporting her are point guard Ella Boerger and M.J. Van der Horst.
Arizona: Desert Vista (Phoenix)
Last year’s Open Division runner-up brings back senior Trinity Jones (11.1 points per game) and talented freshman Zaire Hatter. They finished the previous season at 24-6, narrowly missing the title against Xavier College Prep.
Arkansas: Conway
Emerie Bohanon and Samyah Jordan return for the Wampus Cats after making it to the 6A finals. Bohanon is committed to Central Arkansas, and freshman guard Kylie Johnson is a player to watch.
California: Etiwanda
Despite a recent loss, head coach Stan Delus and the Eagles are aiming for a third state title in a row, led by Puff Morris, Grace Knox, Arynn Finley, and Shaena Brew.
Colorado: Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
Fresh off a Class 6A title with a 23-4 record, Valor Christian returns All-State first teamer Quinn VanSickle and honorable mentions Rylie Beers and Peyton Jones. VanSickle led the team with 18.9 points per game.
Connecticut: Holy Cross (Waterbury)
Although they fell short in last year’s Class L final, senior Shania Howard, a second-team honoree and 1,000-point scorer, leads the Crusaders.
Delaware: Ursuline Academy (Wilmington)
Freshman All-American Gigi Banks, who averaged 21.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.6 assists, returns to lead the Raiders. She scored 29 points in the state title game, securing victory with a free throw in the final seconds.
District of Columbia: Sidwell Friends
Sophomore All-American Autumn Fleary joins Jayla Jackson and Ava Yoon on a team that went 25-7 last season, starting this year ranked No. 11.
Florida: Dr. Phillips (Orlando)
The Panthers, who finished 27-4 last season, return a deep roster with freshmen Michelle McKenzie and Aniyah Eldell, junior Jamila Ray, and transfers Jazmine Monroe and Kiarra Orphelia.
Georgia: Hebron Christian (Dacula)
Returning four starters from last year’s AAA championship team, including Georgia commit Aubrey Beckham. Auburn commit Ja’kerra Butler, Miami commit Danielle Osho, and George Washington commit M.J. James also bolster the roster.
Hawaii: ‘Iolani (Honolulu)
Chasing a sixth straight Division I state title, the Raiders are led by senior Mia Frye and sophomore Justice Kekauoha, who averaged 11.8 points per game last year.
Idaho: Coeur d’Alene
Despite losing state Player of the Year Teagan Colvin and coach Nicole Symons, new coach Stacy Boyd looks to build on the team’s success with all-league post Kelsey Caroll and junior Brookeslee Colvin.
Illinois: Whitney Young (Chicago)
Destiny Jackson, who averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, leads a young and talented Dolphins team. Kiaya Johnson and Gaby Domercant, who both averaged double-digit points, return to strengthen the lineup.
Indiana: Lawrence Central (Indianapolis)
The Bears, who went 30-1 last season and won the Class 4A title, return top scorers Jaylah Lampley, Aniyah McKenzie, Laila Abdurraqib, and Lola Lampley.
Iowa: Johnston
Seniors Amani Jenkins and Jenica Lewis lead the Dragons after an unbeaten state championship season. Freshmen Kelli Kalb and Paige Andernacht add depth to the squad.
Kansas: Blue Valley North (Overland Park)
With Jaliya Davis nearly averaging 20 points per game, the Mustangs look strong. Davis, who will break the school scoring record, is supported by 6-3 Aubrey Shaw and multi-sport athletes Logan Parks and Delia Gregory.
Kentucky: Sacred Heart (Louisville)
Senior Zakiyah Johnson, an LSU commit, leads the Valkyries in their quest for a fifth consecutive state title. Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season.
Louisiana: Walker
Returning standout Arionna Patterson, who averaged 10.1 points per game, leads the Wildcats as they aim to build on a 35-2 season that ended just short of the Division I Non-Select final.
Maine: Cheverus (Portland)
The Stags will rely on sophomore Addie Jordan, a conference All-Rookie choice, to fill the shoes of Player of the Year Maddie Fitzpatrick. Jordan was pivotal in last year’s 18-0 Class AA title run.
Maryland: Bishop McNamara (Forestville)
Despite losing All-American Maddy McDaniel, head coach Ronald James returns a deep and experienced team, including Freshman All-American Qandace Samuels and senior stars Princess-Alexandria Moody, Zhen Craft, and Vanessa Harris.
Massachusetts: Bishop Feehan (Attleboro)
Led by Brown commit Charlotte Adams-Lopez and standout scorer Maddy Steel, who averaged 14.4 points per game, the Shamrocks aim to defend their Division 1 title.
Michigan: Rockford
With All-State first team selection Anna Wypych and Sienna Wolfe returning, the Rams look to improve on last season’s 26-2 record. Wypych averaged 16 points per game, while Wolfe returns from a postseason knee injury.
Minnesota: Providence Academy (Plymouth)
Led by generational scorer Maddyn Greenway, who averaged 34 points per game, the Lions have won three state titles. Hopkins and Minnetonka also remain strong contenders.
Mississippi: Northwest Rankin (Brandon)
Returning standout Lashunjnea Jones and rising sophomore Malia McCelleis, who is averaging 17.3 points over the first seven games, lead the Cougars after a 29-11 season and a run to the Class 7A semifinals.
Missouri: Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis)
Chasing history, the Red Knights are led by Nevaeh Caffey and coached by Dan Rolfes. The team is eight wins away from breaking the all-time win streak record of 138 games.
Montana: Skyview (Billings)
Despite losing Player of the Year Breanna Williams, the Falcons return All-State tournament player Rae Smart and honorable mention Taryn Salveson after a 23-0 season and Class AA title.
Nebraska: Millard West (Omaha)
The Wildcats look to defend their Class A title with returning top scorers Neleigh Gessert, Norah Gessert, and Kylee Paben, who led the team to a 27-1 record last season.
Nevada: Centennial (Las Vegas)
After falling to Bishop Gorman in the state final, ending an eight-year title run, the Bulldogs are led by standout Nation Williams, senior Ayla Williams, and Sanai Branch, as coach Karen Weitz aims to start a new title streak.
New Hampshire: Bedford
Returning first team All-State pick Kate Allard (13.8 points per game) leads the Bulldogs as they aim to repeat as Division 1 champions and maintain their 24-game win streak. Allard, also a volleyball standout, is set to surpass the 1,000 career point mark in the first game of the season. Second team All-State honoree Lyla Stein also returns.
New Jersey: Morris Catholic (Denville)
Rahim Huland El steps up as head coach after six years as an assistant. The Crusaders, led by the Pauldo twins, aim for a third consecutive Non-Public B title following a 29-1 season. Mia Pauldo averaged 19.9 points per game, while Mya Pauldo added 14.8 points.
New Mexico: Sandia (Albuquerque)
Princeton commit Sydney Benally returns for her senior season after leading the Matadors to a 28-3 record and Class 5A title. Benally averaged 21.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Seniors Hope Giddings (12.4 points per game) and Audri Wright (9.0) provide additional depth.
New York: Christ the King (Middle Village)
Sophomore Olivia Vukosa led the Royals to a 29-3 record and CHSAA AA title last season, averaging 17.5 points and 18.8 rebounds. Vukosa posted 24 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks in the title game.
North Carolina: Rolesville
The Rams, fresh off a Class 4A title, return their top two scorers: Wake Forest commit Caitlyn Jones (32.1 points per game) and Taliya Rowe (12.2). Kayla Bush (7.3) also returns to bolster the 27-5 squad.
North Dakota: Minot
Despite falling short in the Class AA semifinals, Minot returns junior first team All-State selections Leelee Bell and Maggie Fricke. Bell shined during the summer circuit and holds multiple Division I offers.
Ohio: Purcell Marian (Cincinnati)
MaxPreps All-American and two-time Ohio Ms. Basketball, Dee Alexander, returns after averaging 18.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. The Cavaliers begin the season on a 26-game win streak, boasting an 81-4 record in Alexander’s career. Kyaira Miller adds 13.1 points and 4 rebounds and assists per game.
Oklahoma: Edmond Memorial (Edmond)
Avery Hjelmstad and Janiyah Williams return with determination after last year’s semifinal loss to Edmond North. Hjelmstad averaged 16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, while Williams posted 16.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Oregon: Clackamas
Jazzy Davidson, one of the top-ranked seniors in the country, leads the Cavaliers, who have been playing together since their freshman year. The team is on a mission after falling in the Class 6A semifinals last year. All-State player Sara Barhoum is also a 1,000-point scorer.
Pennsylvania: Archbishop Wood (Warminster)
After securing a fourth straight state title, the Vikings seek a fifth crown despite the loss of three starters. Returning starters Emily Knouse and Sophia Topakas, along with a healthy Colleen Besachio, aim to lead the team.
Rhode Island: North Kingstown
The Skippers, who reached the Division 1 final last season, return key players Jaelyn Holmes (16.4 points per game), Brooke Faunce (12.6), Shea Kalin (8.0), and Finola Gately.
South Carolina: Mauldin
The Mavericks, who fell in the Class 5A quarterfinals, return their top five scorers, including junior Zara Leamon (21.2 points per game), senior Delilah Soltys (12.4), and sophomore Imani McIver (8.4).
South Dakota: O’Gorman (Sioux Falls)
Despite the graduation of State Player of the Year Mahli Abdouch and All-State player Lucy Moore, senior Julia Eggert (7.9 points per game) and junior Sydney Terveen (7.8) aim to defend their Class AA state championship.
Tennessee: Bradley Central (Cleveland)
MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Kimora Fields, who has multiple Power 5 offers, returns after averaging nearly 24 points per game. Harmonie Ware, Avary Brewer, and TaTianna Stovall, who earned state tournament honors, also return.
Texas: Duncanville
The Pantherettes, off to a 6-1 start, are led by sophomore Samari Holmen (15.7 points per game) and senior Jasmine Gipson (13.9 points). They face a challenging national schedule before defending their Class 6A title in the new year.
Utah: Bountiful
The Class 5A state champions return Taylor Harvey (19.7 points per game) and junior forward Milika Satuala (17.6). The team also brings back juniors Adelaide Stevenson (6.6), Mae Johnson (6.2), and sophomore Maleah Nelson (5.8).
Vermont: Champlain Valley Union (Hinesburg)
Back-to-back Division 1 champions, the Stags look to extend their streak to three consecutive titles, led by Zoey McNabb.
Virginia: Thomas Dale (Chester)
Head coach Pamela Walker has high hopes for guards Syvannah Dawson (2027), Timani Harris (2028), and Khya Epps (2028), who gained valuable experience from last year’s state runner-up finish.
Washington: Garfield (Seattle)
Despite the graduation of State Player of the Year Katie Fiso, the Bulldogs return key players Jayda Lewis, Sarah Lessig, Kahmiya Bryant, Mariah Roy, and Star Smiley. They aim for a fourth consecutive title.
West Virginia: Wheeling Park (Wheeling)
State Player of the Year Alexis Bordas led the Patriots to a 25-4 record and Class 4A title last season. The Duquesne commit averaged 24.0 points and 5.8 rebounds and is set to surpass the 2,000 career point milestone.
Wisconsin: Pewaukee
The Pirates, who won a Division 2 title last season, are led by Amy Terrian, Anna Terrian, and Giselle Janowski, who combined to average 36.7 points per game.
Wyoming: Douglas
Returning top scorers Lauren Olsen (23.4 points per game), Jaden Meyer (12.5), and Bailey Wright (9.7), the Bearcats aim to defend their state title. All three were Class 3A All-State selections.
