Elite athletes often share certain characteristics. Natural talent is undeniably essential, but equally important are qualities such as fierce determination, diligent effort, and an unyielding mindset. Aaliyah Chavez embodies these attributes completely.
One of the most skilled ball handlers in her class, Chavez can confidently compare her high school achievements with anyone who has ever played the game.
Over 142 career varsity games, Chavez has posted impressive averages of 32.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.2 steals. With just two regular-season games left in her high school career, she heads into Friday’s matchup against Lubbock-Cooper with 4,553 points, having previously scored 37 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in a 70-49 victory over them on Dec. 31.
After a notable 30-point effort in a loss to Amarillo on Jan. 28, Chavez is averaging 35.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 steals per game this season.
With six finalists in the mix—UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, Texas Tech, LSU, and Oklahoma—the women’s basketball community eagerly awaits her college decision. High School on SI and SBLive took the opportunity to reflect on nine past No. 1 overall recruits as ranked by ESPN’s HoopGurlz Rankings to see how Chavez’s statistics compare with some of the exemplary female high school basketball talents from the last decade.
It’s important to note that, like Chavez, every athlete on this list was rated a 5-star recruit with a 98 grade by ESPN when they held the No. 1 overall spot. Chavez is a McDonald’s All-American and a contender for both the Gatorade Player of the Year and Naismith Girls Player of the Year accolades.
If Chavez secures these accolades, she’d be among esteemed company, as most players on this list have achieved similar honors.
Aaliyah Chavez career stats
Year
GRADE
GAMES
Def. Rebounds
Off. Rebounds
Total Rebounds
Blocks
Turnovers
Fouls
2021-22
Fr.
39
5.5
2.2
7.7
0.7
3.2
2.1
2022-23
Soph.
34
5.4
1.9
7.2
0.7
2.8
2.3
2023-24
Jr.
35
7.7
2.4
10.1
0.9
2.2
1.8
2024-25
Sr.
34
6.9
2.4
9.3
1.0
2.2
1.9
2024: Sarah Strong, 6-2, F, Grace Christian Sanford (N.C.) High School
Current team: UCONN
Over the course of 85 games throughout three seasons on the varsity team, Strong recorded an average of 23 points, 16 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per match. In her senior year, her averages were 21 points, 16.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.8 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 3.4 turnovers.
In her freshman season with the Huskies this year, Strong is currently averaging 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. She has played a crucial role in helping UCONN to a stellar 20-2 start this season.
2023: Judea “JuJu” Watkins, 6-0, G, Sierra Canyon (Calif.) High School
Current team: USC
A two-time California Gatorade Player of the Year, and honoree for California Ms. Basketball and Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Watkins closed out her senior year at Sierra Canyon with averages of 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. As a junior, she posted 25 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Watkins began her high school career at Windward (Calif.) High School, where she averaged an impressive 27 points and 12 rebounds during her sophomore year, and 21 points along with nine rebounds as a freshman.
In her two seasons at USC, Watkins has maintained averages of 26.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks. This season, she’s contributing 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, helping the Trojans reach a remarkable 18-1 record while ranking No. 4.
2022: Lauren Betts, 6-7, C, Grandview (Colo.) High School
Current team: UCLA
After a remarkable high school experience at Grandview, where she averaged 16.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.6 blocks over a total of 95 games, Betts began her collegiate journey at Stanford. Following her freshman year, she made the decision to transfer to UCLA for her sophomore season.
At Stanford, her contributions were somewhat limited, as she played off the bench in 33 games, averaging 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. Upon joining UCLA, she has truly come into her own, showcasing her talent as one of the top centers in women’s college basketball. This season, she’s posting averages of 21 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, helping lead the No. 1 Bruins to an impressive 20-0 record.
2021: Azzi Fudd, 5-11, G, St. John’s College High (Washington, D.C.)
Current team: UCONN
Fudd’s basketball prowess has been recognized for quite some time, as she garnered her first scholarship offer from Maryland while still in sixth grade. She made history by being the first high school sophomore to earn the Gatorade National Girls Player of the Year award, averaging 26.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
However, her journey took a challenging turn when she tore her ACL and MCL during the FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup, necessitating two surgeries for her recovery. She returned to the court in January 2020 for her junior year, averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists, before the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the season. In her senior season, she put up averages of 25.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in a condensed schedule.
Currently at UCONN, the three-time gold medalist is contributing 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over 58 games played (41 of which were starts). Last season was a challenge for her, as she was limited to just two games due to injury, while this year she has played in 16 games (12 starts).
2020: Paige Bueckers, 5-11, PG, Hopkins (Minn.) High School
Current team:
UCONN
A standout who made waves by playing varsity as an eighth grader, Bueckers claimed three Minnesota Gatorade Girls Player of the Year titles at Hopkins, where she put up impressive stats: an average of 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game prior to the season’s abrupt halt due to COVID.
This season, she has been averaging 19 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, contributing to the No. 6 Huskies’ impressive 20-2 record. Over her career, Bueckers averages 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals.
2019: Haley Jones, 6-1, W, Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) High School
Current team: Atlanta Dream
During her time at Archbishop Mitty, Jones participated in 116 games, averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 2.1 blocks. Her senior year was particularly remarkable, where she averaged 26.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.7 steals, and 2.8 blocks, earning her Naismith Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American accolades.
Following high school, she joined Stanford, where she averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 118 games (111 starts), culminating in a national championship win in 2021.
In the 2023 WNBA Draft, she was selected first-round (sixth overall) by the Dream, where she has recorded averages of 3.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 80 games (30 starts).
2018: Christyn Williams, 5-11, G, Central Arkansas Christian High School
Current team: WNBA free agent
A highly accomplished player graduating from Little Rock’s Central Arkansas Christian, Williams guided the Lady Mustangs to a remarkable 117-24 record throughout her varsity career. During her final high school season, she averaged 26.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, earning numerous accolades such as McDonald’s All-American, Naismith National Player of the Year, Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year, Gatorade National Player of the Year, and WBCA National Player of the Year in 2018.
Her collegiate career at UCONN was equally impressive, starting in 131 of 132 games and averaging 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while earning First Team All-Big East honors in both 2021 and 2022.
Drafted by the Washington Mystics in the second round (14th overall) of the 2022 WNBA Draft, Williams unfortunately faced a knee injury during practice that prevented her from playing. Though she briefly joined the Phoenix Mercury on a two-day contract in September 2023, she was subsequently waived and has not participated in any WNBA games.
2017: Megan Walker, 6-1, W, Monacan (Va.) High School
Current team: WNBA free agent
An exceptional high school athlete, Walker averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 steals across 95 games. Her most successful senior season boasted averages of 25.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 steals in 26 games during 2016-17, earning her Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American distinctions.
At UCONN, she maintained averages of 12.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over the course of 100 games. In the 2019-2020 season, she achieved a career-high of 19.7 points, alongside 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals, leading to her AAC Player of the Year and First-Team All-American honors.
Selected in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2020 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty, Walker appeared in 18 games off the bench that season with an average of 3.3 points. Eventually traded to the Phoenix Mercury, she played the 2021 season there before participating in 12 games with the Atlanta Dream in 2022. More recently, she has made her mark overseas.
2016: Lauren Cox, 6-4, F, Flower Mound (Texas) High School
Current team: Virtus Bologna (Italy)
Cox showcased her skills in 90 varsity games at Flower Mound, averaging 21 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 4.5 blocks per contest. Her senior year was especially impressive, featuring averages of 21.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 3.4 blocks.
Continuing her journey at Baylor, she won an NCAA championship in 2019 and garnered the Big 12 Player of the Year title in 2020. Throughout 131 games (95 starts), Cox averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks.
Drafted in the first round (third overall) by the Indiana Fever in the 2020 WNBA Draft, she experienced playing time in parts of two seasons with the Fever (2020-2021) and Los Angeles Sparks (2021), while averaging 2.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in the league.
2015: Katie Lou Samuelson, 6-3, W, Mater Dei (Calif.) High School
Current team: Indiana Fever
A seasoned WNBA veteran, Samuelson excelled at Mater Dei High School, where she averaged 29.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning her the Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American titles.
Continuing her success at UCONN from 2015 to 2019, Samuelson averaged 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 140 games (125 starts). Her performance earned her All-American honors and a spot on the AAC All-Freshman Team in 2016.
In the 2019 WNBA Draft, she was a first-round pick (fourth overall) by the Chicago Sky and has since averaged 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds across 138 WNBA games (72 starts).
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper
Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
