Watauga High School’s Kate Sears named Ms. Basketball, the best girls’ player in North Carolina
Watauga High School’s Kate Sears is Ms. Basketball in North Carolina for the 2024-25 high school season.
A 5-foot-10 point guard, Sears is a four-star top 70 national recruit signed to Virginia Tech. This season, she averaged 27.2 points, 13.1 rebounds and 9.2 assists. She shot 39.4% from the 3-point line and 81% at the free-throw line. She had 13 triple-doubles.
For her career, Sears finished with 2,614 points, 980 rebounds and 714 assists in 116 games. Her career points rank 11th in N.C. history.
“What an unbelievable high school career she’s had,” said Lake Norman coach McKenzie Graham, whose team beat Watauga in a state quarterfinal last week, ending Sears’ high school career. “She’s improved so much every year she’s been in high school.”
The Charlotte Observer has recognized the state’s top prep basketball talent for 40 years. Recent honorees have included Sarah Strong, now at Connecticut, and Saniya Rivers, now at N.C. State.
Watauga will receive a large banner to hang its gymnasium in Sears’ honor.
“After watching her and seeing what she’s capable of doing, night-in and night-out,” Graham said, “it’s just incredible what she’s been able to accomplish; almost averaging a triple-double. And she seems like an incredible kid.
“She’s certainly an incredible athlete.”
Previous NC Ms. Basketball winners
2023-24: Sarah Strong, Grace Christian
2022-23: Sarah Strong, Grace Christian
2021-22: Indya Nivar, Apex Friendship
2020-21: Saniya Rivers, Wilmington Ashley
2019-20: Chyna Cornwell, Newton-Conover
2018-19: Nia Daniel, Hickory Ridge
2017-18: Izabella Nicolette, Raleigh Neuse Christian
2016-17: Mikala Boykin, Clinton
2015-16: Erin Whalen, Providence Day
2014-15: Stephanie Watts, Weddington
2013-14: Jatarie White, Providence Day
2012-13: Keri Fulp, East Surry
2011-12: Tiffany Mitchell, Providence Day
2010-11: Cierra Burdick, Butler
2009-10: Shannon Smith, Gastonia Forestview
2008-09: Christal Caldwell, West Charlotte
2007-08: Candace Wood, Victory Christian
2006-07: Cetera DeGraffenreid, Smoky Mountain
2005-06: Joy Cheek, South Mecklenburg
2004-05: Rashanda McCants, Asheville
2003-04: Chante Black, East Forsyth
2002-03: Camille Little, Winston-Salem Carver
2001-02: Kerri Gardin, Morganton Freedom
2000-01: Natasha Brackett, Providence Day
1999-00: Chrystal Baptist, Charlotte Christian
1998-99: Amy Simpson, Eden Morehead
1997-98: Tina McKiver, East Duplin
1996-97: Tynesha Lewis, Southwest Edgecombe
1995-96: Shea Ralph, Sanford
1994-95: Natasha Davis, Morganton Freedom
1993-94: Tiffani Johnson, Garinger
1992-93: Konecka Drakeford, Providence Day
1991-92: Wendy Palmer, Roxboro Person
1990-91: Christy Cagle, Hayesville
1989-90: Tonya Sampson, Clinton
1988-89: Danyel Parker, Clinton
1987-88: Mitzi Yount, Catawba Bandys
1986-87: Andrea Stinson, North Mecklenburg
1985-86: Schonna Banner, West Caldwell
1984-85: Jill Goldberg, Raleigh Broughton
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
