The 2025-26 Charlotte Observer regional girls’ basketball preview
The Observer continues a look at girls’ high school basketball in the area with a focus on schools outside Mecklenburg County.
These are schools — from Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union counties — that play in either the public N.C. High School Athletic Association or the private N.C. Independent Schools.
Later this week, The Observer will preview Mecklenburg County’s public schools. A Mecklenburg County private school preview ran in Monday’s editions.
The annual Sweet 16 girls’ basketball poll will also debut.
Teams to watch
Cannon School: The defending NCISAA 4A state champions return three starters, all Division I recruits, from a team that won 26 games. This season, 5-foot-7 junior guard Brooke Busby (7.7 ppg), 5-foot-11 junior wing Madison Drayton (14.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, all-state) and 6-3 sophomore center Jakaila Gaskin (12.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, all-state) will lead the team. Senior forward Jaiden Thompson should also play a key role. Cannon, which has won 20-plus games for the last five straight seasons, is a favorite to win the CISAA conference and NCISAA state championships.
Concord Academy: The Eagles return four starters from a 26-win squad that was the NCISAA 3A state runner-up a year ago. This season, Concord Academy will feature 6-1 sophomore Justice Alexander (22.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 5-10 senior Taylor Smith (11.7 ppg, 6.9 apg), 5-10 senior Jayla Brower (6.7 ppg) and 5-2 freshman Quinn Hicks (6.6 ppg). The Eagles will try to win their 11th consecutive Metrolina Athletic conference championship, on their way to contending for the NCISAA 3A state title again.
Forest Hills: The Yellow Jackets return all five starters from a team that won 26 games and advanced to the 2A state quarterfinals last season. This year, Forest Hills will be led by its all-Rocky River conference guards — 5-4 junior Leyah Melton (14.1 ppg, 5.1 apg, 5.1 spg), and 5-4 sophomore Nyjana Wingo (9.5 ppg, 3.5 spg). Forest Hills also has experience inside with 5-10 senior forward Aziraya Griffin (9 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and 5-9 sophomore forward Layla Rushing (10.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 5 spg) returning.
Gaston Christian: The Eagles were one of the most improved teams in the state last year, going from 3-14 in 2023-24 to 15-6 in 2024-25. This year, Gaston Christian looks to make another big jump and contend for the MAC title. The Eagles will feature 6-7 senior Happy Arune (15 ppg, 14.6 rpg, 3 bpg, Charleston Southern University commit) and 5-11 senior Trinity Genteman (9.6 ppg). Gaston Christian will also benefit from transfers Jakyra Sadler (17 ppg) and Brooklyn Twitty (15.3 ppg), who join the team from Ashbrook and Thomas Jefferson Academy.
Hickory Ridge: The Ragin’ Bulls’ return four starters from a 21-win team that advanced to the third round of the 4A state playoffs last year. This season, Hickory Ridge returns three key seniors — 5-7 guard, Ma-Kaela Gidney (17 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 spg), 5-9 guard Makaila Ritter (7 ppg) and 5-10 forward Miranda Duley (5 ppg, 8 rpg) to help the team contend for league supremacy in the newly organized Greater Metro 6A/7A conference.
Lake Norman: The defending 4A state champions return only one starter from a team that went 30-1 a year ago. But the Wildcats plan on reloading quickly with several players eager to step into bigger roles this season. Lake Norman will be led by 5-10 senior Kelsey Rhyne (14 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4 apg, Naval Academy commit), who is the only returning starter. But back with her are 5-7 senior guard Rayana Minard (13.7 ppg, 3.5 spg), who was the 4A state championship game’s most valuable player, and 5-10 senior Kaiya Bond (6.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 spg), who will both play key roles. The Lake Norman frontcourt will also get a boost after 1 of 1 Academy transfers Jeta North, a 6-2 senior, and 6-1 sophomore Finley Sherrill join the team.
Lincoln Charter: The Eagles return four starters from a 20-win team and program that has won 88 games in the last four seasons combined. Lincoln Charter is led by the senior quartet of guards, 5-foot-5, Martha Guinle (10.1 ppg), and 5-foot-8, Taylor Riggenbach (12.2 ppg), as w ell as forwards, 5-foot-10, Brenna Barbier (7.3 ppg, 7 rpg), and 5-foot-10, Claire David (6.8 ppg, 6 rpg). The Eagles have the experience to repeat as Catawba Shores’ conference champions.
Marvin Ridge: The Mavericks return four starters from a team that won 24 games, a Southern Carolinas’ conference title and made it to the 4A state quarterfinals. Marvin Ridge is led by 6-foot senior shooting guard, Kate Schindler, a Richmond commit who averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game last season. Schindler will have plenty of support from 5-8 senior forward Kate Sheridan (6 ppg), 6-2 junior center Kendall Chadderton (4 ppg, 6 rpg), 5-6 junior guard Allie Heine (5 ppg) and 5-9 sophomore guard Haley Lenahan (8 ppg). The Mavericks have the experienced and talent to win their fifth straight league title and make a deep 7A playoff run.
North Lincoln: The Knights are looking to build on a banner year after going 29-2 last season with a trip to the 3A state semifinals. Four starters return, including 5-10 all-conference junior guards Ashlyn Black (16 ppg, 5 rpg) and Ally Smith (20 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg). Joining them are 5-9 junior forward Addison Grace (9 ppg) and 6-2 sophomore forward Lydia Cipriano (7 ppg, 6 rpg).
Stuart Cramer: The Storm have a veteran team back from a 29-win squad that was the 3A state runner-up last season. That includes 5-7 all-state senior point guard, Oshauna Holland (28.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 6.3 apg, 5.2 spg, Wake Forest commit), 6-2 senior center, Lauren Humphrey (12.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg), classmate, 5-8 junior Unique McDowell (2.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and 5-11 senior forward Ileigh Block, playing key roles.
Players to watch
Maddie Alexander, Cox Mill: The 5-11 all-conference forward is the leading returning scorer (11.2 ppg) and rebounder (7.2) for the Chargers.
Janiyah Boyd, Monroe: The 5-6 sophomore point guard looks to build on a breakout freshman season, when she averaged 32 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 4.3 steals per game.
Caroline Clark, Weddington: The 5-6 junior (15 ppg) will pair with classmate Gabby Walker (6 ppg) to lead the Weddington backcourt.
McKenzie Clutter, Mount Pleasant: The 5-2 senior point guard will set the tone both offensively (13.5 points per game last year) and defensively (3.8 steals per game) for the Tigers.
Rosie Gorman, Christ the King, Jr.: The 5-7 junior shooting guard (10.1 ppg, 3.1 spg) will team with her younger sister, 5-8 guard Lucy Gormon (7 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.8 spg) and 6-foot sophomore forward Anna Haynes (12 ppg, 8.9 rpg) to help the Crusaders build on a school-record 22 wins from a year ago.
Makiyah Gray, Jay M. Robinson: The 6-2 senior power forward is back lead the Bulldogs and to try to build on a breakout sophomore season where she averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game.
Emma Montanari, East Lincoln: The 5-9 senior guard (18 ppg, 6 rpg, 4.6 spg), a Drexel University commit and three-time conference player of the year, returns with Lane Pethel (12 ppg, 10.5 rpg) to lead the Mustangs.
Myajah Nix, Central Cabarrus: The 5-9 senior all-conference forward is back to lead the Vikings after averaging a double-double last season at 13.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
Mackenzie Ortscheid, Northwest Cabarrus: The 5-11 senior, all-conference forward (18 ppg, 8 rpg) is back to lead a Trojans’ team looking for a third straight 20-win season. Ortscheid is 30 points and 23 rebounds away from reaching the 1000-point, 1000-rebound career marks.
Kelsey Rhyne, Lake Norman: The 5-10 senior guard and Naval Academy commit is a go-to player for the Wildcats again this season.
Ashanti Taylor, Porter Ridge: The Pirates’ 5-10 junior all-state point guard averaged 31.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.4 steals and 3.4 steals as a sophomore. She has multiple Division I offers, including from the Charlotte 49ers, East Carolina, Elon and more.
Ava Waugh, Statesville: The 5-foot-10 sophomore guard looks to build on a breakout freshman season (11.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.2 spg) on a balanced, Greyhounds’ team that features sophomore point guard, 5-4 Aubrey Graham (5.5 ppg), and 5-11 sophomore center Symerria Harris.
Players on the rise
Charleigh Battle, Piedmont: The 5-6 sophomore (10.1 ppg) looks to build on a breakout freshman season, joining seniors Ada Allen (5 ppg) and Tara Deese (6 ppg) to give Piedmont an experienced backcourt.
Raegan Blickley, Pine Lake Prep: The 5-5 junior guard is Pride’s top returning scorer at seven points per contest.
Destiny Bradford, South Iredell: The 5-foot-10 senior forward is one of three starters back in the lineup with junior Destyni Wilder, and sophomore Christlyn Wilder.
Brooke Fowler, Parkwood: The 5-3 senior guard (6.6 ppg, 4 rpg) is one of three starters back — with 5-2 senior guard Izabella Delli Colli (4.6 ppg) and 5-7 junior forward Brinley Parker (6.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) — all playing key roles in the lineup.
Claire Frank, South Point: The Red Raiders’ 5-8 senior (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg) returns to lead a younger South Point team.
London Gray, A.L. Brown: The 5-6 senior point guard (15 ppg) scored a career-high 32 points against Hopewell last season, and looks to lead an improved A.L. Brown team this season.
Halen Hazlett, Langtree Charter: The Lions’ 5-7 point guard sets the tone for the Lions, after averaging 9.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last year.
Justice Hegwood, Central Academy: The 5-7 senior guard (10.2 ppg, 5 rpg) looks to help Central Academy (0-22 last season) get back in the win column.
Gia Lowe, Mooresville, Sr.: The 6-2 senior forward/center (8.8 ppg) gives the Blue Devils a presence on both ends of the floor. Lowe is also a standout on the Mooresville volleyball team.
Amayah Rogers, Cuthbertson, Sr.: The 5-9 junior guard/forward (15 ppg) will play a big role on a Cavaliers’ team that will also benefit from the return of junior guards Christian Johnson (5-foot-8) and Christian Mundy (5-foot-7).
Terriah Washington, Mountain Island Charter: The 5-7 junior guard (8 ppg, 2 spg) is one of four starters back for the Raptors.
Barrett Williams, North Iredell: The 5-6 all-conference guard/forward (9 ppg, 7 rpg) will team with Maddie Lippard (9 ppg) and Tessa Jolly (4 ppg) to give the Raiders an experienced backcourt.
Preseason All-Observer regional team
Justice Alexander, Concord Academy, 6-1, So.
Happy Arune, Gaston Christian, 6-7, Sr.
Madison Drayton, Cannon School, 5-11, Jr.
Ma-Kaela Gidney, Hickory Ridge, 5-7, Sr.
Oshauna Holland, Stuart Cramer, 5-7, Sr.
Leyah Melton, Forest Hills, 5-4, Jr.
Emma Montanari, East Lincoln, 5-9, Sr.
Kate Schindler, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, Sr.
Ally Smith, North Lincoln, 5-10, Jr.
Kelsey Rhyne, Lake Norman, 5-10, Sr.
Ashanti Taylor, Porter Ridge, 5-10, Jr.
Preseason player of the year: Holland, Stuart Cramer
Notes
— A.L. Brown girls’ basketball coach Kayla Crayton coached the N.C. Specials Olympics’ 3 on 3 basketball team to a silver medal in Indianapolis in August. Crayton will be the coach again this summer in Minneapolis.
— Gaston Day girls’ basketball coach Lulu Brase is in her second season as the Spartans’ head coach, and is looking to restore the championship tradition back to the program. Brase won three state championships as a player — in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Brase is a 2009 Gaston Day graduate.
— The Langtree Charter girls’ basketball team is one of the youngest in the state with eight freshmen on the roster.
— First-year Mooresville girls’ basketball coach Lucy Mitchell comes to the Blue Devils from Selma Burke Middle School, where she guided her team to a 32-0 record over the past two years.
— Weddington forward Myra Ukwu has a Division I scholarship offer and a lot of recruiting interest before play in her first high school game, according to Warriors’ basketball coach, Dan Welch.
Conference predictions
BIG SOUTH
1. Hunter Huss; 2. South Point; 3. Ashbrook; 4. Forestview; 5. North Gaston; 6. Crest; 7. Kings Mountain.
Catawba River 1A/2A/3A Conference
1. Queens Grant; 2. Jackson Day; 3. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 4. Piedmont Charter; 5. Mountain Island Charter; 6. Carolina International; 7. Sugar Creek Charter; 8. N.C. School of Math and Science; 9. Bonnie Cone Academy.
Catawba Shores’ 2A/3A/4A Conference
1. Lincoln Charter; 2. Christ the King; 3. Lake Norman Charter; 4. Community School of Davidson; 5. Bradford Prep; 6. Pine Lake Prep; 7. Corvian Charter; 8. Langtree Charter.
Greater Metro 6A/7A Conference
1. Hickory Ridge; 2. West Cabarrus; 3. Cox Mill; 4. Central Cabarrus; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. Olympic; 7. Harding; 8. Berry.
CISAA Conference
1. Cannon School; 2. Providence Day; 3. Charlotte Country Day; 4. Charlotte Latin; 5. Covenant Day; 6. Charlotte Christian.
NCISAA Metrolina Athletic Conference
1. Concord Academy; 2. Gaston Christian; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. SouthLake Christian; 5. Hickory Grove; 6. Westminster Catawba; 7. Gaston Day.
North Piedmont 6A/7A Conference
1. Lake Norman; 2. Davie County; 3. North Iredell; 4. Statesville; 5. Mooresville; 6. South Iredell.
Rocky River 4A/5A Conference
1. Forest Hills; 2. Monroe; 3. West Stanly; 4. Mount Pleasant; 5. Parkwood; 6. Anson County; 7. Central Academy.
Southern Carolinas’ Conference 6A/7A Conference
1. Marvin Ridge; 2. Porter Ridge; 3. Cuthbertson; 4. Charlotte Catholic; 5. Weddington; 6. Piedmont; 7. Sun Valley.
South Piedmont 4A/5A Conference
1. Northwest Cabarrus; 2. Salisbury; 3. East Rowan; 4. West Rowan; 5. Jay M. Robinson; 6. Concord; 7. South Rowan; 8. Carson.
Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A Conference
1. Stuart Cramer; 2. Shelby; 3. Burns; 4. Bessemer City; 5. Lincolnton; 6. West Lincoln; 7. East Gaston; 8. Cherryville; 9. Highland Tech.
Western Foothills’ Athletic 4A/5A Conference
1. North Lincoln; 2. Maiden; 3. East Lincoln; 4. Hickory; 5. Fred T. Foard; 6. Bandys; 7. Newton Conover; 8. Bunker Hill; 9. West Iredell.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A/3A Conference
1. Albemarle; 2. Union Academy; 3. North Stanly; 4. North Rowan; 5. South Stanly; 6. Gray Stone Day.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 5:45 AM.
