Here are finalists for the NC Ms. Basketball award, the state’s player of the year
Today, The Charlotte Observer is announcing the finalists for the 2025-26 N.C. Ms. Basketball award.
The Observer has handed out the award since the 1984-85 season, giving it to the best girls’ basketball player in the state.
The finalists were chosen by a panel of Observer sportswriters and the co-hosts of its Talking Preps streaming show in consultation with high school and college coaches.
The winner will be named next week during the NCHSAA state championship games in Winston-Salem, and receive a large banner to hang in her school’s gym.
Meet the 2025-26 Ms. NC Basketball finalists
Kyndoll English, Grace Christian: English, a 6-foot-3 sophomore post, helped lead her team to its fifth straight state title Saturday. She averaged 17.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals this season.
Oshauna Holland, Stuart Cramer: The Wake Forest recruit became the state’s all-time leading girls’ scorer Saturday and is well north of 3,000 points. She is averaging 34 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.4 steals, 7.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
Lenise Joseph North Mecklenburg: A 6-1 junior, Joseph has led the Vikings to a 26-2 record and a berth in Monday’s NCHSAA quarterfinals. She averages 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.9 blocks per game.
Finley Lewis Leesville Road: Lewis helped lead her team to a 21-6 record this season. A 6-1 junior forward, she averaged 19.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 assists per game.
SaRyah McCorkle Huss: McCorkle led the Huskies to a 16-6 record this season and an unbeaten run through the Big South conference. A 6-1 sophomore post, McCorkle averaged 24.2 points, 18.9 rebounds 3.5 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals this season.
Previous winners
2024-25: Kate Sears, Watauga
2023-24: Sarah Strong, Grace Christian
2022-23: Sarah Strong, Grace Christian
2021-22: Indya Nivar, Apex Friendship
2020-21: Saniya Rivers, Ashley
2019-20: Chyna Cornwell, Newton-Conover
2018-19: Nia Daniel, Hickory Ridge
2017-18 Izabella Nicolette, Raleigh Neuse Christian
2016-17: Mikey’s 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 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
