SWVA MUST WATCH LIST: GIRLS BASKETBALL

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Southwest Virginia girls’ basketball is loaded with talent this year — from state champions to rising underclassmen who are already making noise on the court. With the season fast approaching, we put together a Top 5 Watch List of the players expected to make the biggest impact across Classes 1–3. These athletes combine production, accolades, leadership, and all-around star power.

Below are the Top 5, followed by a full list of Returning Players To Watch from around the region.

⭐ SWVA Girl’s Basketball Top 5 Watch List

1. Annsley “A.J.” Trivette — Abingdon High | Senior Forward/Center (Class 3)

The reigning Class 3 Player of the Year headlines the list once again. Trivette is a North Carolina State commit and one of the most versatile front court players in the state, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game with elite defensive numbers. With more than 1,700 career points already, she enters her senior season as the most dominant and physically overwhelming player in SWVA.

2. Caroline Harris & Makaylan Luttrell — George Wythe | Junior & Senior Guards (Class 1)

Harris returns as a First Team All-State guard and key leader of the Class 1 State Champion George Wythe Lady Maroons. She’s one of the region’s most complete two-way guards—high IQ decision maker, skilled scorer, and tough defender. With two years left, her ceiling remains incredibly high.

A returning First Team All-State guard, Luttrell brings toughness, scoring, and championship pedigree. She plays with confidence, controls the pacing of George Wythe’s offense, and provides high-level defensive pressure. As a senior and defending state champion, she remains one of the safest bets for elite production.

3. Kaiden Harris — Virginia High | Sophomore Forward (Class 2)

One of the fastest-rising young stars in the area, Harris averaged a double-double (9.9 PPG & 10.0 RPG) as a freshman — a rare feat at the Class 2 level. Her size, rebounding instincts, and scoring touch make her one of the best long-term prospects on this entire list. With another year of development and an expanded role at VA High, Harris is primed for a major breakout and could easily finish the year as a Top 2 player in SWVA.

4. Carey Keene — Honaker High | Senior Forward (Class 1)

Keene, a Second Team All-State selection, is among the strongest interior players in Class 1. She brings a reliable scoring presence, physical rebounding, and leadership to Honaker’s frontcourt. Her combination of experience and size anchors the Tigers and earns her the final spot in the Top 5.

5. Kenzie Gillenwater — Twin Springs High | Senior Guard (Class 1)

A Second Team All-State selection, Gillenwater is a pure competitor. She brings steady scoring, perimeter defense, and veteran leadership to Twin Springs. Her versatility and clutch play make her one of the most dangerous guards in the region, and she enters her senior year ready to elevate her team.

Other Returning Players To Watch

These players round out one of the deepest returning groups SWVA has seen in recent years. Expect breakout seasons, major stat jumps, and several future All-State names from this list.

Alexa Vineyard - X.com (@AlexaV_13)

Class 1

• Karsyn Reed — Narrows | Junior Guard

• Emma Ross — Twin Springs | Sophomore Guard

• Tinley Worley — Bland County | Senior Guard

• Drew Damron — Central Wise| Junior Forward

• Jalynn Rodgers — Rye Cove | Senior Guard

• Braelie Welch — Thomas Walker | Sophomore Guard

• Madi Marcum — Thomas Walker | Senior Forward

• Julianna Farmer — Honaker | Sophomore Forward

• Alexa Vineyard — Rural Retreat | Sophomore Forward

Class 2

• Macey Osborn — Marion | Senior Guard

• Kearson Carter — Radford | Junior Guard (20.9PPG, 5.8RPG, 5.8SPG in 2024)

• Aubrey Moore — Central Wise | Sophomore Guard

• Kinley Huff — Lee High | Junior Guard

• Katelynn Witt — Union | Junior Guard

• Kadance Bowman — Graham | Junior Forward

• Madison Davis — VA High | Sophomore Forward (9.5PPG, 9.0RPG)

• Chloe Couch — Lebanon | Senior Guard (1st Team SWD)

Chacha Ratcliff Calfee - Photo By Turner & Co Photography

Class 3

• Palyn Sweet — Pulaski County | Junior Guard

• Chacha Ratcliff Calfee — Pulaski County | Sophomore Guard

• Sophia Russell — Christiansburg | Junior Guard

One thing is clear — SWVA girls’ basketball has no shortage of stars. These athletes are ready to put on a show all season long, and we can’t wait to cover every moment. Buckle up. This year is going to be fun.

Editors Note: Don’t hate me if I left someone out. Late nights and early mornings make my brain a little foggy. If you feel you deserve to be on this list send me your stats from last season, and some highlights and I will make your own post if I agree! Good luck to all players this season!!