The Big Wagu’s Southern WV Must Watch List: Girl’s Basketball

By: Greg Craft

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Southern West Virginia has long been a powerhouse in high school girls basketball, producing state champions, college recruits, and all-state standouts year after year. Programs like Wyoming East, Summers County, Greenbrier East, James Monroe, Logan, PikeView, Princeton, Riverview, Mt. View, and Woodrow Wilson continue to set the tone for high-level competition.

This year, The Big Wagu tracked down more talent than ever, turning this Watch List into one of the most stacked groups to date. After digging into stats, accolades, and team impact, here are the Top 5 players to watch in Southern West Virginia for 2025, followed by a deep pool of talented returners who are ready to make noise.

⭐Top 5 Players to Watch in Southern WV (2025)

1. Ella Botts — Summit Christian | Junior Guard

21.5 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.2 RPG — 2025 WVCAT & WVCEA State Champion

Botts headlines this year’s list as the most complete guard in Southern West Virginia. An explosive scorer with elite playmaking instincts, she can take over a game from the opening tip. Her combination of production, leadership, and championship experience makes her the undisputed No. 1 player to watch this season.

2. Kennedy Stewart — Greenbrier East | Senior Guard

18.3 PPG — First-Team All-State — WV Wesleyan Commit

Stewart returns as one of the most polished upperclassmen in WV. A three-level scorer with deep range, she is the centerpiece of a Greenbrier East program known for producing college-ready guards. With a commitment to West Virginia Wesleyan, she enters her senior season with confidence and a veteran’s command of the floor.

3. Mya Dunlop — James Monroe | Junior Guard

17.8 PPG — First-Team All-State

Dunlop brings toughness, shot creation, and big-game swagger. She has already established herself as a high-volume scorer in Class A, and her ability to elevate her team in critical moments makes her one of the most dangerous players in the state. Expect her to take another leap this season.

4. Zoey William — Woodrow Wilson | Sophomore Guard,

15 PPG, 5 RPG — Southern WV Freshman of the Year.

Standing at 6’1, William is one of the most intriguing underclassmen in the entire state. A long, smooth-shooting guard with elite upside, she creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. After earning Freshman of the Year, she is poised to explode as a sophomore with even bigger numbers and increased responsibility.

5. Chasity Kennedy — River View | Junior Guard

15.2 PPG, 3.6 SPG — First-Team All-State

Kennedy is one of the most disruptive defenders in WV high school basketball. Her 3.6 steals per game highlight her ability to flip momentum instantly, and she pairs that with consistent scoring and relentless energy. River View relies on her heavily — and she always delivers in big spots.

Other players to Watch:

This group is deep with breakout candidates, returning starters, all-state nominees, and future collegiate prospects. Expect many of these athletes to rise throughout the season.

Natalie Rose - Princeton Lady Tigers

• Abi Baker — Wyoming East

• Ava Workman — Greenbrier East

• Kaci Hatfield — River View

• Ashanti Bonds — Mount View

• Harmony Mills — Independence

• Tyler Burks — Princeton

• Natalie Rose — Princeton

• Brooklyn Crawley — Nitro

• Jocelyn Hall — Summit Christian

• Haven Deskins — Tug Valley

• Bailee Hall — Tug Valley

• Lacey Goodson — Independence

• Peyton Raban — Independence

• Destiny Farris — Greater Beckley Christian

• Jordan Hawks — Summit Christian

• Kyndall Lusk — Westside

• Alaina Evans — Chapmanville

Southern West Virginia has long been known for producing tough, skilled, and high-IQ basketball players — and this year’s group continues that tradition. From established all-state veterans to explosive young playmakers, these athletes are set to define the 2025 season with leadership, grit, and highlight-level talent.

One thing is certain: the southern half of West Virginia is stacked, hungry, and ready to put on a show. Keep your eyes on these names — they’re about to make this season unforgettable.

(If we missed you or you feel like you/someone you now deserves to be on this list, please DM us, or The Big Wagu on Facebook, your stats and highlights!)