The 2025-26 winter season is getting underway, so it’s time to take a look at the top returning girls basketball players around the state.

Unfortunately, one of the obvious choices — junior wing Kaitlyn Siegner of Crane, a two-time all-state selection and Class 1A co-player of the year last year, averaging 19.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, five assists and five steals — tore her ACL during volleyball season and will miss the basketball season.

Mayenabasi Akpan, Sr., South Medford

The 6-3 center announced herself at the 6A state tournament her sophomore year, when she broke the tournament record for rebounds held by Cameron Brink to help the Panthers win the title. She was the Southwest Conference player of the year as a junior, averaging 15.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, and signed with San Diego State last month. “She had an outstanding summer with Cal Stars EYBL and was one of the most dominant rebounders statistically in the country,” said coach Tom Cole. “Her confidence has continued to grow offensively, and her athleticism is truly unique. She is able to impact the game on both sides of the ball and is one of the best athletes in the state of Oregon.”

Ayla Arnold, Sr., West Linn

Arnold was a first-team all-Three Rivers League selection last season for the Lions, averaging 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals.

Jordan Barlow, Sr., South Medford

The Sacramento State signee was thrust into the point guard role for the Panthers after the departure of Taylor Young to Crater, and she thrived at the position, making the all-SWC second team while averaging 7.8 points and 3.6 assists. “She has learned a lot since last year,” said coach Tom Cole. “She’s much more poised and comfortable and has improved her offensive and defensive game over the summer. Her speed, length and motor are tremendous assets.”

Olivia Bennett, Sr., Cascade

Cougars coach Glenn Norris called his 4A all-state honorable mention guard “a difference maker with her ability to score from anywhere and create shots for others.” Bennett averaged 10.1 points, three assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals in helping Cascade place fifth at state. “Improved team depth should give Olivia more opportunities to shine,” Norris said.

Ava Bergeson, Sr., La Salle Prep

The 6-1 wing recently signed with UNLV following a junior season that saw her win co-NWOC player of the year and second-team all-state honors, averaging a double-double (14.9 points, 11.5 rebounds) to go with 3.9 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.2 blocks. She has over 1,100 career points and 800 career rebounds. “Ava is the engine of our team and has been for three years,” said coach Lucas Fiorante. “She is playing free and with a new sense of confidence in her game. Some of Ava’s greatest strengths never show up in a box score, though. She is an emotional leader in all the right ways—she plays with passion, competes, and genuinely loves the game and the people she plays it with.”

Love Lei Best, Soph., Tualatin

Cameron Brink. Jazzy Davidson. We’ve been treated to some of the nation’s best talents in the metro area the past few years, and the next to come down the pike is Best, who offered a taste of what’s to come last year in leading the Timberwolves to the 6A title, averaging 15.1 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 steals as a first-team all-state selection. “Love is the perfect point guard to lead a team,” said coach Wes Pappas. “She’s one of the best point guards in the nation. She has a super-high basketball IQ, sees the floor amazingly well and is a massively competitive kid.”

Kaylor Buse, Jr., West Linn

Buse was the Three Rivers League defensive player of the year and a 6A all-state honorable mention selection as a sophomore, stuffing the stat sheet by averaging 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.4 steals and 1.2 blocks.

Kalyn Christ, Sr., Summit

The 6-0 wing has committed to Division II University of Tampa after earning 5A all-state honorable mention as a junior, averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks to lead the Storm to the state tournament. “Kalyn has shown a lot of growth in her abilities on and off the court,” said coach Henry Rogers. “She has grown to be incredibly deliberate with the ball and makes correct reads and plays with intentionality. Kalyn is also respected deeply by all her teammates and has stepped into a role that is both encouraging and constructive.”

Carly Corder, Sr., Seaside

The Seagulls have a veteran group coming off their first 4A state tournament trip since 2017, but their “tried and true,” as coach Marla Olstedt called Corder, led the way as an honorable mention all-state selection, averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and three steals in 28 minutes a game. “She has the ability to take over offensively and continues to show her leadership skills and maturity,” Olstedt said. “She has the ability to make plays on both offense and defense and can make plays for her teammates, too.”

Kaylee Cordle, Sr., South Albany

Cordle will enjoy one final season playing for her father, Marc, with the RedHawks before heading to play at Lewis-Clark State in Idaho. The 5-8 wing helped them reach the cusp of the program’s first 5A state title in March, averaging 14 points and five rebounds. “She is a senior and a veteran in our program,” Coach Cordle said. “She brings leadership and knowledge that will help us be successful.”

Peyton Daggett, Sr., La Grande

The all-state honorable mention selection averaged 8.4 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists to help the Tigers finish sixth at the 4A tournament and post their first 20-win season since 2016.

Kendall Dawkins, Soph., Tualatin

Dawkins might get lost in the shadow of some of her more bally-hooed teammates, but the 6-foot guard is a defensive stalwart in their amoeba-like press and averaged 10.4 points and six rebounds for last year’s 6A champs. “Kendall has a tremendous work ethic,” said coach Wes Pappas. “She’s a three level scorer and a tough-as-nails defender.”

Taylor Donaldson, Sr., South Albany

Donaldson has been at the forefront of the revival of two RedHawks programs, leading the volleyball team to back-to-back 5A state titles and the basketball team to within seconds of capturing its first championship in March. Now, the University of Wyoming signee looks to build off a campaign that saw her average 23 points and eight rebounds in earning first-team all-state honors. “She had a great club season over the winter,” said coach Marc Cordle. “She’s a veteran in our program.”

Rowan Evans, Sr., La Grande

The Tigers made it back to the 4A state tournament for the first time since the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID pandemic, and now they’ll look to their top scorer and second-team all-state selection, who averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.5 assists, to get them back after they placed sixth in March.

Ruby Foord, Jr., Beaverton

The second-team all-Metro League selection will look to help the Beavers return to the Chiles Center after a two-year absence after averaging 12 points, six rebounds and 2.1 steals a year ago.

Love Forde, Jr., Nelson

Forde is a force in the interior for the Hawks, receiving 6A all-state honorable mention as a sophomore when she averaged 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Ceanna Forney, Soph., Jesuit

Forney had a solid first season with the Crusaders, with the 6-5 post winning Metro League defensive player of the year and first-team all-league honors after averaging nine points, seven boards and five blocks as a freshman. “She is a true paint defender and a gifted shot-blocker who anchors our D,” said coach Jason Lowery. “As a talented post, she is the hub of our halfcourt offensive attack. Her as a post threat opens things for our offense and her teammates.”

Kiara Green, Sr., Century

Green had an immediate impact when she arrived from Hil-Hi last season, averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks and leading the Jaguars to a 15-game improvement. She signed with Howard University last month. “Kiara has been an absolute joy to coach,” said coach Eddie Littlefield. “Her growth over the summer has been tremendous, and her maturity and commitment to development have elevated everyone around her.”

Sailor Hall, Jr., Springfield

Hall was the Millers’ leading scorer last year at 16 points per game to go with 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals to make the 5A all-state honorable mention list and lift them to the sixth-place trophy at state.

Breeci Hampton, Jr., Stayton

The former Cascade transfer had an immediate impact on the eventual 4A state champion Eagles, earning second-team all-state honors running the point while averaging 13.8 points and 4.2 assists.

Reagan Heiken, Jr., Philomath

Heiken won 4A player of the year honors following a sophomore season that saw her lead the Warriors in scoring (12.5 ppg), rebounding (6.5) and steals (2.7) while shooting 52.1% from the field for the state finalists.

Camryn Herzberg, Soph., Southridge

Herzberg flashed the potential to play D-1 ball during a fantastic freshman campaign during which she averaged 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals to make the all-Metro League first team.

Dyllan Howell, Sr., South Medford

The third Panther to sign with a Division I school last month will join Barlow at Sacramento State after the 5-11 wing received 6A all-state honorable mention as a junior, averaging 11.1 points and four rebounds. “She had a great summer and has developed significant confidence in her ability to score from multiple places on the floor,” said coach Tom Cole. “Her defensive ability has also improved.”

Reese Jordan, Sr., West Linn

For all the talent in the Three Rivers League last season, it was Jordan who won player of the year honors, with the Washington State signee also earning second-team all-state recognition after averaging 15.8 points, six rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.3 steals to lead the Lions to fourth place at the state tournament.

Jayla Lackey, Soph., Benson

Lackey worked in the offseason to improve her strength as the 6-2 post looks to build off a freshman campaign that saw her earn first-team all-PIL honors and draw an invite from USA Basketball to participate in the 2025 Women’s U16 National Team trials.

Millie Lathen, Soph., Grants Pass

Lathen helped the Lady Cavers reach the second round of the 6A playoffs last year as a freshman, averaging 11.1 points, four rebounds and three assists as a second-team all-Southwest Conference selection. First-year coach Ethan Lackey said that an emphasis for her in the offseason was “making an impact without scoring, and she has found the ability to do that with her rebounding and on-ball defense. Millie also has great vision in the full-court, which allows our team to get out and run. She is not settling on offense; she has a will to get to the rim.”

Devan Lee, Sr., St. Helens

The Lions’ 5-7 point guard averaged 16.2 points, five rebounds, three steals and 2.3 assists while also getting her hand on four deflections to earn Cowapa League player of the year honors. She plans to major in engineering at Oregon State. “Devan is such a strong point in our program,” said coach Jillian Ross. “She isn’t just a scorer, but she is a vocal leader. Everyone wants a Devan on their team, and we are lucky enough to have her.”

Mylie Lempea, Sr., Knappa

Lempea has played an integral role in turning around a program that went eight years between winning seasons before her arrival, leading them to 60 wins in her first three seasons and back-to-back 2A state tournaments for the first time since 2002-03. The first-team all-state point guard averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.4 steals as a junior. “Mylie is a tone-setter for our program,” said coach Tracie Brockey. “I love her passion for the game. She helps us live out our core covenants — unity, integrity and respect. I’m not ready for her and her classmates to be seniors.”

Sara Mangan, Sr., Southridge

The reigning Metro League player of the year and 6A second-team all-state selection signed with the University of Portland following a junior season that saw her average 17.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.6 steals to lead the Skyhawks to a sixth-place trophy at state.

Samarah Massey, Sr., Benson

Massey is one of the top unsigned shooting guards in the state coming off a junior season in which she made the all-PIL first team to help the Astros reach the 6A second round.

Alyssa McMullen, Sr., Amity

McMullen was one of the critical players who led the Warriors to the program’s first 3A state title after five previous finals appearances, averaging 14 points to earn second-team all-state honors. “Alyssa has been rock-solid for our program for three years now,” said her coach and father, Jed. “She is our long-range shooter and really helps us stretch the defense. I’m proud that she has been working on attacking the basket this offseason.”

Ries Miadich, Sr., Tualatin

Miadich is another underrated role player for the 6A state champions, earning second-team all-Three Rivers League last season when the 5-8 guard averaged 8.7 points and 2.6 steals. “She’s another strong 3-point shooter who has really developed a scorer’s mentality,” said coach Wes Pappas.

Gabi Moultrie, Sr., Wilsonville

The 5-8 guard, the younger sister of Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, is on pace to join Jill Noe (2,003 points from 1999-2002) as the second Wildcat to score 2,000 career points after the 5A all-state first-teamer averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 assists, 4.7 steals and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 34.8% from deep as a junior, bringing her career total to 1,667 points. She signed with Utah Valley last month.

Mylaena Norton, Sr., Redmond

The 5-6 point guard led the Panthers to their second Intermountain Conference title in a row and a fifth-place finish at the 5A state tournament — the first time they made consecutive state appearances since 1986-87 — earning IMC player of the year and second-team all-state honors after averaging 9.8 points, three assists and 2.3 steals.

Dara Oluwafemi, Jr., Beaverton

Oluwafemi shined in her first season with the Beavers after transferring from Westview, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals to earn first-team all-Metro League honors. “Dara means a lot to our program with her scoring and defending,” coach John Naro said of his 5-9 combo guard. “I am looking to her to lead this team by being the example on both sides of the court. I see improvements in her strength and ability to score in different ways — from driving to shooting 3s.”

Alex Padilla, Sr., Tualatin

Padilla doesn’t put up big numbers for the Timberwolves, but that’s not where the 6-1 post who recently signed with Portland State makes her bones. “Alex is the best defender in the state,” said coach Wes Pappas. “You can put her anywhere on the floor, and she will absolutely wreck the other team’s offense.”

Clara Persons, Sr., Regis

The 5-5 point guard will head to Bushnell University in Eugene to play next year, but first, she looks to lead the Rams back to the 3A playoffs (she was a second-team all-state selection for Regis as a sophomore) after helping Salem Academy win the 2A title last year, earning first-team all-state honors while averaging 15 points and three steals. “This year, she is back and was welcomed with open arms,” said second-year coach Tim Manning. “Clara is a leader by example. She is always the first one to the gym and the last to leave. She is indispensable to our team and just a great kid overall.”

Molly Rasmussen, Soph., Baker

Rasmussen helped lead the Bulldogs to a third-place finish at the 4A state tournament as a freshman, averaging 12 points and five rebounds as the 5-11 wing earned all-state honorable mention. “Molly showed a lot of growth last year as a freshman just with the experience of playing varsity basketball,” said coach Jason Ramos. “She was our most consistent performer this summer, and we saw her become more comfortable being in any situation — more assertive on the floor and essentially a real threat whenever she has the ball.”

Darissa Romero-Ah Sam, Sr., Springfield

Romero-Ah battled a bulged disc in her back for most of last season to be named Midwestern League co-defensive player of the year and earn second-team 5A all-state honors, averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, five assists and 4.8 steals.

Kathryn Samek, Jr., Stayton

Samek received 4A all-state first-team recognition following a sophomore campaign that saw her average 14.5 points and 5.3 rebounds for the state champion Eagles, including a game-high 18 points in their title-game win over Philomath.

Rozalyn Schmunk, Sr., Cascade

Schmunk improved from 4A all-state honorable mention selection as a sophomore to a first-team honoree last season, when she averaged 13.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals to help the Cougars place fifth at the state tournament. “Roz is a very athletic and versatile player who can fill up a stat sheet,” said coach Glenn Norris. “Her ability to play inside and out on both ends of the floor makes Roz a formidable opponent.”

Makayla Schroeder, Soph., Henley

The 6-0 post won Skyline Conference player of the year and first-team 4A all-state honors as a freshman, recording 20 double-doubles during the season and averaging 14.4 points and 12.1 rebounds to lead the Hornets to a fourth-place finish at state.

Emma Seubert, Sr., Country Christian

The Valley 10 Conference player of the year was also a first-team all-state selection, leading the Cougars to a sixth-place finish at the 1A state tournament while averaging eight points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Brooklynn Summers, Sr., McMinnville

Summers became a starter for the first time last season and blossomed as a 6-1 post complementing first-team all-state guard Macie Arzner, making the all-Pacific Conference first team while averaging 11 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Payton Starwalt, Jr., West Albany

Starwalt transferred from nearby Crescent Valley to joining the Bulldogs last year and emerged as one of the state’s top point guards, averaging 22 points — shooting 43% from distance and 90.2% at the foul line — 6.3 assists and three steals to earn second-team all-state and lead them to the 5A tournament. She has 21 Division I offers under her belt. “This player continues to impress me,” said coach Shawn Stinson. “She spends hours upon hours in the gym every week, getting stronger and becoming a great defensive player as well. She is the cornerstone of our team; she makes us go.”

Kelsey Stepleton, Sr., Vale

The Eastern Oregon League co-player of the year and second-team all-state selection averaged 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds to power the Vikings to a third-place finish at the 3A state tournament.

Nylah Vanthom, Jr., Banks

The first-team all-state point guard led Banks to within two points of a second 3A state championship in three years, also earning Coastal Range League defensive player of the year honors for the second straight year while averaging nine points, four assists and three steals last year. “She is a tremendous player on both ends of the floor and an even better kid,” said coach Nick Rizzo. “Her quickness on both the defensive and offensive ends present challenges for her opponents.”

Taylor Young, Sr., Crater

Young has been a winner at both the 6A and 5A levels, helping South Medford win a state championship in 2024 before returning home to join the Comets last season, leading them to the program’s first title while breaking the school’s single-season records for points (589; 21 ppg) and 3-pointers (57 on 37.3% shooting) to go with 3.7 assists and 4.4 steals. The Oregon State signee opened the year with 1,389 career points, then poured in a school-record 41 points in a season-opening win over Bend.

Nylah Webster, Jr., Nelson

The 5-10 combo guard is the daughter of former NBA player Martell Webster, who was picked sixth in the 2005 draft by the Trail Blazers and spent a decade in the league. Nylah was a first-team all-Mt. Hood Conference selection last year, averaging 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals for the Hawks.

Emma Zuniga, Sr., West Salem

The 5-10 wing is a two-time Central Valley Conference player of the year who earned 6A all-state honorable mention last year, when the Portland State signee averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. “Emma is dynamic on the court, highlighted by the fact she can play all five positions,” said first-year coach Justin Duke. “Her versatility, combined with a high basketball IQ and shotmaking ability, make her one of the top returning players in the state.”

— René Ferrán is a freelance reporter for The Oregonian/Oregon Live. René grew up in Portland and has written about high school sports in the Pacific Northwest since 1993, with his work featured at the Idaho Press Tribune, Tri-City Herald, Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, The Columbian and High School on SI. He can be reached at rferran.oregonianhssports@gmail.com