2025 Junior Player of the Year Finalists Pt 2

Inspired by the Miss Basketball award, which seeks to honor the best senior basketball players in the state, we wanted to add our flavor to postseason awards. Danyle and I have collaborated to determine a list of deserving high school prospects for every grade that we wish to nominate as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Player of the Year Finalists.   This award emphasizes individual accomplishments and performances during the 2024-25 season. Prospects who compete on teams that excel in their division, conference, and against competitive teams were prioritized. To be included as a finalist, a player must have played for a high school team ranked by an authoritative girls basketball resource and demonstrated consistent impactful performances throughout the season. Two Player of the Year Finalists will be selected for each grade. The girls chosen are those who we believe impact their team with such significance that their team would not be in the same competitive category without them. Their performance throughout the scope of this season stands above other finalists and makes them the most deserving recipient of what we hope will be a highly respected award for years to come. This is our attempt to offer a fresh award to several of the best basketball players in the state, on the best teams in the state. Here are seven of our 2025 Junior Player of the Year Finalists.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/03/2025-junior-player-of-the-year-finalists-pt-1/">Read Junior Player of the Year Finalists Pt 1</a>    Jaebri'an made her presence felt in several statistical categories for Detroit Renaissance this season. She competes relentlessly on both ends, which, combined with her athleticism and skills, gives the Phoenix a clear advantage on the court. J.B. was player of the game in the PSL City Championship as Renaissance defeated Mumford 55-51 and Player of the Game in a 64-42 win against South Lake. She turned in an impressive double-double against a great Chicago Bolingbrook team with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals. J.B. is a team captain, made the All-City Team, three-time PSL champ, and state semi-finalist. She helped Renaissance earn statement wins against DEPSA, Dexter, Grand Blanc, Cass Tech, and Mumford.     Mariah is lightning-quick and has been a dynamic player again for Wayne Memorial this season. She's excelled in multiple categories, averaging 17.7 points, 4.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game. Mariah has earned three KLAA All-Conference awards and two All-Conference Select Team awards. She helped the Zebras to a 16-6 record and KLAA-East title, with statement wins against Belleville, Goodrich, Livonia Stevenson, and Howell. Mariah will continue her academic and athletic career at Temple University.     Christina had a phenomenal season for Haslett as the Vikings finished 19-3, with an undefeated conference record (10-0) to win the CAAC-Red title. She averaged 16.3 points, five rebounds, 2.6 steals, and one assist per game. Christina is explosive when driving to the basket and has acrobatic finishing abilities. She can also rip nylon from beyond the arc, evidenced by her six triples and 32 points Fowlerville. Christina proved she could produce against next-level guards by dropping 27 points in a statement win versus Country Day. She ignited a Vikings comeback with her 15 points against Muskegon at The Platform, earning PGH Impact Player recognition. Haslett added quality wins against Portland, St. Johns, and Leslie. They're a serious contender and Christina is a huge contributor to their success.     Goodrich finished undefeated in the Flint Metro League again this season (10-0) and Kayla was a major contributor to their success. She averaged 11.3 points (53% EFG, 47% FG, 28% 3PT) 3.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game. Kayla led the Martians to a 50-19 win against Linden in the championship game with 25 points and seven steals. Kayla produced a double-double against Dow with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and added four steals. She dropped 16 points against Swartz Creek and 17 points with four assists against Flushing. The Martians secured quality wins versus Midland Dow, Cass City, and Grand Blanc. Kayla's twitchy handles, active defense, and perimeter shooting make her a handful for opponents. She will be joining Northwood University after graduation.     Jayla was outstanding for Country Day all season, helping the team to a 16-5 record with statement victories against Grass Lake, Dexter, Clarkston, St. Mary's Prep, Stoney Creek, and West Bloomfield. Jayla averaged 18 points, four rebounds, three steals, and 2.5 assists per game. She scored over 20 points in nine games with a career-best 10 steals against Trenton. Jayla scored 29 points with nine steals versus Stoney Creek and dropped 22 points with seven steals and five assists against a great Grass Lake team.     Makayla competes with a fiery passion and scrappy demeanor on the court--that's always been an admirable quality of her game. She has excellent court vision, two-way instincts, and is an extremely efficient shooter. Makayla is a floor general and sparkplug who helped Tecumseh become a top contender in D2 and one of the best teams in the state. She averaged 12.8 points, (58% 2PT, 35% 3PT), 3.2 assists (1.56 Ast/TO ratio), and two steals per game. She shot 87% from the free-throw line and made 32 triples this season. Makayla delivers excellent entry passes into the post and disrupts ball-handlers with her defensive pressure. Tecumseh finished 21-1 (10-0 SEC-White) with statement wins against Temperance Bedford, Detroit Edison, Chelsea, Lumen Christi, Detroit Renaissance, and Northville. They are the favorite to challenge Gabriel Richard in the playoffs.     Portland finished the season 19-3 with statement wins against Frankenmuth, Holt, St. Johns, and East Lansing. They conquered the conference with an undefeated (10-0) record, winning the CAAC-White title. Lilly stepped into the spotlight and shined for the Raiders in big games. Portland pulled off an impressive opening night win against Frankenmuth on the road. Lilly poured in 13 points with three triples and sank the game-winning free throw. Her determined defense and hustle plays tipped the scales in Portland's favor. Lilly led the Raiders with 18 points against Forest Hills Northern and 19 points, five steals against G.R. Catholic Central. She contributed in every category this season, averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. Lilly averaged 13.8 shots a game and had a 42% EFG. She was our Jan. 5th-11th Player of the Week and made All-Tournament at The Platform. Lilly was included in the Detroit Free Press Top 100 Players article and was selected as athlete of the week by multiple news stations this season.

Inspired by the Miss Basketball award, which seeks to honor the best senior basketball players in the state, we wanted to add our flavor to postseason awards. Danyle and I have collaborated to determine a list of deserving high school prospects for every grade that we wish to nominate as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Player of the Year Finalists.