Ginnell Curtis, Birch’s head coach at SCISA 4A Northwood Academy, revealed on April 29 that the star senior guard for the Chargers will make her commitment decision on May 3. What gives intrigue to Birch’s upcoming big day is not only which school she will commit to but what sport she will choose. While Birch has become one of the premier names throughout the Palmetto State for her basketball exploits, she also has several scholarship offers on the table to play collegiate volleyball. Birch is a three-sport athlete who also has competed in the track and field realm. In her comeback season with Northwood Academy, she averaged a double-double of 19.4 points and 12.1 rebounds plus 4.1 assists and 3.9 steals a game to lead the Chargers to a berth in the SCISA 4A championship game.

Birch had a resurgent season for SCISA 4A Northwood Academy in her return from a knee injury. She competed in 28 games this past season averaging a double-double of 19.4 points and 12.1 rebounds to go alongside 4.1 assists and 3.9 steals per contest. Her stellar play led the Chargers back to the 4A state championship game – and this time Northwood Academy gave Heathwood Hall everything it could handle (and then some) at the Sumter County Civic Center. Birch recently announced on her social media account that she received an offer from Grayson College – a Texas junior college located close to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.

Birch just capped off her career with the Lady Chargers with a 2nd place finish to Heathwood Hall in SCISA Class 4A. Alayah missed all of her junior season with an injury. She came back strong this past year and produced 21 double-doubles.

Alayah averaged 19.4 ppg, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals this season for the Lady Chargers. She finished her career with 1,722 points, 771 rebounds, 395 steals and 382 assists. Alayah can play multiple positions on the floor and did that this season for the Lady Chargers. Her recruitment has ranged from UNC-Pembroke, Winston-Salem State, Francis Marion, South Carolina State, Spartanburg Methodist College and East Georgia State.

Birch currently has 1,526 career points for the Lady Chargers. Take in mind Alayah missed all of her junior season with an injury. She does a bit of everything here for her SCISA based program in Class 4A. Birch excels on the hardwood along with the volleyball court.

Alayah is having a big season averaging 18.2 ppg, 11.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.7 steals for the Lady Chargers (19-2).  She does a great job of rebounding the ball out of her area and from her position.

Alayah has the ability to rebound the ball and bring the ball up in transition for a basket on the other end. Birch climbed up from previously being ranked at #16 to #12 in the 2024 Palmetto State Class. Can she and the Lady Chargers get to the top this season in SCISA Class 4A?

If not for earlier defeats to 4A Westside and 5A Ashley Ridge, we may be talking about an unbeaten Northwood Academy team. The Chargers, who have played a heavy mid-season tournament slate, made the trip up Interstate 26 and earned a hard-fought 56-54 win over 4A Hartsville. With 25 points, Birch paved the way to victory for Northwood Academy. Her first season in the varsity ranks was as an eighth grader. Two other worthwhile elements Birch provides for the winning Chargers are the ability to haul in rebounds and to create additional possessions for her team with the steals she collects.

Birch is finally back for the Lady Chargers. Alayah has been out for the past year with an injury and just got cleared to play this week. She missed all of her junior year and this past Grassroots season.

Can she get the Lady Chargers back to the finals once again – but this time with a different outcome?

Birch can do it all for the Lady Chargers. Alayah joined the 1,000-point club last season as a sophomore. Alayah seems to be at her best out in transition and attacking the rim. She does have a nice mid-range game to deep defenders honest. She plays the game with a good basketball IQ and tends to be extremely unselfish on the floor.

Alayah picked up an offer from Charleston Southern University back earlier this summer.