Throughout Birch’s high school career, she has played multiple sports – including volleyball. On the basketball side of things with SCISA 4A Northwood Academy, she was a team co-captain and led the Chargers to an appearance in this past season’s championship game. Birch has been playing at the varsity level since she was an eighth grader. Playing in all 30 games for a Chargers team that finished its 2025-26 campaign with a 28-2 record, she averaged 19.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, five assists and 4.7 steals per contest. Birch was one of only two juniors on last season’s Northwood Academy team. Roughly a week ago, Birch landed an in-state offer from Lander. 

A noteworthy season for SCISA 4A Northwood Academy concluded with the Chargers finishing as state runners-up. Earlier in the season, the Chargers hosted 5A Division 1 public West Ashley. The result was a 67-21 victory for Northwood Academy – one that would see Birch grab her 600^th rebound. Birch has become accustomed to milestones as she reached 1,000 points two seasons ago. Her junior campaign with the Chargers would see her play in all 30 games for Northwood Academy. She averaged 19.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, five assists and 4.7 steals per game. Birch was one of only two from the 2027 class on this season’s Northwood Academy team. 

An all-around point guard with impressive stats. Birch has led her team to the state playoffs once again. Maliyah can score from deep or she can get downhill to the rim. She does a nice job of creating shots off the dribble and pass for her teammates. She is also quick and sneaky on the defensive end creating steals.

Two schools from the SCISA 4A ranks were represented on Sunday afternoon at the Pearl Moore Center. Northwood Academy was one of them with its core talent doing the honors for the green and purple on Team Leath. A backcourt stalwart for the Chargers, she throws defenses off guard with how she can drain 3-pointers and attack the rim. She may be a guard but her high basketball IQ enables her to get in positions to corral rebounds. Birch, another of the All-Tournament participants for the Passion Driven Showcase, led last season’s Northwood Academy team to the SCISA 4A state semifinals. 

Maliyah finished the season for the Lady Chargers making the Final 4 of the SCISA Class 4A Playoffs. Maliyah averaged 16.6 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.5 steals this past season. The Lady Chargers finished the year at (17-9).

Birch finished the season with 1,009 career points entering her junior year. Maliyah plays the game with a good basketball feel at all times. She understands on how to make reads up the floor to find an open teammate or advance to the bucket on her own.

Maliyah logs plenty of minutes every night and rarely leaves the game. She made the move up from #14 to #9 in this latest update of Stock-Risers.

Maliyah will look to take the lead this season with older sister Alayah moving onto Savannah State University to play. Maliyah sets the tone from out top with her play. She will penetrate-kick into the paint and find the open teammate. Maliyah will convert on short jumpers from the floor. She will finish at the rim with her left-hand. Maliyah really plays the game with good court awareness.

Birch averaged 8 ppg, 5 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season for the Lady Chargers (26-3).

With big sis Alayah now in the college ranks at Savannah State University, the younger Birch will be the focal point of all things SCISA 4A Northwood Academy for the next three seasons. The rising sophomore got her Friday at Riverview Park off to a great start by tallying 17 points in a 29-17 victory over 4A Midland Valley. Birch made her presence known from distance by connecting on long range attempts and also caused problems for the Mustangs on defense. In addition, Birch also managed to get out in transition and drew contact to get to the free throw line. Her skillset and still developing game will ensure another Birch will be at the collegiate level once 2027 arrives.