Gayle not only put a dagger in Lovejoy, but Mid-Major coaches and even High Majors that dragged their feet and passed up on recruiting the Penn-signee. Gayle sparkled in River Ridge’s state title victory, hanging 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Gayle shot 11-19 from the field and 3-4 from three. Mataya will be a game-changer in the Ivy League once she gets accustomed to college ball. The best player on the best team in Georgia, talk of her being too inefficient with her shooting back in the summer seems like a distant laughable memory now.

The Penn-signee recorded 9 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. She showcased her ability to create separation on the perimeter, getting into her pull-up jumper. Gayle hit a long step-back inside the arc and her final bucket came on a three off the bounce. Mataya dealt with foul trouble, but was effective when on the floor, causing problems with her speed and athleticism.

When the Knights needed a play to be made, Mataya was the closer. The Penn-signee scored seven of her 15 points in the fourth quarter, hitting pull-ups and floaters in traffic. Gayle lifted River Ridge to a quick lead with an early three and led wire-to-wire. Her quickness and bursts of speed to basket caused issues. She was patient against the press and was able to deliver cross court passes to keep the defense moving. Gayle collected 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks to her robust stat line as the Knights held on at Buford Arena 53-51, winning without two starters.

The Penn-signee dropped 17 of her game-high 26 points in the second half to answer any run Brookwood would piece together. Gayle, who also tallied 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal, was electric with her elusive playmaking. She scored from all three levels throughout the game with her best stretch coming in an 11-point third quarter in which Gayle had a highlight spin move to the rim where she finished with her left hand and subsequently hit a running bank shot as the shot clock expired, netted a three from the corner and then hit a pull-up jumper. Gayle is as good as any guard in the entire state and she proved it again on the big stage.

The Penn-commit guided River Ridge to a school-best 28-2 record a season ago, averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.5 steals. Gayle’s elite athleticism allows her to dart in and out of traffic to set up open looks for herself and her teammates. She has worked on her three-point shot, turning it into a real weapon.

Mataya Gayle Mataya Gayle 5'7" | PG River Ridge | 2023 State GA committed to Penn right before she secured her second-straight League MVP, averaging 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals. Gayle rose her level of play against top opponents. She led the League in scoring and assists, proving to be the top point producer.

No. 4 – Shooting efficiency isn’t an issue for Mataya Gayle Mataya Gayle 5'7" | PG River Ridge | 2023 State GA , who has proven to be an above average three-point shooter this offseason. The All-State point guard averaged 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.5 steals, leading River Ridge to their best season in school history with 28 wins. Gayle has garnered a handful of Mid-Major and Low Major offers. Her elite athleticism, two-way impact and consistency make her special.