The HighSchoolOT girls basketball awards for the class of 2026 have turned the spotlight on a select group of fifth‑year seniors who have navigated the increasingly fluid landscape of high school reclassification.
Among them, Jaza Wilson of Asheville School arrives with a blend of scoring and defensive prowess, averaging 15.3 points per game while pulling down 6.3 rebounds and dishing out 1.5 assists. Her defensive contributions include 2.7 steals per game, and she shoots an impressive 36‑41‑67 split, having connected on 55 three‑pointers this season.
Jania Wilson, also from Asheville School, brings a different skill set, contributing 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.9 steals per game. She shoots at a 35‑24‑69 clip and has added 11 three‑point makes to her résumé.
Kennedy Jackson of Grace Christian in Sanford rounds out the trio of local standouts with 11.4 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and a modest 0.9 steals, while maintaining a 0.1 block average.
Kamryn Russell at The Burlington School has emerged as a playmaker, posting 14.3 points, 3.3 assists and 3.8 steals per game. She has drained 42 three‑pointers, underscoring her shooting range.
Lexi Powell from Wesleyan Christian completes the list with 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Her shooting percentages sit at 33‑30‑86, and she too has hit 42 three‑pointers, a feat that has attracted attention from West Liberty, a Division II program, where she plans to continue her career.
Looking Ahead
The recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the broader impact of reclassification on team dynamics and recruitment pathways across North Carolina.