The Gatorade player of the year award is seen as the most prestigious individual award in girls basketball. This award considers not only on the court achievements but also academic and character off the court. As the basketball season is coming to a close I wanted to throw a few names out their to get the conversation started for the 2023-24 season. When taking these players into consideration we truly believe the most important thing is WINNING you have to will your team to the top 28 and be playing in Hammond this weekend which all these listed have made it. Although I think it's a clear who the winner will be this season it's a fun conversation to get started!
Check out these list below of previous winners:
Former Gatorade Player of the Year Awards
2023 - Mikaylah Williams - Parkway
2022 - Mikaylah Williams - Parkway
2021 - Jeriah Warren - LaGrange
2020 - Jerkaila Jordan - John Curtis
2019 - Tiara Young - Walker
2018 - Kourtney Weber - Ursuline Academy
2017 - Cara Ursin - Destrehan
2016 - Cara Ursin - Destrehan
2015 - Cara Ursin - Destrehan
2014 - Kalani Brown - Salmen
2013 - Kaitlyn Pratt - McDonough 35
2012 - Kuaneshia Baker - Helen Cox
2011 - Brandi Jeffrey - St. James
2010 - Theresa Plaisance - Vandebilt Catholic
2009 - Theresa Plaisance - Vandebilt Catholic
2008 - Kristi Bellock - John Curtis
2007 - Adrienne Johnson - Franklin
2006 - Whitney Jones - West Monroe
2005 - Whitney Jones - West Monroe
2004 - JoHannan McKnight - John Curtis
2003 - Katie Antony - Anacoco
2002 - Simone Augustus - Capitol
2001 - Simone Augustus - Capitol
2000 - Alana Beard - Southwood
1999 - Ashley Anthony - Anacoco
1998 - Takeisha Lewis - Pineview
1997 - Melshika Bowman - Peabody
1996 - Danielle Butler - Captain Shreve
1995 - Christie Sides - Central Private
1994 - Lesli Vollrath - Byrd
1993 - Maquisha Walker - Athens
1992 - Joskeen Garner - Florien
1991 - Racquel Spurlock - Donaldsonville
1990 - Treskessa Syas - St. Louis
1989 Danielle Whitehurst - Southfield
1988 - Shannon Gridley - Redemptorist
1987 - Shantel Hardison - Natchitoches Central
1986 - Derunzia Johnson - Caldwell Parish
Jada Richard - #1 Ranked 2024 State (97th Nationally) - Lafayette Christian Academy (LSU Signee)
Jada Richard's high school career has been nothing short of spectacular as she's scored over 3,000 career points and that's with just the 4 year stretch of being varsity eligible which is very impressive and she'll go down as one of the top scorers of all time Louisiana girls basketball! The one thing I want this article to get across is that Jada only has two more games left in her high school career and they both will be on the big stage of the state tournament at Hammond this week. If you claim to be a girls basketball fan you know there is no way you can miss this young ladies last two games as she's sure to put on a show. Jada Richard will be this years Gatorade Player of the year winner hands down... Do yourself a favor take the drive down to Hammond America grab some popcorn and enjoy the show because players of this caliber don't come around very often!
Thursday - 2:45pm vs Bunkie (Semifinals)
Saturday - 2:00pm vs. Madison Prep (State Title Game)
Chloe Larry -Parkway High School / Tennessee Tech Signee
Chloe Larry has been a household name in the state for some time now as her senior year has finally arrived. Some may also know her as the softball star on the diamond she also had a stellar career before giving up the sport to focus on basketball. To be able to perform at such a high level in two major sports is impressive to say the least and has been a lot of fun to watch her game grow. This year she's got Parkway back in the hunt to defend its state championship from last year! As the leader for this years squad she has lived up to the hype night in night out getting it done on the hardwood. She'll go on to play her college basketball at Tennessee Tech after signing with them in November earlier this year.
She'll defend her state championship tomorrow night with the details below:
Next Game: Thursday 6:15pm vs Walker (State Semifinals)
Whitney Hart - Liberty High School / Southern Mississippi Signee
Whitney Hart is coming off arguably the best game of her career in last weeks quarterfinal matchup versus Carencro she finished with 30+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5 blocks as the Lady Bears had no answer for the Southern Miss signee! Hart's game has grown from the "post" player to an all around basketball player at the forward position. We're really excited to see her on the big stage tomorrow night showcase her improved skillset as she continues to move her game further away from the basket you know her future college coaches have to be excited about that!
Come out at watch the 6'3 prospect compete on the big stage this week with the details below:
Next Game: Thursday 4:30pm vs John Curtis (State Semifinals)
Da'Naya Ross - Wossman High School (Unsigned Senior)
Da'Naya Ross is a two time defending state champion with Wossman where she has won state championship MVP back to back seasons! When you're looking for candidates for the Gatorade Player of the Year award it's important to look for WINNERS and she has proved she's one of the best at doing that as she has her team back trying for a three peat! Da'Naya Ross is the top unsigned senior prospect in the state and all college coaches should be taking a second look at this young ladies game!
Next Game: Wednesday 6:15pm vs Albany (State Semifinals)
Carley Hamilton - Huntington High School /Class 2025 #6 Ranked prospect
Carley Hamilton burst back on the the scene this year after having to sit out last season due to transfer ruling. She's the scoring threat for the Huntington Lady Raiders as they are one of the top teams in the state regardless of classification! Hamilton is an underclassmen and might be one season early for this list but next year she may be the preseason favorite being one of the best players on hands down the best team in the state of Louisiana! We expect a big summer season loading for Carley Hamilton and college coaches should be locked into her schedule.
Next Game: Thursday 1:00pm vs Woodlawn-BR (State Semifinals)
Chikae Desdunes - John Curtis High School /Class 2026 #1 Ranked prospect
Chikae Desdunes has been a household name in Louisiana for some time now. Despite only being a sophomore she's scored 1,500 career points and has done that at the highest of levels as John Curtis year in year out plays one of the toughest schedules. Desdunes will one day be the face of Louisiana girls high school basketball as she is already knocking on that door its hard to remember she's only a sophomore. The sophomore sensation is fun to watch check out her next game details below!
Next Game: Thursday 4:30pm vs Liberty (State Semifinals)
Comments