The NCHSAA girls’ basketball regular season tips off Friday.

Do area high teams have what it takes to stand out in their conferences and perhaps make deep playoff runs? Here is a list of area NCHSAA and private-school players you need to pay attention to during the 2025-2026 season.

Leah Johnson, Croatan: The sophomore forward was third-team all-area last year after she averaged 10 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game for the Cougars, who went 18-2 overall, 10-0 in the Coastal Conference and advance to the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs.

Neely McMannen, Croatan: The senior guard was first-team all-area after she averaged 15.6 points, 4.1 steals, 3.5 rebounds and three assists.

Lily Borden, Dixon: The sophomore guard was second-team all-area after she averaged 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.8 assists for the Bulldogs, who were 5-16 overall and 2-8 in the Coastal Conference.

Kailei Dawsey, Dixon: The senior forward looks to play a bigger role after she averaged 3.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals.

Kinsey Cave, East Duplin: The junior guard was first-team all-area after she averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.4 steals for the Panthers, who went 25-3 overall, 12-0 in the East Central Conference and advanced to the fourth round of the NCHSAA playoffs.

Zakoya Farrior, East Duplin: The senior guard is an experienced player, as she averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists.

Destini Benton, Jacksonville: The junior guard was third-team all-area after she averaged nine points, 3.3 steals, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists for the Cardinals, who went 18-7 overall, 9-3 in the Big Carolina Conference and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs.

Izabella Hernandez, Jacksonville: The junior guard was second-team all-area after she averaged 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals.

Emma Radcliffe, Jacksonville: The senior forward looks to play a larger role after she averaged 5.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals.

Emma Goodson, Jacksonville Christian Academy: The sophomore guard looks to take on a larger role after she averaged 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals for the Conquerors, who went 14-8 overall.

Alexis Paradysz, Jacksonville Christian Academy: The junior center also hopes to step up her game after she averaged 5.3 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

Madison McQueen, Lejeune: The junior was third-team all-area after she averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals and two assists for the Devilpups, who were 3-18 overall and 2-8 in the Coastal Plains Conference.

Hollyn Thigpen, Liberty Christian: The junior guard hopes to elevate her game after she averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 steals, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 assists for the Heat, which were 1-17.

Saniyah Serrano, Northside: The senior forward was third-team all-area after she averaged 6.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Monarchs, who were 7-10 overall and 3-9 in the Big Carolina Conference.

Madyson Wills, Northside: The senior center was second-team all-area after she averaged 12.9 points 11.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

Mia Wells, Richlands: The senior forward was second-team all-area after she averaged 10.5 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.9 assists for the Wildcats, who went 3-18 overall and 0-10 in the Coastal Conference.

Jade Dollar, Southwest: The senior forward looks to take on more of a leadership role after she averaged 4.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and one assist for the Stallions, who went 13-9 overall, 8-4 in the East Central Conference and advance to the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs.

Brinkeyanne Lucas, Southwest: The sophomore guard also hopes to play a larger role after she averaged 6.9 points, 1.7 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.

Grace Jass, Swansboro: The senior guard looks to contribute more after she averaged 3.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.2 assists for the Pirates, who went 14-7 overall, 8-2 in the Coastal Conference and qualified for the NCHSAA playoffs.

Addison King, Swansboro: The junior forward was second-team all-area after she averaged 10.1 points, eight rebounds, four steals and 1.7 assists.

Sidney Ferguson, White Oak: The sophomore guard was third-team all-area after she averaged 11.1 points, 1.5 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals for the Vikings, who were 6-13 overall and 5-5 in the Coastal Conference.

Aariel Jemison, White Oak: The senior forward averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 steals, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.