By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
The 2025-26 high school girls basketball season across South Central Texas delivered elite performances, deep playoff runs and championship-level teams, highlighted by Westlake’s dominant march to the Class 6A Division II state championship game and Glenn’s run to the Class 5A Division I state final.
The Austin Sports Journal recognizes the top players and coaches who defined the season with the 2026 All-South Central Texas Girls Basketball awards. You can find the all-area teams here.
Miss Austin Basketball
Tamia King, Westlake, senior post
Westlake’s Tamia King (15) dribbles around a Lancaster defender during the UIL girls basketball Class 6A Division II state championship on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
King was the anchor of the most dominant team in the region, leading Westlake to a 40-1 record and a trip to the Class 6A Division II state championship game. A Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) all-state and all-region selection, King’s impact went far beyond the box score, controlling the paint defensively and setting the tone for a team that overwhelmed opponents all season.
Past winners
2025: Reese Hoadley, Georgetown
2024: Somo Okolo, Glenn
Small School Player of the Year
Anna Marie Whitworth, Mason, senior center
Flatonia’s Summer Sodek (2) defends Anna Marie Whitworth (32) of Mason as she puts up a layup during a UIL girls basketball Class 2A Division I Region IV championship game on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Whitworth put together one of the most complete seasons in the area, averaging 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while leading Mason to the Class 2A Division I state championship game. A district most valuable player and TABC all-state and all-region selection, Whitworth dominated on both ends of the floor and consistently delivered in high-pressure moments.
Past winners
2025: Ally Ihler, Salado
2024: No award given
Offensive Player of the Year
Libby Lee, Glenn, junior guard
Glenn’s Libby Lee (42) drives to the basket during the UIL girls basketball Class 5A Division I state championshi on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Lee was the offensive catalyst for one of the top teams in the state, leading Glenn to the Class 5A Division I state championship game with a dynamic, all-around scoring ability. A Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all-state and all-region selection, Lee averaged 13.7 points per game while also impacting every phase offensively, adding 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest. Whether creating her own shot or facilitating for others, Lee consistently delivered against top competition, making her the most impactful offensive players in South Central Texas this season.
Past winners
2025: Gabby Mundy, Liberty Hill
2024: Gianna Angiolet, Westlake
Defensive Player of the Year
Jillian Shirk, Austin High, senior guard
Austin High’s Jillian Shirk (0) drives to the basket during a District 26-6A women’s basketball game at Austin High School on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Shirk was the most disruptive defensive force in the area, earning district defensive player of the year honors while rewriting the Austin High record books. She set school records for steals and deflections in both a season and a career, averaging 4.0 steals per game and consistently taking opposing offenses out of rhythm. Whether applying on-ball pressure or jumping passing lanes, Shirk’s ability to create turnovers and shift momentum made her the clear choice.
Past winners
2025: Somo Okolo, Glenn
2024: Kennedy Carlyle, Cedar Park
Newcomer of the Year
Geralynn Byers-Veal, Westlake, freshman guard
Westlake’s Geralynn Byers-Veal (30) takes a free throw attempt during a Class 6A Division II girls basketball bi-district playoff game on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 at the Burger Center in Austin, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Byers-Veal made an immediate impact on one of the best teams in the state, earning TABC all-state and all-region honors while helping Westlake reach the Class 6A Division II state championship game. Playing a key role on a 40-1 team, she showed the poise of a season veteran poise and quickly established herself as one of the top rising players in the area.
Past winners
2025: Zo’Nai Cook, Bastrop
2024: Maddie Broxterman, Vandegrift
Six-Man of the Year
Kallahan Erps, Liberty Hill, junior center
Liberty Hill’s Kallahan Erps (32) passes the ball during a District 25-5A women’s basketball game at the Panther Den at Liberty Hill High School on Friday, Jan. 24, 2024 in Liberty Hill, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Erps provided a consistent and physical presence off the bench for the Lady Panthers, playing a key role in the Panthers’ rotation throughout the season. Averaging 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, she brought energy, rebounding and interior toughness in crucial stretches, often helping shift momentum when she entered the game. Her ability to produce efficiently while embracing a reserve role made her one of the most valuable sixth players in South Central Texas.
Past winners
2025: No award given
2024: Ahnna Briener, Cedar Park
Coach of the Year
Vickie Benson, Westlake
Westlake head coach Vickie Benson watches from the sideline during the UIL girls basketball Class 6A Division II state championship on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (MIhcael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)
Westlake set the standard for excellence this season, finishing 40-1 and advancing to the Class 6A Division II state championship game. The Chaparrals consistently dominated top competition, combining elite defense, depth and discipline throughout the year. Guiding a team to that level of sustained success in the state’s highest classification makes Benson the clear choice for coach of the year.
Past winners
2025: Chris Lange, Liberty Hill
2024: Tiffany Litton, Vandegrift
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