North Carolina’s Elite: Class of 2026 Girls Basketball Standouts

North Carolina’s Elite: Class of 2025–2026 Girls Basketball Standouts

By Gary Bell – Major Movez Media

North Carolina continues to be one of the deepest, most competitive girls basketball states in the country — from established program stars to rising EYBL talents making noise on the travel circuit. The 2025–26 group is stacked with elite guards, versatile wings, and future college impact players ready to dominate their senior seasons.

Here’s a breakdown of 13 standouts who represent the best of what the Tar Heel State has coming.

1. Oshauna Holland – 5’7 PG – Stuart W. Cramer | Carolina Flames | Wake Forest Commit

Holland is one of the most electric floor generals in the state. Her combination of pace, vision, and command in ball-screen action makes her a high-major guard ready to contribute early in the ACC. She scores with confidence, defends with pride, and has emerged as a vocal leader on and off the floor.

2. Miley Malcolm – 6’2 SG – Porter Ridge | Lady Attack Elite | Drexel Commit

Malcolm is one of the most unique prospects in North Carolina — a legitimate 6’2 shooting guard with perimeter skill and inside-out utility. She stretches the floor, creates matchup problems, and projects as a high-level collegiate wing at Drexel.

3. Kelsey Rhyne – 5’10 SG – Lake Norman | Southeast All Stars | Navy Commit

Rhyne brings length, shot-making, and a consistent scoring presence. At 5’10, she stretches the floor, rebounds well for a guard, and plays with the discipline and toughness that will translate well to Navy’s system. One of the most complete two-guards in NC.

4. Tia Bryant – 6’0 SF – NC GBB | Carolina All-Stars

Bryant’s physical profile and versatility make her a matchup problem. She attacks downhill with purpose, guards multiple positions, and uses her size to finish through contact. Bryant’s athletic ceiling and defensive upside make her one to watch closely.

5. Emma Montanari – 5’8 CG – East Lincoln | Lady Attack Elite | Drexel Commit

Montanari is a scoring guard with a deadly rhythm off the bounce. She shoots it well, reads pick-and-rolls like a seasoned guard, and competes with toughness. Drexel is getting a guard who can create her own shot and elevate a team offensively.

6. Autumn Washington – 5’11 SG/CG – Ardrey Kell

Washington has all the tools — size, shooting, slashing ability, and defensive versatility. Her ability to play either guard spot, combined with her frame and athleticism, gives her one of the highest long-term ceilings in the class.

7. Hannah Moss – 5’7 PG – Butler | Team Elite 3SSB | Western Carolina Commit

Moss is a high-level competitor who brings pace and toughness to the floor. She’s a strong decision-maker who can both score and distribute efficiently. Western Carolina gains a lead guard who embraces pressure and thrives in big moments.

8. Brook Evans – 5’10 SF – South Central | CP3 16 EYBL | North Carolina A&T Commit

Evans has produced against top EYBL competition with her length, athleticism, and slashing ability. She’s a tough finisher and a willing defender who can guard on the perimeter or in space. A&T is adding a hard-playing, high-motor wing.

9. Camri Hobbs – 6’0 SF – Mallard Creek | Carolina Flames | Western Carolina Commit

Hobbs brings size and smooth offensive skill to the wing. Her ability to hit tough midrange shots, rebound, and create mismatches makes her an immediate-impact prospect. Western Carolina continues to build momentum with recruits like Hobbs.

10. My’Asia Young – 5’9 CG – Mallard Creek | Western Carolina

Young is a smooth, confident combo guard who scores at all three levels. Whether she’s handling the ball or playing off the catch, she impacts the game offensively while also using her strength on defense. A strong addition to WCU’s future backcourt.

11. Kate Schindler – 6’0 CG – Marvin Ridge | Elevate Elite | Richmond Commit

At 6’0, Schindler brings size and versatility to the guard position. She shoots it with range, rebounds above her height, and plays with a high motor. Richmond gains a multi-dimensional guard who fits modern basketball perfectly.

12.Rayana Minard – 5’6 CG – Lake Norman | Lady Phoenix | North Carolina Central Commit

Minard is competitive, crafty, and fearless. She’s the type of guard who plays with an edge, attacks gaps relentlessly, and defends with intensity. NCCU is getting a tough shot-maker who plays bigger than her size and thrives in fast-paced systems.

13. Brianna Carelock – 5’5 PG – Winston-Salem Christian National | Lady Phoenix

Carelock is small in size but huge in impact. One of the toughest pure point guards in the class, she thrives in transition, pressures defenses with her quickness, and elevates teammates with her unselfish style. A true competitor with a high basketball IQ.

Final Thoughts

The state of North Carolina continues producing elite talent yearly — and this group proves the pipeline remains strong. From ACC-ready guards to versatile mid-major steals, these 13 players represent the heart of NC girls hoops: tough, skilled, and built for the next level.