Columbus Briggs Girls Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Young Team’s Grit and Growth
The 2025 winter season for the Columbus Briggs High School Girls Basketball team was one of remarkable growth, perseverance, and the kind of determination that can only come from a team with something to prove. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin Jones, the Lady Bruins battled through a challenging early stretch, found their identity, and ended the season not just with wins, but with a renewed sense of purpose and promise for the future.
Coach Jones led a notably young squad this season, comprised of five freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors, and a single senior. Despite their youth and inexperience, the team came together to set new standards for the program, including a school-record eight-game win streak and a dramatic run to the district semifinals.
Early Struggles, Lessons Learned
The season began with adversity. The Lady Bruins opened with six straight losses, including a painful second game in which they fought back from a 22-point deficit only to lose by two. But rather than letting early setbacks define them, the team used those losses as fuel.
“That loss stuck with the girls,” Coach Jones shared. “Adversity became a motivator instead of something they feared.” From that turning point, the team rallied—an emotional and physical reset that marked the beginning of their transformation.
Key Contributors Step Up
At the heart of the team’s success was freshman phenom Mali Woods-Laws (Class of 2028), a dynamic power forward/small forward hybrid who proved to be the emotional and strategic anchor of the squad. Averaging 18.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, Woods-Laws quickly established herself as one of the top players in the state, earning First Team All-City honors and honorable mention All-District. A natural leader with a tireless work ethic, she consistently led by example, never shying away from a challenge. Her 36-point, 18-rebound performance against Marion Franklin stands as one of the most dominant games in recent school history.
Another standout was Te’Asia Ray (Class of 2027), the team’s quick-handed and unselfish point guard. Averaging 12.5 points, 4 steals, and 3.5 assists per game, Ray’s court vision and lockdown defense became a cornerstone of Briggs' backcourt play. She embraced a greater scoring role as the season progressed and earned recognition as one of the top 15 players in her class statewide for steals.
One of the season’s breakout stories was freshman Na’Riyah “Ry” Sloan, who began the year on the bench but ended as a defensive force and starter. Sloan made headlines with a school-record 9 steals in a single game and regularly took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s top scorer. Her athleticism and competitive spirit gave Briggs a defensive edge down the stretch.
Sophomore E’quieria Woods-Laws, another vital piece, provided the glue that held the team together. Known for her willingness to do the “dirty work,” she brought grit, hustle, and selflessness to every possession, playing whatever role was needed for the team’s success.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
The turning point of the season came just a few games after their early slump. In a high-intensity matchup against their rivals, the Columbus Independence, Briggs fought through double overtime to emerge with a thrilling 46-45 win. The victory not only broke the team’s losing streak but also gave the players the belief that they could win the tough ones.
“That game was a defining moment,” said Coach Jones. “It allowed the girls to see that they’re able to win the close games.”
Momentum continued to build as the Lady Bruins went on to win eight straight games, the longest streak in school history. One of the streak’s highlights was a win over Columbus Eastmoor—the team’s first victory against Eastmoor in nine tries—proving how far they had come.
Postseason Push and a Bright Future
Briggs capped the season as Holiday Tournament champions and earned a spot in the district semifinals, an impressive feat for such a young group. Throughout the season, they showed resilience in the face of pressure and a willingness to respond to tough losses by locking in and improving.
While this year’s senior class was small, the leadership and cohesion developed among the underclassmen laid the foundation for a promising future. With most of the core returning and already training in the offseason, Coach Jones is optimistic.
“We overachieved with a young team,” he said. “They experienced heartbreak and winning, and they’re actually wanting to get better, working in the offseason and setting goals for the upcoming season.”
One of the primary goals for this summer? Increasing offseason participation. For a team built on hustle and heart, continued development and chemistry building will be key to sustaining and expanding their success.
Building a Legacy
Looking back, the 2025 season was about more than just wins and losses. It was about the growth of individuals, of leaders, and of a team culture that doesn’t back down. It was about turning early pain into late-season triumph, and proving that age is no match for heart.
With young stars like Mali Woods-Laws and Te’Asia Ray already making waves on a statewide level, and other rising talents like Na’Riyah Sloan and E’quieria Woods-Laws rounding out a solid core, the Lady Bruins are positioned to be a force in Ohio girls' basketball for years to come.
Stats for the season can be found on MaxPreps, where fans can follow the development of this inspiring group of athletes.
As Coach Jones and his squad look ahead to next season, the message is clear: the rebuild isn’t coming—it’s already here. And Columbus Briggs is ready to climb even higher.
, a dynamic power forward/small forward hybrid who proved to be the emotional and strategic anchor of the squad. Averaging 18.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, Woods-Laws quickly established herself as one of the top players in the state, earning First Team All-City honors and honorable mention All-District. A natural leader with a tireless work ethic, she consistently led by example, never shying away from a challenge. Her 36-point, 18-rebound performance against Marion Franklin stands as one of the most dominant games in recent school history.
Another standout was Te’Asia Ray (Class of 2027), the team’s quick-handed and unselfish point guard. Averaging 12.5 points, 4 steals, and 3.5 assists per game, Ray’s court vision and lockdown defense became a cornerstone of Briggs' backcourt play. She embraced a greater scoring role as the season progressed and earned recognition as one of the top 15 players in her class statewide for steals.
One of the season’s breakout stories was freshman Na’Riyah “Ry” Sloan, who began the year on the bench but ended as a defensive force and starter. Sloan made headlines with a school-record 9 steals in a single game and regularly took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s top scorer. Her athleticism and competitive spirit gave Briggs a defensive edge down the stretch.
Sophomore E’quieria Woods-Laws, another vital piece, provided the glue that held the team together. Known for her willingness to do the “dirty work,” she brought grit, hustle, and selflessness to every possession, playing whatever role was needed for the team’s success.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
The turning point of the season came just a few games after their early slump. In a high-intensity matchup against their rivals, the Columbus Independence, Briggs fought through double overtime to emerge with a thrilling 46-45 win. The victory not only broke the team’s losing streak but also gave the players the belief that they could win the tough ones.
“That game was a defining moment,” said Coach Jones. “It allowed the girls to see that they’re able to win the close games.”
Momentum continued to build as the Lady Bruins went on to win eight straight games, the longest streak in school history. One of the streak’s highlights was a win over Columbus Eastmoor—the team’s first victory against Eastmoor in nine tries—proving how far they had come.
Postseason Push and a Bright Future
Briggs capped the season as Holiday Tournament champions and earned a spot in the district semifinals, an impressive feat for such a young group. Throughout the season, they showed resilience in the face of pressure and a willingness to respond to tough losses by locking in and improving.
While this year’s senior class was small, the leadership and cohesion developed among the underclassmen laid the foundation for a promising future. With most of the core returning and already training in the offseason, Coach Jones is optimistic.
“We overachieved with a young team,” he said. “They experienced heartbreak and winning, and they’re actually wanting to get better, working in the offseason and setting goals for the upcoming season.”
One of the primary goals for this summer? Increasing offseason participation. For a team built on hustle and heart, continued development and chemistry building will be key to sustaining and expanding their success.
Building a Legacy
Looking back, the 2025 season was about more than just wins and losses. It was about the growth of individuals, of leaders, and of a team culture that doesn’t back down. It was about turning early pain into late-season triumph, and proving that age is no match for heart.
With young stars like Mali Woods-Laws and Te’Asia Ray already making waves on a statewide level, and other rising talents like Na’Riyah Sloan and E’quieria Woods-Laws rounding out a solid core, the Lady Bruins are positioned to be a force in Ohio girls' basketball for years to come.
Stats for the season can be found on MaxPreps, where fans can follow the development of this inspiring group of athletes.
As Coach Jones and his squad look ahead to next season, the message is clear: the rebuild isn’t coming—it’s already here. And Columbus Briggs is ready to climb even higher.)
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