Hayfield Lady Hawks Soar: A 2025 Season of Breakthroughs and Building a Powerhouse
In a year where expectations were tempered by youth and roster turnover, Hayfield Secondary School’s Girls Basketball Team shattered the mold—and many opponents—with a historic and inspiring 2025 season. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Jason Kirby, the Lady Hawks delivered a campaign defined by balance, depth, and a relentless commitment to growth. With only one senior on the roster, Hayfield finished the season 20-7, went undefeated in district play for the first time in 20 years, and reached the District Championship game for the second consecutive season.
Even more impressively, the JV and Freshman teams also went undefeated, marking the first time in three decades that the entire girls' basketball program achieved that milestone. This wasn’t just a good year—it was a cultural shift in motion. And Coach Kirby believes it’s only the beginning.
Depth Over Stars, Team Over Individual
One of the defining features of the 2025 Lady Hawks was their extraordinary depth. Coach Kirby and his staff were able to rotate every player into meaningful minutes across all levels of competition—an achievement rarely seen at the high school level. That strategic flexibility paid off in the form of balanced scoring, defensive tenacity, and clutch performances across the board.
“Multiple players were scoring leaders throughout the season,” Kirby noted. “That kind of balance is rare. It made us unpredictable, dangerous, and hard to scout.”
Still, several players emerged as consistent standouts:
Courtney Breland (Sophomore), last year’s Rookie of the Year, returned even stronger. Known for her elite court vision and three-point shooting, she controlled the offense with a veteran’s poise. Her ability to attack the paint, finish through contact, and distribute the ball earned her All-District First Team and All-Region Second Team honors.
Alexis Cox (Junior), a three-year starter and team captain, showcased her elite athleticism and versatility. Despite standing at 5’5”, she was one of the team’s best rebounders and a lethal scorer from all three levels. Cox also earned All-District First Team and All-Region Second Team recognition.
Madison Davis (Junior), another three-year starter and team captain, anchored the defense with an average of 10 rebounds per game, surpassing 500 career boards. Her consistent play and leadership under pressure landed her a spot on the All-District All-Defensive Team.
Zyana Williams (Sophomore), a new addition to Hayfield this season, emerged as the team’s leading scorer. Standing at 6’2”, she transformed the team’s offensive options, combining physical dominance with footwork and shot-blocking ability. Her impact was recognized with a Second Team All-District selection.
Eva Philips (Junior), a known sharpshooter, returned this season with an expanded offensive game. Now able to attack the rim as well as stretch defenses, Eva was a nightmare for opponents and earned Second Team All-District honors.
Mariah Overton (Sophomore) flew under the radar but proved irreplaceable. Defending the opposing team’s best guards and finishing tight games on the court, her contributions earned her an Honorable Mention All-District nod.
Riley Spinner (Freshman), the team’s 6’2” phenom, made an instant impact on both ends of the floor. Her combination of size, athleticism, and skill led to a Rookie of the Year award and a Second Team All-District selection.
Turning Trials into Triumphs
The season’s defining moment came not from a win, but a series of tough losses at the Boo Williams Invitational during the winter break. Facing elite programs like Pallotti, the team took their lumps—but more importantly, they took notes.
“We didn’t win on the scoreboard,” said Kirby, “but we won in the process. That trip helped shape our team.”
The lessons learned were quickly applied, as Hayfield turned adversity into dominance with a 15-game winning streak following the Invitational. That streak helped the Lady Hawks blaze through district play undefeated and built the confidence necessary for a deep postseason push.
Youth Movement with Veteran Grit
In an era when most teams lean heavily on senior leadership, Hayfield thrived thanks to its underclassman core. Though only one senior suited up this season, the Lady Hawks didn’t miss a beat. Instead, players like Zyana Williams, Mariah Overton, and Riley Spinner grew into increasingly pivotal roles as the season wore on.
“Mariah and Madison were probably our most consistent players,” Kirby shared. “They played through scouting reports, locked down their assignments, and gave us the steady presence we needed.”
This steady presence—paired with a hunger to prove themselves—created a unique team chemistry that made Hayfield one of the toughest teams to prepare for.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Kirby is almost giddy with optimism. With the bulk of his squad returning—including several players with all-district and all-region honors—he knows this team hasn’t reached its ceiling yet.
“We’re capable of competing at an elite level,” he said. “We’re just one season away from making trophy history at Hayfield. Most importantly, we’re set up to sustain that success for years.”
Each returning player is already sharpening their skills through competitive AAU schedules, summer training, and advanced individual development plans. Kirby emphasized that experience is the missing piece, and his staff is focused on ensuring the team continues growing in both confidence and execution.
A New Era at Hayfield
For a program that just a few years ago was searching for its identity, 2025 marked a coming-of-age moment. From a deep and talented roster to an unrelenting work ethic, Hayfield Girls Basketball is now a name to be feared across the DMV.
Their journey was documented not just on the court but across media platforms as well:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayfieldladyhawksgbb/
HUDL Highlights: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/va/alexandria/organization/8119/hayfield-high-school/team/707175/girls-varsity-basketball
Media Coverage:
NovaHoops Feature – Hayfield Demonstrates Growth, Sweeps Edison:
https://novahoops.com/hayfield-demonstrates-growth-sweeps-edison/
NovaHoops Game Recap – Hayfield Depth, Post Play Get Hawks by Madison 45-38:
https://novahoops.com/hayfield-depth-post-play-get-hawks-by-madison-45-38/
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hayfield Lady Hawks didn't just win games—they built a culture. A culture of toughness, unselfishness, and strategic growth. And while the trophies will come, the foundation of this program is already a victory in itself.
“We’re not just trying to win games,” Kirby concluded. “We’re building a powerhouse.”
From the look of it, they’re well on their way.
, last year’s Rookie of the Year, returned even stronger. Known for her elite court vision and three-point shooting, she controlled the offense with a veteran’s poise. Her ability to attack the paint, finish through contact, and distribute the ball earned her All-District First Team and All-Region Second Team honors.
Alexis Cox (Junior), a three-year starter and team captain, showcased her elite athleticism and versatility. Despite standing at 5’5”, she was one of the team’s best rebounders and a lethal scorer from all three levels. Cox also earned All-District First Team and All-Region Second Team recognition.
Madison Davis (Junior), another three-year starter and team captain, anchored the defense with an average of 10 rebounds per game, surpassing 500 career boards. Her consistent play and leadership under pressure landed her a spot on the All-District All-Defensive Team.
Zyana Williams (Sophomore), a new addition to Hayfield this season, emerged as the team’s leading scorer. Standing at 6’2”, she transformed the team’s offensive options, combining physical dominance with footwork and shot-blocking ability. Her impact was recognized with a Second Team All-District selection.
Eva Philips (Junior), a known sharpshooter, returned this season with an expanded offensive game. Now able to attack the rim as well as stretch defenses, Eva was a nightmare for opponents and earned Second Team All-District honors.
Mariah Overton (Sophomore) flew under the radar but proved irreplaceable. Defending the opposing team’s best guards and finishing tight games on the court, her contributions earned her an Honorable Mention All-District nod.
Riley Spinner (Freshman), the team’s 6’2” phenom, made an instant impact on both ends of the floor. Her combination of size, athleticism, and skill led to a Rookie of the Year award and a Second Team All-District selection.
Turning Trials into Triumphs
The season’s defining moment came not from a win, but a series of tough losses at the Boo Williams Invitational during the winter break. Facing elite programs like Pallotti, the team took their lumps—but more importantly, they took notes.
“We didn’t win on the scoreboard,” said Kirby, “but we won in the process. That trip helped shape our team.”
The lessons learned were quickly applied, as Hayfield turned adversity into dominance with a 15-game winning streak following the Invitational. That streak helped the Lady Hawks blaze through district play undefeated and built the confidence necessary for a deep postseason push.
Youth Movement with Veteran Grit
In an era when most teams lean heavily on senior leadership, Hayfield thrived thanks to its underclassman core. Though only one senior suited up this season, the Lady Hawks didn’t miss a beat. Instead, players like Zyana Williams, Mariah Overton, and Riley Spinner grew into increasingly pivotal roles as the season wore on.
“Mariah and Madison were probably our most consistent players,” Kirby shared. “They played through scouting reports, locked down their assignments, and gave us the steady presence we needed.”
This steady presence—paired with a hunger to prove themselves—created a unique team chemistry that made Hayfield one of the toughest teams to prepare for.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Kirby is almost giddy with optimism. With the bulk of his squad returning—including several players with all-district and all-region honors—he knows this team hasn’t reached its ceiling yet.
“We’re capable of competing at an elite level,” he said. “We’re just one season away from making trophy history at Hayfield. Most importantly, we’re set up to sustain that success for years.”
Each returning player is already sharpening their skills through competitive AAU schedules, summer training, and advanced individual development plans. Kirby emphasized that experience is the missing piece, and his staff is focused on ensuring the team continues growing in both confidence and execution.
A New Era at Hayfield
For a program that just a few years ago was searching for its identity, 2025 marked a coming-of-age moment. From a deep and talented roster to an unrelenting work ethic, Hayfield Girls Basketball is now a name to be feared across the DMV.
Their journey was documented not just on the court but across media platforms as well:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayfieldladyhawksgbb/
HUDL Highlights: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/va/alexandria/organization/8119/hayfield-high-school/team/707175/girls-varsity-basketball
Media Coverage:
NovaHoops Feature – Hayfield Demonstrates Growth, Sweeps Edison:
https://novahoops.com/hayfield-demonstrates-growth-sweeps-edison/
NovaHoops Game Recap – Hayfield Depth, Post Play Get Hawks by Madison 45-38:
https://novahoops.com/hayfield-depth-post-play-get-hawks-by-madison-45-38/
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hayfield Lady Hawks didn't just win games—they built a culture. A culture of toughness, unselfishness, and strategic growth. And while the trophies will come, the foundation of this program is already a victory in itself.
“We’re not just trying to win games,” Kirby concluded. “We’re building a powerhouse.”
From the look of it, they’re well on their way.)
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