Prince Edward County Girls Basketball: A Stellar 2025 Season Ends with Promise for the Future
The 2025 winter season was a remarkable one for the Prince Edward County High School Girls Basketball team, marked by dominance on both ends of the floor and an impressive 26-2 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Howard Paras, the team built a nearly perfect season, falling just short of a state championship but firmly establishing themselves as a powerhouse with a bright future ahead.
Key Contributors Who Drove Success
Coach Paras highlighted three players who were instrumental to the team’s outstanding performance this season.
Jayla Boyd, a senior, led the squad with an average of 15 points per game (ppg), an astonishing 8 steals per game (spg), and 6 assists per game (apg). Her defensive tenacity and playmaking skills made her a constant threat, disrupting opponents and igniting fast breaks.
Junior Aliyah Rachels was another standout, contributing 14 ppg, 8 rebounds per game (rpg), 7 steals per game, and 6 assists per game. Rachel’s ability to impact the game on offense and defense with equal intensity was a huge factor in the team’s success.
Also key was junior Anyshia Clark, who averaged 13 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4 spg. Clark provided consistent scoring and defensive pressure, rounding out a dynamic trio that fueled the team’s high-scoring, lockdown defense style.
A Season of Near Perfection
The team’s 2025 campaign began on a historic note, winning their first 26 games straight before falling in the regional championship. They closed the season 26-2, with the final loss coming in the state quarterfinals. Over the course of the season, the team averaged over 60 points per game while holding opponents to fewer than 40 points in every game but two.
Coach Paras expressed pride in the team’s ability to combine offensive efficiency with suffocating defense. “We were able to control the tempo, play our style, and rarely let teams get comfortable,” he explained. “That balance made a big difference.”
Defining Moments: Close Games That Built Momentum
Early in the season, the team faced challenges that tested their mettle. Two particularly close games — in the second and third contests — became defining moments.
Coach Paras recalled, “Those tight wins helped the girls get into a rhythm. It showed them they could handle pressure, execute down the stretch, and trust each other in clutch moments.”
From those games forward, the team gained confidence, building momentum with each win that ultimately fueled their undefeated streak heading into the playoffs.
Rising Stars: Growth Over the Season
As the season progressed, several players stepped up beyond their initial roles. One such player was Kamiya Killebrew, who developed into a crucial contributor off the bench. Her ability to provide energy, defense, and scoring punch gave the team depth and flexibility, a quality that Coach Paras views as essential for sustained success.
“Kamiya really grew into her role and became a reliable option,” said Paras. “That kind of development is exactly what we want from our players year over year.”
Handling Challenges with Poise
Remarkably, the team avoided major injuries or setbacks during the season. They were only involved in two close games, both of which they managed to pull out through relentless defense and grit.
“The girls dug in defensively and found a way to win those tight contests,” Coach Paras noted. “Their toughness and focus on defense made a huge difference in how we responded under pressure.”
Senior Leadership Sets the Tone
Although the team featured just three seniors, their impact was immense. Their leadership on the court translated into defensive toughness and hustle that lifted the entire squad.
Coach Paras said, “This senior class brought so much energy and leadership. Their presence was felt every game, and they helped set the standard for the younger players.”
The seniors will undoubtedly be missed next season, but their legacy will continue to influence the program’s culture.
Looking Forward: Exciting Prospects
With 10 of 13 players returning, including 4 of 5 starters, Coach Paras is optimistic about the future of the Prince Edward County girls' basketball program.
“I’m very excited about what lies ahead,” he said. “The core group is coming back, and they’ve already experienced success at a high level. That experience will be invaluable as we aim to go even further next season.”
Maintaining continuity and building on this season’s foundation will be key themes moving forward.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Defense
Coach Paras emphasized that offseason development is critical to staying competitive.
“We are always looking to improve fundamentals and defense,” he explained. “The offseason is when players can get better in ways that show up during the season. We want to keep sharpening our skills and maintain our defensive identity.”
This focus on continuous improvement will help the team stay at the top of their game and prepare for the challenges ahead.
A Season to Remember
The 2025 season was one filled with impressive achievements for Prince Edward County High School girls' basketball. Nearly perfect in regular season play, dominant in district and regional contests, and competitive deep into the state playoffs, the team showcased resilience, talent, and heart.
Coach Paras and his players have built a program with a strong culture of hard work, teamwork, and a defense-first mentality. The future looks bright as the returning players prepare to pick up the torch and continue the pursuit of excellence.
For those interested in more detailed statistics or information about the team, Coach Paras welcomes email inquiries, as the team’s stats are not posted online.
If the momentum of this season is any indication, Prince Edward County’s girls basketball program is poised for even greater heights in the years to come.
, an astonishing 8 steals per game (spg), and 6 assists per game (apg). Her defensive tenacity and playmaking skills made her a constant threat, disrupting opponents and igniting fast breaks.
Junior Aliyah Rachels was another standout, contributing 14 ppg, 8 rebounds per game (rpg), 7 steals per game, and 6 assists per game. Rachel’s ability to impact the game on offense and defense with equal intensity was a huge factor in the team’s success.
Also key was junior Anyshia Clark, who averaged 13 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4 spg. Clark provided consistent scoring and defensive pressure, rounding out a dynamic trio that fueled the team’s high-scoring, lockdown defense style.
A Season of Near Perfection
The team’s 2025 campaign began on a historic note, winning their first 26 games straight before falling in the regional championship. They closed the season 26-2, with the final loss coming in the state quarterfinals. Over the course of the season, the team averaged over 60 points per game while holding opponents to fewer than 40 points in every game but two.
Coach Paras expressed pride in the team’s ability to combine offensive efficiency with suffocating defense. “We were able to control the tempo, play our style, and rarely let teams get comfortable,” he explained. “That balance made a big difference.”
Defining Moments: Close Games That Built Momentum
Early in the season, the team faced challenges that tested their mettle. Two particularly close games — in the second and third contests — became defining moments.
Coach Paras recalled, “Those tight wins helped the girls get into a rhythm. It showed them they could handle pressure, execute down the stretch, and trust each other in clutch moments.”
From those games forward, the team gained confidence, building momentum with each win that ultimately fueled their undefeated streak heading into the playoffs.
Rising Stars: Growth Over the Season
As the season progressed, several players stepped up beyond their initial roles. One such player was Kamiya Killebrew, who developed into a crucial contributor off the bench. Her ability to provide energy, defense, and scoring punch gave the team depth and flexibility, a quality that Coach Paras views as essential for sustained success.
“Kamiya really grew into her role and became a reliable option,” said Paras. “That kind of development is exactly what we want from our players year over year.”
Handling Challenges with Poise
Remarkably, the team avoided major injuries or setbacks during the season. They were only involved in two close games, both of which they managed to pull out through relentless defense and grit.
“The girls dug in defensively and found a way to win those tight contests,” Coach Paras noted. “Their toughness and focus on defense made a huge difference in how we responded under pressure.”
Senior Leadership Sets the Tone
Although the team featured just three seniors, their impact was immense. Their leadership on the court translated into defensive toughness and hustle that lifted the entire squad.
Coach Paras said, “This senior class brought so much energy and leadership. Their presence was felt every game, and they helped set the standard for the younger players.”
The seniors will undoubtedly be missed next season, but their legacy will continue to influence the program’s culture.
Looking Forward: Exciting Prospects
With 10 of 13 players returning, including 4 of 5 starters, Coach Paras is optimistic about the future of the Prince Edward County girls' basketball program.
“I’m very excited about what lies ahead,” he said. “The core group is coming back, and they’ve already experienced success at a high level. That experience will be invaluable as we aim to go even further next season.”
Maintaining continuity and building on this season’s foundation will be key themes moving forward.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Defense
Coach Paras emphasized that offseason development is critical to staying competitive.
“We are always looking to improve fundamentals and defense,” he explained. “The offseason is when players can get better in ways that show up during the season. We want to keep sharpening our skills and maintain our defensive identity.”
This focus on continuous improvement will help the team stay at the top of their game and prepare for the challenges ahead.
A Season to Remember
The 2025 season was one filled with impressive achievements for Prince Edward County High School girls' basketball. Nearly perfect in regular season play, dominant in district and regional contests, and competitive deep into the state playoffs, the team showcased resilience, talent, and heart.
Coach Paras and his players have built a program with a strong culture of hard work, teamwork, and a defense-first mentality. The future looks bright as the returning players prepare to pick up the torch and continue the pursuit of excellence.
For those interested in more detailed statistics or information about the team, Coach Paras welcomes email inquiries, as the team’s stats are not posted online.
If the momentum of this season is any indication, Prince Edward County’s girls basketball program is poised for even greater heights in the years to come.)
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