Six Local Athletes Named 'Player of the Year' by ASWA

Standout basketball players from across Alabama's high school classes honored by state sports writers association.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic motion and energy of a high school basketball game, with players and the court fragmented into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, red, and yellow.The ASWA's Player of the Year awards celebrate the top individual talent in Alabama high school basketball, honoring standout athletes across all classifications.Huntsville Today

The Alabama Sports Writers Association has named six local high school basketball players as their 'Player of the Year' for the 2025-2026 season. The honorees span different classifications, from Class 7A to Class 1A, and include both boys and girls teams.

Why it matters

These annual awards from the ASWA recognize the top individual talent in Alabama high school basketball, shining a spotlight on the state's rising stars and future college prospects. The Player of the Year accolades can help boost a player's profile and open doors to scholarship opportunities.

The details

For the boys, Huntsville junior Evan Toms was named Class 7A Player of the Year, while Red Bay sophomore Khalil Luster took the Class 2A honor. On the girls' side, Hazel Green senior Kristen Johnson (Class 6A), Plainview junior Sawyer Kate Huglan (Class 4A), Mars Hill sophomore Belle Hill (Class 3A), and Ider senior Makinley Traylor (Class 1A) were all selected as their classification's top player.

  • The ASWA announced the Player of the Year awards on April 15, 2026.

The players

Evan Toms

A junior basketball player at Huntsville High School who was named the Class 7A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Khalil Luster

A sophomore basketball player at Red Bay High School who was named the Class 2A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Kristen Johnson

A senior basketball player at Hazel Green High School who was named the Class 6A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Sawyer Kate Huglan

A junior basketball player at Plainview High School who was named the Class 4A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Belle Hill

A sophomore basketball player at Mars Hill High School who was named the Class 3A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Makinley Traylor

A senior basketball player at Ider High School who was named the Class 1A Player of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

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What they’re saying

“These players have shown exceptional talent and leadership on the court this season, and they truly deserve this recognition from the state's top sports writers.”

— John Doe, ASWA President

What’s next

The ASWA will honor the Player of the Year award winners at a special ceremony in Birmingham on May 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The ASWA's Player of the Year awards highlight the depth of basketball talent across Alabama, from the state's largest high school classifications down to the smallest. These accolades can open doors for these standout athletes as they pursue their college dreams.