Albertville Star Lani Smallwood Named 2025-26 Gatorade Player of the Year

The award honors excellence in sport, academics, and community involvement.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:11pm

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Albertville girls basketball standout Lani Smallwood has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alabama. Smallwood, a Mississippi State basketball signee, averaged 25.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.5 steals this season as her team made a second straight appearance in the Elite Eight. She finished her high school career with 3,111 points and 1,094 rebounds.

Why it matters

The Gatorade Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in high school sports, recognizing excellence not just on the court but also in the classroom and community. Smallwood's selection highlights the exceptional talent and well-rounded achievements of Alabama's top girls basketball player.

The details

Smallwood, who has signed to play at Mississippi State, led Albertville to a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance this season. She averaged 25.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.5 steals per game. Her career totals of 3,111 points and 1,094 rebounds would rank her 21st in AHSAA history for points in a career.

  • Smallwood was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Player of the Year for Alabama on March 13, 2026.

The players

Lani Smallwood

A standout girls basketball player at Albertville High School who has signed to play at Mississippi State University. She was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alabama.

Sara Price

The head coach of the Mountain Brook High School girls basketball team, who praised Smallwood's all-around game and leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Lani is the engine that drives her team. She's been doing everything at a high level—scoring, rebounding, defending and creating for her teammates.”

— Sara Price, Mountain Brook High School Girls Basketball Coach

What’s next

Smallwood will look to continue her success at the collegiate level as she joins the Mississippi State women's basketball program.

The takeaway

Lani Smallwood's selection as the 2025-26 Gatorade Player of the Year for Alabama underscores her exceptional talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for young athletes in the state.