Thomasville Sophomore Jayla Brooks Leads Lady Dawgs to Final Four

15-year-old point guard holds Division I scholarship offer, averaging 16 points per game

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Jayla Brooks, a 15-year-old sophomore at Thomasville High School, has led the Lady Bulldogs to the Final Four of the state basketball tournament. Brooks is already averaging 16 points per game and holds a Division I scholarship offer from Florida A&M University, where she has expressed interest in playing. Growing up with four older brothers, Brooks said the competition at home shaped her game and made her mentally and physically stronger.

Why it matters

Brooks' early success and Division I interest at just 15 years old highlights the rising talent in Georgia high school basketball, especially among young female players. Her story also shines a light on the growing opportunities for student-athletes to earn scholarships and pursue their dreams at the collegiate level.

The details

Before Brooks played a minute of varsity basketball, Florida A&M University extended a Division I offer after she impressed at an elite camp. Brooks said her father reached out to the program, which led to the invitation. In the Elite Eight game, Brooks hit a three-pointer to send Thomasville to the Final Four. In her final game as a sophomore, she scored 10 points against East Laurens.

  • Brooks has been playing basketball since she was a young child.
  • Brooks committed to basketball as a career by fourth grade.
  • Florida A&M University offered Brooks a scholarship before her varsity debut.
  • Brooks hit a game-winning three-pointer in the Elite Eight to send Thomasville to the Final Four.
  • Brooks scored 10 points in her final game as a sophomore.

The players

Jayla Brooks

A 15-year-old sophomore point guard at Thomasville High School who is averaging 16 points per game and holds a Division I scholarship offer from Florida A&M University.

Florida A&M University

A historically Black college and university (HBCU) that offered Brooks a Division I scholarship before she played a minute of varsity basketball.

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What they’re saying

“Since I came out the womb, basketball was the first thing I held when I was a little girl. I knew I was consistent and committed to it maybe by like fourth grade. Yeah, I got that mindset of like this is my life, this is what I'm gonna do.”

— Jayla Brooks, Sophomore point guard (WALB)

“It made me get tough; it made me get rough. They made me mentally stronger and physically stronger. I got beat sometimes but I get back up. But now, they can't beat me for sure now.”

— Jayla Brooks, Sophomore point guard (WALB)

“I got invited and showed [a coach] my potential. Like two months after, [the coach] called and said she would love to offer me — she had an offer on her desk for me. And that was just bright. That was amazing for me. Not saying I came from nothing, but it was something very special for me.”

— Jayla Brooks, Sophomore point guard (WALB)

“I know I am going to go pro. I know I am going to make it in the WNBA. When you have that mindset of knowing you're going to make it, you're going to make it. And I promise you, I'm going to make it no matter what.”

— Jayla Brooks, Sophomore point guard (WALB)

What’s next

Brooks will continue to lead the Thomasville Lady Bulldogs as they compete in the state Final Four tournament.

The takeaway

Jayla Brooks' early success and Division I interest at just 15 years old is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the rising level of competition in Georgia high school basketball. Her story highlights the growing opportunities for young female athletes to earn scholarships and pursue their dreams at the collegiate and professional levels.