George Washington junior Jeriyah Pryor named 2026 Mary Ostrowski Award recipient as WV girls' hoops Player of the Year

Pryor averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 steals per game as a junior

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:39am

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Jeriyah Pryor, a junior at George Washington High School, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Mary Ostrowski Award, which is given to West Virginia's top high school girls' basketball player. Pryor averaged impressive stats this season, including 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 steals per game. She has also earned several other prestigious honors this year, including MaxPreps, state Gatorade, and Mountain State Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Why it matters

The Mary Ostrowski Award is a prestigious honor in West Virginia high school girls' basketball, with only one previous George Washington player, Kalissa Lacy, having received the award in 2020. Pryor's recognition as a junior is a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work, and it highlights the strong basketball program at George Washington High School.

The details

Pryor missed five games this season due to an ankle injury, but she used that time to gain a new perspective on the game by observing from the sidelines. Despite the setback, she still put up impressive stats and continued to improve her game. George Washington coach Jamie LaMaster praised Pryor's physical gifts, talent, and mental maturity, noting that she has drawn the opposing team's top defender every night.

  • Pryor averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 steals per game as a junior.
  • Pryor has also taken home the MaxPreps, state Gatorade, and Mountain State Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors this year.
  • Pryor missed five games this season due to an ankle injury.

The players

Jeriyah Pryor

A junior guard at George Washington High School who has been named the 2026 recipient of the Mary Ostrowski Award, which is given to West Virginia's top high school girls' basketball player.

Jamie LaMaster

The head coach of the George Washington High School girls' basketball team, who has praised Pryor's physical gifts, talent, and mental maturity.

Kalissa Lacy

The only other George Washington player to have received the Mary Ostrowski Award, which she earned in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a tremendous honor, as a junior, for her. I've had some decorated players in the past, but I don't think I've ever had one as heavily decorated as Jeriyah. To have someone as a junior to garner this much attention is outstanding and a testament to her work.”

— Jamie LaMaster, George Washington High School girls' basketball coach

“It feels really good. I'm happy to have received this award. I've worked pretty hard for this. I'm happy for myself and everybody pushing me, especially my coaches and teammates. I couldn't be where I'm at today without them.”

— Jeriyah Pryor

What’s next

Pryor will look to continue her strong play and lead George Washington to success in her senior season, with the goal of defending her Mary Ostrowski Award and helping her team compete for a state championship.

The takeaway

Jeriyah Pryor's recognition as the 2026 Mary Ostrowski Award recipient highlights the exceptional talent and hard work of this young basketball player, as well as the strength of the George Washington High School girls' basketball program. Her achievements as a junior set her up for continued success and recognition in her senior season.