Georgia's top high school girls basketball players: Meet the state’s best power forwards

Who are the top power forwards in Georgia high school girls basketball this season?

Over the past month, we've been taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Georgia high school girls basketball.

Our first list focused on the point guards, then we covered the top shooting guards and small forwards, and now we're on to the power forwards.

There are hundreds of standout girls basketball players in Georgia, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Use the comments section to discuss the other power forwards worthy of fans’ attention in 2021-22.

Pictured above is Hebron Christian's Jessie Parish (photo by Ed Turlington).

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Ella Boyle, Holy Spirit Prep

Boyle cleans up on the glass and is not afraid of contact as she works in the post. The 6-foot-2 Eastern Tennessee State signee scored her 1,000th career point in a win over Cristo Rey Atlanta on Jan. 28.

Keona Curtis, Grovetown

Curtis uses her length well when rebounding and finishing near the basket. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina A&T signee finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in the Warriors’ win over Statesboro on Dec. 30. 

Gracie Deetz, Rabun County

Deetz is a pure shooter from long range who can finish some tough shots near the basket. The 5-foot-10 Emmanuel signee finished with 20 points and nine boards in the Wildcats’ upset win over Elbert County on Jan. 21.

Xaviera Dyer, Maynard Jackson

A playmaking forward who can run a fast break or back a defender down in the post, Dyer can hurt teams in many ways. The 6-foot-3 Georgia State signee led the Jaguars (11-2) to an upset win over Woodward Academy early in the season.

Ariana Dyson, Luella

A physical forward with touch shooting and passing the ball, Dyson stretches the floor with her versatility. The 6-foot junior averages 13.2 points and nine rebounds per game. She holds offers from Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Florida International and several other schools. 

Amani Hamilton, Johnson (Savannah)

A strong rebounder who can run the court and score off the dribble, Hamilton epitomizes positionless play. The Savannah native tallied 33 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in the Atomsmashers’ win over Liberty County.

Layla Hood, Lovejoy

Hood has soft hands on the catch-and-shoot and great vision finding open teammates. The 6-foot Mercer commit posted 11 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in the Wildcats’ win over Horn (Texas) on Dec. 27.

Zaria Hurston, Norcross

Powerful inside with a strong motor, Hurston never gives up on a play, whether she’s fighting for a put-back or hustling for a loose ball. The DePaul signee went for 36 points in a win over Duluth on Jan. 11. 

Kaylynn Kirklen, Mount Paran

A stretch four who can work in the post or face up defenders at the top of the key and attack the basket, Kirklen is one of several highly talented players on Mount Paran’s roster. The 5-foot-11 senior does a little bit of everything for the Eagles.

Alexcia Murphy, Troup County

Murphy is a vacuum on the glass and a gifted scorer who can put the ball through the hoop in a variety of ways. The 5-foot-10 junior poured in 41 points in the Tigers’ win over Jordan on Jan. 21.

Jessie Parish, Hebron Christian

A rebounding machine and three-level scorer, Parish is a 6-foot-2 Wofford signee who helped the Lions win the Class A Private state championship last year, and she recently surpassed 1,000 career points.

Kharyssa Richardson, New Manchester

One of the top-ranked players in the state by recruiting outlets, Richardson is a dominant force on the hardwood. The 6-foot-2 Auburn signee posted 26 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Lithia Springs on Jan. 14, and she has over 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in her career. 

Keimarya Rivera, Cherokee 

Rivera protects the rim and fights on the boards, and she can score down low or pop out for a mid-range jumper. The 6-foot-1 Oglethorpe signee dropped a career-high 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds in the Warriors’ win over South Forsyth on Dec. 11.

Allie Sweet, River Ridge

A three-sport athlete who also excels in volleyball and track, Sweet can spot up for 3s and play physically in the post. The 6-foot sophomore averages 10 points and 10 rebounds per game for one of the top teams in the state. 

Zsofia Telegdy, Trinity Christian

A native of Hungary who helped the country’s 19U team win a bronze medal at the 2021 World Cup, Telegdy moved to the United States in 2019. The versatile, 6-foot-2 Kansas signee scored 23 points in the Lions’ win over Brookstone on Jan. 11. 

Raven Thompson, Langston Hughes

Thompson is powerful inside and agile enough to run the offense, making her tough to match up with defensively. The 5-foot-10 senior finished with 26 points and eight rebounds in a loss to Norcross on Dec. 11, just a few days after she received an offer to play at Bethune-Cookman.