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

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

By Zach Shugan

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be 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 now we're on to the small 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 small forwards worthy of fans’ attention in 2021-22.

Pictured above is Mount Paran's Kara Dunn (photo by Jamie Spaar).

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Jada Bates, McEachern

Bates has length, speed and handles, and she’s a physical defender. The 6-foot-2 sophomore has received offers from Georgia, Florida State and Mississippi State, and is a name to know going forward.

Natalia Bolden, Jefferson

Bolden fought back and returned for her senior year after missing the past two seasons with injuries, and she’s been making a big impact for the Dragons (17-2). The 5-foot-10 senior hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lift Jefferson to a win over Buford on Nov. 23 and she scored 22 points in a win over Elbert County on Dec. 20. 

Claire Davis, Cass

Davis is a double-double machine who plays with high energy. The 6-foot-2 senior became the all-time leading scorer for the Colonels in their 2021 opener and scored a season-high 26 points to go with 10 boards in a December win over Calhoun.

Kara Dunn, Mount Paran

An all-around talent with a high basketball IQ, Dunn leads the charge for one of the top teams in the state. The 5-foot-11 Georgia Tech signee averages 22 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, and she recently joined the elite 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds club.

Deshona Gaither, Jefferson

Gaither is a defensive-minded forward with elite playmaking ability on the offensive end of the court. The 5-foot-7 senior earned All-State honors as a sophomore and junior and is heading toward another appearance on the list this year.

Olivia Hutcherson, Holy Innocents’

Hutcherson is a long forward who uses her size to get up shots over defenders in the post and grab offensive rebounds at a high rate. The 6-foot junior holds offers from Penn, Bucknell, Princeton and more.

Sara Lewis, Woodward Academy

A strong shooter who is quick with the ball in her hands, Lewis contributes in multiple ways for one of the top teams in the state. The junior went for 21 points and six rebounds in the War Eagles’ win over Hoover (Alabama) earlier this season.

Taniya McGowan, Archer

Just a junior, McGowan has already reached 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds. The 5-foot-11 slasher hit both milestones Jan. 25 with a typically balanced stat line of 17 points, six steals, four assists and four rebounds.

Brooke Moore, North Cobb Christian

Moore can finish through contact or step out for a jumper, and her length helps her snag contested rebounds. The 5-foot-11 junior made first-team all-region as a sophomore as she led the Eagles to their first state tournament appearance in program history. 

Amaya Moss, Kell

An offensive playmaker who is tenacious on defense, Moss plays with high energy on both ends of the court. The 5-foot-11 junior has offers from Columbia International, Georgia College and more.

Nylah Nuri, Johns Creek

Nuri has a smooth stroke from long range, and she’s not afraid to put her head down and attack the basket and fight for rebounds. The 5-foot-10 junior dropped 30 points and had seven steals in the Gladiators’ win over Centennial on Jan. 22.

Courtney Ogden, Westminster

Ogden received her first college offer in sixth grade, and the junior has lived up to the hype in high school. The 6-foot-1 Stanford commit just surpassed 1,000 career points in a 25-point, 15-rebound performance against Redan.

Photo by Jamie Spaar

Tatum Ozment, Buford

Ozment's No. 1 tool is her defense. Her steals often spring fast breaks for Buford, and she has the versatility to take it to the basket or dish to a teammate. The 5-foot-10 senior is also a solid rebounder.

Aniya Palmer, Troup County

An athletic forward who has attempted and nearly thrown down a couple of in-game dunks, Palmer is a walking highlight reel with the ball in her hands. The 6-foot-1 senior was named the Region 2-4A Player of the Year in 2020.

Letiya Reeves, East Coweta

Reeves is a two-way forward who can run the floor and is a great presence inside the paint. The 5-foot-10 senior dropped 32 points, six rebounds and five steals in a win over McEachern on Jan. 18.

Erin Rodgers, Grayson

A young, athletic forward with loads of potential, Rodgers plays aggressively to secure rebounds and loose balls, and she has the speed and vision to lead fast breaks like a guard. The 6-foot-1 sophomore already has offers from North Florida, Appalachian State, Austin Peay and more.

Sarah Taub, Campbell

A knockdown shooter who goes all out on defense and plays bigger than her height, Taub is a versatile weapon who can play multiple positions. The 5-foot-9 senior has committed to North Florida.

Aliyah Washington, North Paulding

Washington set the single-game scoring record with a 29-point game early this season and eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in her career earlier this month. She'll be playing college ball next season with West Georgia.