Oklahoma commit Aaliyah Chavez, previously the top-ranked player in the 2025 girls’ basketball class, stirred discussion after slipping to No. 3 in ESPN’s final rankings, falling behind USC signee Jazzy Davidson. For most of the year, Chavez occupied the No. 1 position, making the ranking shift a hot topic among analysts and fans.
Her reaction to the updated list drew parallels to past outspoken responses from high-profile prospects, including Kiyomi McMiller. The change in rankings and Chavez’s poised response added intrigue to an already heated debate over player evaluations in elite girls’ basketball recruiting.
Aaliyah Chavez’s Reaction to ESPN Shake-Up Highlights Rankings Debate
Jazzy Davidson reclaimed the top spot in ESPN’s final 2025 girls’ basketball rankings, marking a return to where her high school career began. Entering Clackamas High School as the No. 1 freshman, Davidson spent much of her senior season ranked third. But a dominant finish flipped the script.
She averaged 29.3 points in her final year — never dipping below 22 points per game across her career — and secured her fourth consecutive Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honor. She closed her high school run as Oregon’s Class 6A all-time leading scorer with 2,726 points.
Despite those accolades, ESPN’s final decision didn’t go unchallenged. Aaliyah Chavez, who had held the No. 1 spot for most of the season, dropped to third and responded quickly on social media.
After being named the MVP of the Jordan Classic and had some words about dropping from her number one spot in her class
byu/Sportzfanatic_001 inNCAAW
Her tweet followed a SportsCenter NEXT post highlighting her Jordan Brand Classic performance, where she scored 24 points and took home MVP honors. Davidson, meanwhile, added 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the same game.
Fan reactions to Chavez’s tweet were mixed.
“I appreciate confidence in a player, but the public call out is reminding me of Kiyomi McMiller,” one user commented.
Another wrote, “Talking smack is fine. Calling out individual reporters is weird.”
A third added,
“I’ll give her a pass because she’s young but this doesn’t help the belief that everyone in the women’s basketball space operates with a never ending chip on its shoulder.”
Chavez’s season was equally dominant. She averaged 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while leading Monterey to its first 5A Division II state title since 1981. She earned back-to-back Texas Gatorade Player of the Year honors and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year. Her high school career totals included 4,796 points, 1,279 rebounds, and 771 assists.
KEEP READING: How Far Will UCLA Women’s Team Go Next Season? Analyzing Their Path to Another National Championship
Still, ESPN cited Davidson’s complete game, versatility, and off-ball prowess in justifying the No. 1 ranking.
“I play really well off my teammates without the ball in my hands,” Davidson said.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
