Oxford’s Jaylen Alexander and Hoover’s Khloe Ford Win 2026 Alabama Basketball Honors

April 24, 2026

MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Sportswriters Association (ASWA) has officially named the top high school basketball players for the 2026 season. Oxford High School senior Jaylen Alexander claimed the title of Alabama Mr. Basketball, while Hoover High School senior Khloe Ford secured the Alabama Miss Basketball award. The ASWA announced these prestigious honors during their annual luncheon at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

Both athletes capped off remarkable seasons by leading their respective teams to state championships at the BJCC Legacy Arena. They also earned state tournament MVP honors for their standout performances. This article explores their individual achievements, remarkable statistics, and the historical significance of these top statewide basketball awards.

Jaylen Alexander Secures 2026 Alabama Mr. Basketball

Oxford High School senior Jaylen Alexander brings home the 44th Mr. Basketball award in the history of the program. Alexander put together a dominant final high school season, leading the Yellow Jackets to an impressive 30-4 overall record.

Oxford senior guard Jaylen Alexander (0) takes a shot in the Class 6A state basketball
finals in March. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)

Throughout his senior campaign, Alexander averaged 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His efficiency on the court stood out to observers and coaches alike. Rather than taking an excessive number of shots, Alexander used a high basketball IQ and excellent court vision to command the game. Oxford head coach Joel Van Meter praised his senior guard for his smooth playing style and exceptional ability to anticipate plays before they develop.

Alexander finishes his stellar career at Oxford with exceptional numbers:

2,444 career points
701 career rebounds
641 career assists
361 career steals

Beyond the Mr. Basketball title, Alexander swept several other major awards. He earned the Class 6A Player of the Year honor, along with the MaxPreps and Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year awards. He also headlined the ASWA Super All-State team, which recognizes the top five players across all classifications. Alexander will continue his basketball career at the collegiate level, having committed to Kansas State University.

Khloe Ford Claims 2026 Alabama Miss Basketball

Hoover High School senior Khloe Ford earned the 2026 Miss Basketball award after a triumphant return to the court. After missing Hoover’s previous championship run due to injury, Ford bounced back to lead the Lady Bucs to their sixth consecutive Class 7A state championship.

The 6-foot-3 center dominated the paint throughout the year. Ford averaged 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, guiding Hoover to a flawless finish that included a 35-game winning streak. Her senior season totals reached 652 points and 317 rebounds.

Ford delivered her best performances on the biggest stages. During the Class 7A Final Four, she recorded back-to-back double-doubles. She posted 25 points and 11 rebounds against Alma Bryant in the semifinals, followed by 29 points and 10 rebounds against Bob Jones in the championship game. Ford also showcased her talent in the 2026 Alabama-Mississippi Classic, tallying 12 points and nine rebounds to help Alabama secure a 93-65 victory.

Her selection marks the fourth time a Hoover player has won the Miss Basketball award, breaking a tie to give the Lady Bucs the most winners in the state. She joins former Hoover greats Reniya Kelly (2023), Marqu’es Webb (2013), and Sidney Spencer (2003). Ford will take her talents to the Southeastern Conference next season to play for the University of Missouri.

ASWA Super All-State and Class Players of the Year

The ASWA prep committee, led by veteran sports reporters, selects the state’s top talent regardless of classification for the Super All-State teams. They also recognize the standout players from each specific classification.

Boys Basketball Honors

Joining Jaylen Alexander on the Boys Super All-State Team are:

Corien Coleman, Williamson
Brendon Davis, Wenonah
JaKobi Sharp, Gadsden City
Evan Toms, Huntsville

The boys’ classification players of the year include:

Class 7A: Evan Toms, Huntsville
Class 6A: Jaylen Alexander, Oxford
Class 5A: Brendon Davis, Wenonah
Class 4A: J.B. Potter, Ashville
Class 3A: Braden Gordon, Montgomery Academy
Class 2A: Khalil Luster, Red Bay
Class 1A: Devin Melton, Brantley
AISA: Jayden Buckhannon, Abbeville Christian

Girls Basketball Honors

Joining Khloe Ford on the Girls Super All-State Team are:

Lani Smallwood, Albertville
Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible
Serenity Rutledge, Moody
Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Plainview High School

The girls’ classification players of the year include:

Class 7A: Khloe Ford, Hoover
Class 6A: Kristen Johnson, Hazel Green
Class 5A: Serenity Rutledge, Moody
Class 4A: Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Plainview
Class 3A: Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible
Class 2A: Ella Dickerson, Cold Springs
Class 1A: Makinley Traylor, Ider
AISA: Diamond Chankio, North River

History of the Alabama Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards

The ASWA created the Mr. Basketball award in 1983 to recognize the top male high school player in Alabama. Terry Coner of Phillips High School in Birmingham claimed the inaugural honor. Five years later, in 1988, the association introduced the Miss Basketball award, presenting the first trophy to Jeannice Slater of Hartselle High School.

Over the decades, these awards have highlighted future college standouts and professional athletes.

All-Time Mr. Basketball Selections

2026: Jaylen Alexander, Oxford
2025: DeWayne Brown, Hoover
2024: Caleb Holt, Buckhorn
2023: Labaron Philon, Baker, Mobile
2022: Barry Dunning, McGill-Toolen Catholic
2021: J.D. Davison, Calhoun
2020: J.D. Davison, Calhoun
2019: Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook
2018: Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook
2017: John Petty, Mae Jemison, Huntsville
2016: John Petty, J.O. Johnson, Huntsville
2015: Dazon Ingram, Theodore
2014: William Lee, Dallas County
2013: De’Runnya Wilson, Wenonah
2012: Craig Sword, Carver-Montgomery
2011: Trevor Lacey, Butler, Huntsville
2010: Trevor Lacey, Butler, Huntsville
2009: Kerrion Johnson, Madison Academy
2008: JaMychal Green, St. Jude Catholic
2007: Courtney Fortson, Jeff Davis
2006: Stanley Robinson, Huffman
2005: Richard Hendrix, Athens
2004: Ronald Steele, John Carroll Catholic
2003: Ronald Steele, John Carroll Catholic
2002: Kennedy Winston, Blount, Mobile
2001: Chris White, Grissom, Huntsville
2000: Gerald Wallace, Childersburg
1999: Marvin Stone, Grissom, Huntsville
1998: Sam Haginas, UMS-Wright
1997: Anthony Williams, Loachapoka
1996: Isaac Spencer, Jeff Davis
1995: Brian Williams, Jeff Davis
1994: Rod Willie, Lee-Huntsville
1993: Howard Pride, Butler, Huntsville
1992: Darryl Wilson, South Lamar
1991: Victor Newman, Houston Academy
1990: Cedric Moore, Woodlawn
1989: Queintonia Higgins, Fairhope
1988: Terrance Lewis, Ramsay, Birmingham
1987: Bryant Lancaster, Valley
1986: Larry Rembert, Keith, Orrville
1985: Vincent Robinson, Bridgeport
1984: Jeff Moore, Midfield
1983: Terry Coner, Phillips-Birmingham

All-Time Miss Basketball Selections

2026: Khloe Ford, Hoover
2025: Ace Austin, Spring Garden
2024: Ace Austin, Spring Garden
2023: Reniya Kelly, Hoover
2022: Samiya Steele, Hazel Green
2021: Karoline Striplin, Geneva County
2020: Sarah Ashlee Barker, Spain Park
2019: Annie Hughes, Pisgah
2018: Zipporah Broughton, Lee-Montgomery
2017: Bianca Jackson, Brewbaker Tech
2016: Jasmine Walker, Jeff Davis
2015: Shaquera Wade, Huntsville
2014: Shakayla Thomas, Sylacauga
2013: Marqu’es Webb, Hoover
2012: Jasmine Jones, Bob Jones
2011: Hayden Hamby, West Morgan
2010: Kaneisha Horn, Ramsay
2009: Jala Harris, Bob Jones
2008: Courtney Jones, Midfield
2007: Katherine Graham, Ramsay
2006: Shanavia Dowdell, Calera
2005: Whitney Boddie, Florence
2004: Starr Orr, Speake
2003: Sidney Spencer, Hoover
2002: Kate Mastin, Boaz
2001: Donyel Wheeler, Huffman
2000: Natasha Thomas, Lawrence County
1999: Tasheika Morris, Butler, Huntsville
1998: Gwen Jackson, Eufaula
1997: April Nance, Butler, Huntsville
1996: Nicole Carruth, Sulligent
1995: Heather Mayes, Fyffe
1994: Pam Duncan, Carrollton
1993: Leah Monteith, Cherokee County
1992: Yolanda Watkins, Decatur
1991: Tonya Tice, Hamilton
1990: Karen Killen, Mars Hill Bible
1989: Leslie Claybrook, Saint James
1988: Jeaniece Slater, Hartselle

Final Thoughts on the 2026 Season

The 2026 high school basketball season in Alabama showcased incredible talent across all classifications. Jaylen Alexander and Khloe Ford separated themselves from the pack through consistent excellence, remarkable statistics, and their ability to win championships. As they prepare to transition to the college game, they leave behind lasting legacies at Oxford and Hoover high schools. Keep an eye on these two outstanding athletes as they look to make an immediate impact at Kansas State and Missouri.

FEATURED IMAGE: Hoover’s Khloe Ford (5) powers inside for a bucket in the Class 7A girls’ state finals last month at the BJCC Legacy Arena. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)