Matthews, a 6’1″ shooting guard from California’s Windmere Prep High School, has been on the national radar for years, but her final year in high school elevated her from elite to iconic. Averaging 28.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.1 steals per game, she led her team to a flawless 32–0 record and a state championship, silencing doubters and surpassing expectations at every turn.
But it wasn’t just her stats that set her apart — it was how she did it. Her ability to command double teams and still deliver jaw-dropping performances, her basketball IQ, and her calm under pressure made her the heart and soul of her squad. With clutch game-winners, lockdown defense, and highlight-reel passes, Matthews became the embodiment of what it means to be a complete player.
“Adelyn is the most dynamic player I’ve ever coached,” said her high school coach, Marcus Liddell. “She’s not only a scorer but a facilitator and leader. She raises the level of everyone around her. What she’s done this season is nothing short of remarkable.”
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in American high school sports. It takes into account athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character — a trifecta that Matthews embodies fully. Holding a 4.3 GPA and actively involved in community outreach programs, including hosting youth basketball clinics and volunteering at local shelters, Adelyn’s impact goes far beyond the hardwood.
Her decision to commit to **Duke University** was seen as a major recruiting win for the Blue Devils, who are building a powerhouse in women’s college basketball under head coach Kara Lawson. Matthews is expected to make an immediate impact in the ACC with her versatile game and winning mentality.
“Being named Gatorade National Player of the Year is a dream come true,” Matthews said after receiving the award. “It’s not just for me — it’s for my teammates, coaches, my family, and everyone who believed in me. I’m so excited for the next chapter at Duke.”
This recognition adds Matthews to an elite list of past recipients who went on to become WNBA stars and Olympic athletes, including names like Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Paige Bueckers. If her high school career is any indication, Adelyn Matthews is destined to follow in those footsteps — and maybe, just maybe, blaze a path all her own.
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