NPH Girls D1 Junior Open Division – Top 3 Standouts (Session 1)
Date: October 11–12, 2025
Location: Playground Burlington
Event: Inaugural Season – D1 Junior Girls Division
Future Stars Take the Stage in the D1 Junior Girls Inaugural Weekend
The first-ever NPH D1 Junior Girls Division tipped off with an impressive display of young talent and energy. Session 1 featured a balance of skilled guards and emerging frontcourt prospects who set the tone for the season. Three players — Laila Ashley (Royal Crown), Taya Willemson (Southwest Academy), and Kaylee Abunales (FEIA/B1CE London) — stood out as the weekend’s top performers.
Laila Ashley | 5’8 Guard | Class of 2028 | Royal Crown
Ashley’s all-around performance set the bar for Session 1. She led Royal Crown with consistency across all three games, averaging nearly 17 points while being active defensively and on the glass. Her leadership and confidence were clear, as she balanced scoring with facilitating and defending at a high level. Laila leads the D1 Senior Division in steals (5 per game) and ranks first in made threes (7) — dominance on both ends.
Averages (NPH D1 Junior Girls | 2025–26)
Points: 17.3 PPG
Rebounds: 3.3 RPG
Assists: 2.0 APG
Steals: 5.0 SPG
Blocks: 0.3 BPG
Taya Willemson | 6’6 Forward | Class of 2029 | Southwest Academy
Willemson’s interior dominance was felt on both ends of the floor. She controlled the paint with double-digit rebounding and rim protection while averaging over 16 points per game. Her presence around the basket gave Southwest Academy a major advantage, setting the tone for her breakout season. Taya Willemson leads the D1 Senior Division in rebounds (10.5 RPG) and blocks (2.0 BPG) — controlling the paint on both ends.
Averages (NPH D1 Junior Girls | 2025–26)
Points: 16.5 PPG
Rebounds: 10.5 RPG
Assists: 1.0 APG
Steals: 2.5 SPG
Blocks: 2.0 BPG
Kaylee Abunales | 5’3 Guard | Class of 2029 | FEIA / B1CE London
Abunales brought toughness and shooting consistency to the FEIA backcourt. She hit shots from range, contributed on the boards, and disrupted passing lanes defensively. She was on fire from the perimeter, scoring 4 three pointers against St. Jude Academy. Her intensity and confidence at both ends made her one of the most impactful two-way guards of the weekend. Kaylee ranks top 5 in points, three-pointers made, assists, and steals — doing it all on both ends.
Averages (NPH D1 Junior Girls | 2025–26)
Points: 15.0 PPG
Rebounds: 4.0 RPG
Assists: 2.5 APG
Steals: 5.0 SPG
Blocks: 0.0 BPG
Takeaway
The inaugural D1 Junior Girls weekend showcased the next wave of Canadian talent, each bringing a unique skill set to the court. Ashley’s versatility, Willemson’s power, and Abunales’ energy headline a group that’s setting the standard for the future of the division.
