Graham tabbed Miss Basketball finalist

2024-25 photo gallery courtesy Jeff Reed Photography

Raiderettes senior Ellie Graham was named a finalist for the 2025 Class 1A Miss Basketball by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association on Thursday.

“It is an honor to be recognized as a Miss Basketball finalist, and it feels great,” Graham said. “But I wouldn’t be here at all without the best coaches and absolute best teammates. They make me better, and most of all, they make me want to be better.”

Graham, who has signed to play at Bryan College, is accompanied on the 1A list by Blair Baugus from Wayne County High School and Laila Downs-Darden from McEwen High School.

Graham averages 13.6 points per game. She shoots 55.2% from the field, 22.7% from 3-point range, and 67% from the free-throw line. Additionally, she averages 7.7 rebounds per game, has recorded 59 steals, and has made 19 blocks.

Moore County (22-3, 5-0) secured the Region 5-District 9 title last week against Fayetteville City. The Raiderettes conclude district play Friday at Huntland in the regular-season finale.

High school basketball coaches and media members nominated the finalists. A statewide committee of sportswriters chooses the winners based on their performance during the 2024-2025 regular season, considering academics and character.

The Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards will be presented at MTSU’s Tucker Theater at 5:30 p.m. March 18. The event will be open to the public.