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Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4)
Hewitt-Trussville junior point guard Ryleigh Martin (4) is a UAB commit and will be one of the Lady Huskies’ leaders this season.
A new era begins for the Hewitt-Trussville High School girls basketball program, but the expectations remain the same.
After a run that included four straight trips to at least the Class 7A regional finals before last season, the Lady Huskies enter the 2025-26 season with a new voice at the helm in Kayla Alexander.
Alexander takes over after nine seasons on staff at UAB, where she served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. She joined the Blazers in 2016 as director of basketball operations.
She replaces Tonya Hunter, who spent the last 11 years building Hewitt-Trussville into one of the state’s most consistent contenders. Players say the transition has been smooth, while Alexander has embraced the culture of discipline and energy that Hunter established.
“It’s been awesome getting to know this team,” Alexander said at the Under the Lights Basketball Media Day. “One thing that sticks out is how hard they work, on and off the court. They’re relentless competitors. I couldn’t ask for a better group for my first year.”
The Lady Huskies finished 19-12 last season, falling to Vestavia Hills in the Class 7A, Area 6 Tournament. Once again, they will have to battle through a gauntlet within their own area, featuring five-time defending state champion Hoover and Oak Mountain as well.
Alexander has emphasized constant movement and defensive pressure as her team’s foundation.
“I want to play [aggressively],” Alexander said. “We want to play fast, apply relentless pressure and cause havoc on defense so we can get out in transition.”
That style fits the personnel. Hewitt-Trussville returns a great backcourt, led by junior point guard Ryleigh Martin, a UAB commit. The engine of the offense, Martin brings quality court vision and scoring ability to the team.
Alongside her is junior combo guard Lauryn Holley, a versatile scorer and defender. Holley is expected to take a major leap this season with a larger offensive role and continued two-way impact.
Senior forward Ariella Hayden provides leadership and toughness inside.
“We’re a team that focuses on the small things that lead to the bigger picture,” Hayden said. “Every player has to show up and give effort. That’s not coachable, that’s just what our team is.”
Another emerging name is eighth grader Caycee Burton, a dynamic combo guard who already plays beyond her years. Burton can handle the ball when Martin faces double teams and has led the team in steals during preseason practices.
While the roster leans guard-heavy, Jaliyah Parker is expected to provide a strong interior presence. The roster also includes Sophie Stodghill, Lila Riggans, Meagan Bell, Amari Evans, Livie Bullington, Kylee Thornburg, Sophie Bullington and Katelyn Hall.
“I have a team that I don’t have to coach effort,” Alexander said. “They are going to show up every single day and do their best.”
