Meet the finalists for SBLive's 2022-23 Texas Class 3A girls basketball Player of the Year

SBLive has narrowed down finalists for our Texas State Girls Basketball Player of the Year for each classification — Class 1A-6A and Private School — and readers will have a say in the winner.

First we took a look at private school (TAPPS), then Class 6A boys, Class 5A boys, Class 4A boys, Class 3A boys, Class 2A and 1A.

After announcing the finalists in TAPPS/private school associations, Class 6A, Class 5A and Class 4A, SBLive gathered the most valuable players in Class 3A during the 2022-23 Texas high school girls basketball season. 

Here are the seven finalists:

(Editor's note: Players are listed in alphabetical order)

3A state player of the year: Who are the finalists?

Faith Acker, Winnsboro Sr. PF/C

Acker averaged a double-double a game in her career with 18.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-3 standout is committed to continue her career at Louisiana-Monroe after finishing her successful career at Winnsboro.

Shadasia Brackens, Fairfield Sr. PG 

Brackens led Fairfield all the way to the state title game before ultimately falling to Holliday. The 5-foot-11 guard is committed to continue her career at North Texas. Because of her strong performance, she was named to the All-Tournament team after the state championship.

Jalynn Bristow, Holliday Sr. F

Bristow had the perfect ending to her high school career, concluding her time in Holliday (after moving from Wichita Falls Rider) with a state championship, and the championship MVP. The 6-2 forward is committed to continue her career at Iowa State. Her younger brother Keitenn is up for 3A Boys player of the year.

Jackie Garcia, Mathis Sr. PF/SF

Garcia averaged 17 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game in her final season. Despite a first round exit for Mathis, Garcia’s numbers reached career highs and she led the time in bothe points and rebounds.

Karlee Mathis, Columbus Jr. SG/PG

Mathis helped Columbus reach the state tournament in San Antonio before falling to eventual state champion Holliday. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 14.5 points a game in her junior year in 36 appearances.

Eliza Reyna, Rio Hondo Sr. PG/SG

Reyna averaged an astonishing 28.7 points a game in 31 games for Rio Hondo. She led the Bobcats to a regional tournament appearance before falling to Lytle. Her points total reached 889 in 2022-23.

Calyssa Sevier, Lytle Jr. PG

The 5-foot-7 junior has won district MVP in each of the three years she has played. Sevier had 39 appearances in 2022-23 while averaging 22.4 points per game. She helped lead Lytle to the regional tournament before falling to Columbus in the regional final.

—

Lead photo by Andrew McCulloch