In a moment that electrified the entire state of Alabama, Spring Garden High School’s fiery point guard, Lila Grace Watkins, etched her name into the annals of history as the first-ever two-time recipient of the prestigious Miss Basketball award. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony in Birmingham, but the echoes of that historic moment were felt far beyond the stage—rippling through gymnasiums, locker rooms, and small-town living rooms across the South.
Watkins, a 5-foot-8 senior with a relentless motor and surgical precision on the court, had already captured hearts and headlines with her dazzling performance in the previous season. That year, she averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.3 steals per game, leading Spring Garden to a 1A state title with an undefeated record. Her ability to command the floor, thread impossible passes, and shut down top scorers made her a household name in Alabama prep sports. But many doubted she could sustain that level of brilliance. She didn’t just meet expectations—she shattered them.
This past season, Watkins returned with even more fire. Fueled by a hunger that burned beyond statistics, she averaged 30.2 points per game, broke the school’s career scoring record, and led the Panthers to back-to-back state championships. Coaches across the state had one thing in common in their scouting reports: “Stop No. 12, or go home early.” But few ever found a way to stop her. Her crossover was lethal, her jumper automatic, and her court vision mature beyond her years.
“Lila’s not just the best player I’ve ever coached—she’s the most driven young woman I’ve ever met,” said Spring Garden head coach Ricky Austin, holding back tears after the award was announced. “She practices like she plays—hard, fast, and with purpose. You can’t teach that.”
What made Watkins’ second Miss Basketball win all the more remarkable was the context: no player—male or female—had ever won the award twice in its 41-year history. The accolade is given to the top high school basketball player in Alabama, and while dozens of greats have won it once, Watkins is the first to do it again. The panel of sportswriters and coaches cited her “unmatched leadership, elite skillset, and historic achievements” in voting her the clear winner.
Off the court, Watkins is just as exceptional. A straight-A student and member of the National Honor Society, she’s committed to Auburn University, where she plans to major in kinesiology while suiting up for the Tigers. “I want to be more than just a basketball player,” she said at the podium. “But today, I just want to thank my team, my coaches, my parents, and the Spring Garden community. This isn’t just my award—it’s ours.”
As the crowd rose in a standing ovation, it became clear: Lila Grace Watkins wasn’t just making history—she was becoming a legend.
