It's time for a trivia question!
What university is the Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year committed to?
We'll give you some time to lock in your answer...
The answer is...
"What is the University of North Carolina?"
Kate Harpring is in a league of her own
Future Tar Heel Kate Harpring has been named the 2026 Jersey Mikes Naismith Girls' High School Player of the Year by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. She recently capped off her illustrious prep career, finishing with an insane 3,435 career points.
Crown 𝗛𝗘𝗥. 👑 pic.twitter.com/EqMDaR949n
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) March 17, 2026
Harpring was integral in leading Marist Academy to its second straight 4A State Title in Georgia, and her performance in the championship game is one that will be remembered for quite some time. A big game player, Harpring dropped 40 points and hauled in 16 rebounds, an incredible performance to wrap up a historic prep career.
Now, the Naismith Girls' High School Player of the Year is taking her talents to Chapel Hill, where she figures to be an immediate impact player for Courtney Banghart and the UNC women's basketball program.
Courtney Banghart shares her thoughts on Harpring's latest accolade
"Kate had a remarkable career at Marist, capped off with a State Championship in her senior season and by setting the Georgia high school state scoring record. As someone who has been following her closely over the past few years, she has earned every accolade she's received. She brings consistency as an elite competitor and is a leader that brings out the best in others. She is a humble two-way star and a great teammate. In choosing Carolina, she is joining a program and community that is ready to welcome her. We all look forward to her making us better on the court, in the locker room, and on campus."
The future is bright in Chapel Hill
Since arriving at North Carolina, Courtney Banghart has done a stellar job on the recruiting trail.
From landing top-100 recruits to luring in transfer portal additions that have paid major dividends, Banghart and her staff have been among the nation's best in terms of acquiring talent.
Of all the amazing talent Banghart has secured, Harpring has the potential to be the best one we've seen thus far, and there's no telling what new levels the Tar Heels can reach in terms of roster constuction over the next few years.