Washington Signees Long and Sellers Named to Naismith High School Watch List

ATLANTA, Ga. – Washington women's basketball 2023 signees Ari Long and Sayvia Sellers have been named to the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.

Long and Sellers signed National Letters of Intent with Washington on November 9, and are two of the 50 girls named to the watch list. 

"This group of young women is as talented as we have ever seen," Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, said.

Long, a 6-0 guard from Moreno Valley, Calif. (Valley View High School), was rated No. 46 in the ESPNW Top 100 rankings.

On National Signing Day on November 9, Washington head coach Tina Langley said of Long: "Ari is a fierce competitor and has a drive for excellence that elevates everyone around her. Challenges excite her and her desire to be one of the best motivates her training and work ethic to the highest levels. A multi-sport athlete, Ari is a versatile guard, elite three-point shooter, and is adept at putting the ball on the floor to create plays for her teammates. Her passion and love for her team are a perfect fit for our culture."

Sellers, a 5-7 point guard from Anchorage, Alaska (Anchorage Christian High School), was the highest-rated signee (No. 28) in Washington's class, according to the ESPNW Top 100 rankings.

On National Signing Day (Nov. 9), Langley said of Sellers: "Sayvia is one of the best playmaking point guards in the country. She has a toughness and love for the game that embodies our team culture and makes everyone around her better. Sayvia is an elite scorer at three levels, an excellent playmaker for others, and a tenacious defender. She is a selfless leader on and off the court. She is loved by everyone in her community and excels at including and elevating others in her pursuit of greatness."

UConn leads all schools with three commits on the watch list. Washington (two signees) is one of five Pac-12 schools represented –  Arizona (two), Oregon (two), Stanford (two), and UCLA (one).

The five finalists will be announced in February 2023, and the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Trophy Girls honor will be awarded in March.