Nansemond-Suffolk Academy senior Kaylah Brown was named to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association All-State team.

Brown had a strong senior season for the Lady Saints girls’ basketball team. It was her second year returning after enrolling as a junior last year. After a very encouraging junior season, Brown paved the way for herself to step up as a leader and a premier player for the Lady Saints this season, and she did.

The senior was selected first team Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II All-State. Along with her All-State selection, she was also selected All-Conference and the All-Tournament team.

“I’m just so excited for the opportunity to be able to play and that my hard work is paying off,” Brown said.

Brown had a goal of making the All-State team in her final season, and she completed that. NSA advanced all the way to the VISAA D-II state semifinal before the season ended.

“Even though it was a tough season, I think we all had fun and worked very hard,” Brown said.

After her junior season, Lady Saints coach Kim Aston felt like the more comfortable Brown got with the program, the better player she could become. She was being integrated into a new system and Aston knew she needed time to adjust and often spoke about her being the best guard in the conference if she wanted to be. Brown grew into the top option for the Lady Saints this season, and the accolades followed.

“Confidence played a big role in the season I had,” she said. “This year I just gave it all I had, I had fun and pushed myself and believed in myself more.”

The senior is still undecided about playing at the next level.