Portland, Oregon is brewing a star. At 6'3", Jayla Lackey is a two-way force who’s turning heads across the country—equal parts poised playmaker and relentless competitor. If you haven’t heard the name yet, you will. Soon.

Jayla fell for the game around age 11–12, joining ML20 and sharpening her skills under coaches Joy and DeMarcus Best. With a high motor on defense and a fearless approach on offense, she’s become a matchup problem anywhere she plays.

Traveling with ML20, Jayla’s gone toe-to-toe with elite competition nationwide. “You have to be fearless,” she says—and her calm under pressure proves it. That poise is backed by real work: reps, film, and nonstop development.

“I attack on offense, I can shoot, and I make good plays,” Jayla says. Her calling card is defense—ML20’s identity is to turn stops into easy buckets. “Defense wins games,” a Joy Best mantra Jayla has fully embraced.

She’s adding range, too. The mid-range is coming together, and she’s stretching to the three—the kind of growth that makes a good player scary.

Jayla calls her ML20 teammates a second family. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That chemistry helps us play better together.” It showed with a Final Four run at Power 24, and the group keeps trending up.

At Benson Polytechnic, Jayla’s focused on restoring championship expectations. “Win league—and chase state.” Simple goal. Big energy.

Colleges and scouts have taken notice. Jayla’s checklist for the next level: a family environment, elite development, and a program that will prepare her for the WNBA and overseas opportunities. “I want to play for my country, too. That’s the dream.”

Balance matters. Jayla loves music, drawing, reading, and time with family and friends.
Playlist: SZA, Drake, Kendrick Lamar
Portland eats: Screen Door (chicken & waffles) and Noho’s (short ribs + mac salad) 🍗🍍

Basketball has taught Jayla discipline and mental toughness—tools she uses on and off the court. She credits her parents, coaches, teammates, and the entire ML20 family for their support.

Her message: “Keep dreaming big. Stay fearless. You never know how far it can take you.”

With high school season coming, Jayla’s locked in on a league title—and a state championship push. From there, the trajectory points skyward.

Follow: @JaylaLackey40 to track the rise.

From Portland to the National StageWhat Makes Jayla DifferentChemistry That Travels 🚀Dreaming Big: College → ProOff the CourtLessons + GratitudeWhat’s Next