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Kayla Tanijiri Named Daily News Athlete of the Week

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 6:35 GMT by Los Angeles Daily News
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 18th, 2026 - Kayla Tanijiri, a junior at Birmingham Charter High School, has been rightfully awarded the Daily News' Girls Athlete of the Week, but to reduce her impact to a single accolade would be a disservice. Tanijiri isn't simply scoring points; she's fundamentally changing the trajectory of the Birmingham Charter girls' basketball program, inspiring teammates, and establishing herself as a player to watch beyond the high school level.

Her recent performance - a dominant 32 points and 15 rebounds in a pivotal league game - was the catalyst for this week's recognition, but those familiar with the Birmingham program know this isn't an isolated incident. Tanijiri has consistently been the driving force behind their impressive season, averaging a remarkable double-double. She's not just putting up numbers; she's doing it against increasingly tough competition.

Birmingham Charter hasn't traditionally been a basketball powerhouse. For years, the program has floated in the middle of the pack, occasionally making a playoff appearance but rarely making a significant run. However, something has shifted this season, and that 'something' is largely attributable to Tanijiri's leadership and unwavering work ethic. Coaches and teammates alike consistently praise her dedication, not just to improving her own game, but to elevating the performance of everyone around her.

"Kayla is special," says Birmingham Charter head coach, Maria Rodriguez. "It's not just her skill - which is undeniable - it's her ability to make those around her better. She's a vocal leader, always encouraging her teammates, and she leads by example with her relentless effort. She's in the gym before everyone else, and she's the last one to leave. That kind of commitment is contagious." Rodriguez also highlighted Tanijiri's basketball IQ. "She understands the game at a level that's uncommon for a junior. She can read defenses, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions under pressure."

Tanijiri's impact extends beyond the stat sheet. She's a role model both on and off the court. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA while balancing the demands of a rigorous athletic schedule speaks to her discipline and commitment to academic excellence. She actively participates in team community service projects, demonstrating a maturity and sense of responsibility that belies her age.

The recent surge in Birmingham Charter's attendance at games is also a direct result of Tanijiri's rising profile. The team is drawing larger crowds, creating a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere. The school administration has noted a significant increase in school spirit since the start of the season, attributing it to the excitement surrounding the girls' basketball team and, in particular, Tanijiri's captivating play.

College scouts have begun to take notice. Several Division I programs have expressed interest, sending representatives to observe her games. Early reports suggest that programs are particularly impressed with her versatility - her ability to score from both inside and outside, her strong rebounding skills, and her defensive prowess. Experts predict that Tanijiri will be a highly sought-after recruit in the coming year.

But for now, Tanijiri remains focused on the task at hand: leading Birmingham Charter to a league championship and a deep playoff run. The team is currently 18-6 overall and 8-2 in league play, poised to make a serious challenge for the title. With Tanijiri at the helm, the future of Birmingham Charter girls' basketball looks brighter than ever. The Daily News' Athlete of the Week award is well-deserved, but it's just the beginning for this exceptional young athlete. She's a player to watch - not just locally, but nationally.