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Player Profile: Alaina Dadzie (Williamsport, PA)

 

Name: Alaina Dadzie

Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-1

Position: Power Forward/Center (Basketball), Sprinter (Track & Field), Tennis Athlete

High School: Loyalsock Township (PA)

Graduation Class: 2026

AAU Club: Blue Flames 

Status: Uncommitted

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP, PA -- Alaina Dadzie is a 6-1 Forward from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She's currently a freshman at Loyalsock Township, and runs with the Blue Flames (Williamsport Area) on the AAU circuit. Dadzie was named an HAC All-Conference player in her rookie season by averaging 11.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.2 assists per game to help guide the Lancers to an 18-8 record and 3A state playoff berth.

When I first seen Dadzie on film, I was so surprised that more people didn't know about her. Yes, the recommendation from Lock Haven commit Kiahna Jones helped, but with how skilled she is and the pace she plays at for a freshman, it's an eye opener. Scoring however she wants from 15-feet and down, runs the floor hard, active on both sides of the ball and isn't afraid to make the extra pass, Dadzie is a monster with the rock. As a three sport athlete, it helps in being sharp in all areas of a sport, but the Williamsport prospect is cooking up something special in Northern PA. Having her older sister, Izzy by her side is a bonus, but I can't wait to see how she grows as a player these next three years. Let's take a look at her game shall we?

I caught up with the 2026 prospect on her freshman season, a breakdown of her game and preparation heading into next season.


Alaina Dadzie Breakdown

Strengths:
Active Rebounder
  • "One of the best competitors I know in her class, there's a reason Dadzie averaged close to 10 rebounds a game this past season. Her instincts and tenacity on the glass are second to none. Dadzie gets a lot of putbacks, second chance points and can naturally fill up the stat sheet from being in the right place at the right time. Don't be surprised if she doubles her rebound average as a sophomore."

High IQ Player 
  • "Dadzie's basketball IQ is off the charts at 14. Has a great instinct in scoring at an angle, makes the right read with how she's being defended and making the extra pass to setup a teammate for a better shot. A breakdown doesn't show up in the box score, but I wanted to emphasize how smart of a player she is."

Post Play
  • "One of the best traits of her game, Dadzie loves scrappin' down low. I fully believe she hasn't reached her potential yet as a post, but she's on her way to becoming a legit threat. Dadzie scores effortlessly off two feet, has an array of post moves to move her defender, and while being active on the glass for putbacks, she is a monster on the block. I can go on and on about how dominant she can get, but I'm really impressed with her tenacity right now!"

Shot Creation
  • "In today's era, you have to be more expandable as a player. Whether that's learning how to dribble, play outside the paint, and become a threat at all levels, basketball is evolving with the level of talent. Dadzie was very sharp as a shot creator as she was able to showcase her mid-range game, and at times put it on the ground. She is still learning as an offensive player, but she is on her way to becoming the next best scorer out of the 'Port."

Tenacious Defender
  • "Another one of her strong traits, Dadzie gets after it on the defensive end. I have never wrapped my head around 'Port post players being so terrifying on defense. It must be in the water there *laughs*, but nonetheless Dadzie is a very solid defender at her age. Swatting shots left-and-right, deflecting passes using her long wingspan, and owning the glass in general, she's not afraid to step up to anybody. Dadzie is still learning to become an even sharper player on both ends, but she knows what she has to do to make her presence known."

Improvements:
Becoming an even better defender
  • "You might look at the stats and comments and think Dadzie's already there. In reality, there's much more work to be done. If Dadzie can improve her lateral movement on defense, she will start to scare her opponents back to the locker room. Learning how to slide her feet on the ball, being in deny off the ball and building on her anticipation in getting more steals, she will be even more of a threat on the defensive side."

Expanding her offensive game.
  • "Dadzie has showcased flashes of her bag as a freshman, but there is so much left in the tank for her to build on. Dadzie will need to work on expanding her game to all three levels: a three ball, mid range pullup, and while still operating in the low post. If she can work on getting even more creative with adding a jab series in her jumper, becoming a better ball handler, using her left hand more or different finishes around the basket, she will start to appeal to a much bigger audience."

Improving on footwork.
  • "This isn't much of a worry, but there's always room for improvement. If Dadzie can work on her agility as an offensive player, she will become even more dominant with the rock in her hands. Whether that's in the post, or the one-on-one game outside of the paint, having more sharper footwork will help improve her game. Dadzie is a helluva athlete, but correcting this will make her unguardable."

Next Play Mentality
  • "Dadzie is a true competitor. At times there isn't a thing you can tell her as she loves to get after it every single possession. Having that kind of drive is a positive as every player should be coachable, but Dadzie has to realize that there is always a next play when things go south. This is not a big concern, but having that 'next play' mentality will help her mature in her game. Beating yourself up over a turnover or blown assignment isn't a healthy way to continue playing. Dadzie is still young, but once she corrects the little things, many colleges will begin to knock at her door. I can't wait to see her next three years!"

Alaina Dadzie Interview
When did you first start playing basketball?

  • “The beginning of my basketball career started when I could pick up a ball. My dad had me ,and my sister in a church league when I was 5. That really started my passion.”

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.
  • “I would say I’m an unselfish player. I like to help my teammates get better, and I feel that makes me get better. I believe I’m a inside player who can shoot the ball when I’m open, and can make my own shots in the paint.”

How was life growing up in Williamsport?

  • “Growing up in Williamsport is pretty good. I feel this town relies on its sports for things to do because there is not much here. There are great people around. They help us kids discover ourselves, and become the best we can be. Overall, growing up in Williamsport is great.”

How was your first year experience at Loyalsock?

  • “Loyalsock is amazing. The school has great opportunities and great people. Usually people don't like school, but I do just a little bit. They have great classes and teachers who make sure you will succeed in life, and it's super helpful. Being a freshman, people would be scared to go to high school. I really didn't have that because I have an older sister, Izzy who’s already there. She knew the ropes, and helped me get my nerves out before my first day. I got to skip the ‘terrifying’ part and got straight to the fun.”

How was your rookie season?
  • “This season was great. I feel I really evolved as a player, and have gotten so much better. This year I was named to Heartland Athletic Conference's D3 first-team, and was runner up for the Player of the Year award. I cant wait for next year to be an even better player.”
Having your sister by your side, I bet the journey has felt amazing this far. From your point of view, how’s the experience of being able to play alongside Izzy and the bond you two have?
  • “I love playing with my sister. I feel we bring out the best in each other, and have that connection to find each other wherever each of us are. We have gotten closer over the past couple years because of our ages. I’m not telling on her anymore *laughs*. I think this really helps in the long run in sports, and in general because we have each other's backs.”

Who is your favorite player and why?
  • “I love Alexis Morris. She has amazing grit and never gave up. Even after the journey she’s had.”

Who would you consider your role models?
  • “Definitely my parents. They taught me everything I know, and they help me whenever I need it. They just my biggest inspiration!”

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today? 
  • “I think its the mental challenges. I feel in today’s world, people don't take in consideration that all people have issues. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. People think that the players they watch are just happy after a win, or sad after a loss. There’s so much more to the game."

It’s still early for you in the process, but never too early to start thinking. As you’re now at the age where you’re looking and playing for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a school?
  • “Well I want to be in sports media, so I definitely will be looking for a place that has something that would help with that. Also, I've always wanted to go to UConn and play there. I’m not honestly sure why, but something about my dream school, it just speaks to me. Some other things I would consider is weather. I love the hot sun and the beach, so I would also consider a place in the warmer end down south. I want to go to a big school that has a good sports program that's for sure.”

What are your expectations heading into sophomore season?
  • “Team wise I think we are going to thrive. All the starters are coming back except for one, and we have a strong bench. I’m very excited for this upcoming season. Individually, I’m going to have goals for myself for sure, and try to be the best player I can be. To help my teammates be the best they can be too. I know I’m gonna get challenged next year. Double teamed and in a box-and-one. But, I’m not going to let that fluster me, and gonna be mentally tougher.”
Your career is starting to take off but in the end, how do you want people to remember your name?
  • “I want people to remember Alaina Dadzie not just as a basketball player, but as a nice, smart, and generous human being. I try and do what's best for people. I want that to be known way before the 'basketball player' title.“

Thank you Alaina for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?
  • “Try your hardest, and never give up. Success isn't a straight line. It’s going to have some bumps, and that's what makes you better. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Alaina Dadzie - 2026

Media Coverage on Alaina Dadzie


Sister Act 2: Dadzie sisters help power Loyalsock to district playoff win against Troy

Twitter @AlainaDadzie

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Location: Williamsport, PA, USA