Class of 2029 prospect Layla Curtis is our Athletix National Player of the Week.

Next Bench Media watches a ton of videos, media coverage, social media content, and live events across the country. We consistently follow high school sports, camps, and club programs looking for athletes that stand out both on and off the court.

Layla recently popped up on our social media feed as a player following the Next Bench Media account, and it did not take long to notice her talent. Coaches were consistently giving her shoutouts, and for just being a freshman, she already had an impressive collection of highlight clips showing her ability, confidence, and toughness on the court. One thing that immediately stood out was how polished her shooting form and ball-handling skills already are at such a young age. Her ability to create space, stay under control, and score from multiple spots on the floor made her very appealing as a rising prospect.

Curtis, who is out of Tuba City, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in Arizona basketball.

The 5’7” combo guard made a huge impact as a freshman, leading Tuba City with over 20 points per game while also stuffing the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and steals. Curtis helped guide the Lady Warriors to the Arizona Copper State Championship while earning MVP honors and regional recognition along the way.

Growing up in the small towns of The Gap and Tuba City has played a major role in shaping who Layla is both on and off the court.

“Growing up in the small towns The Gap and Tuba City, I learned the importance of hard work, discipline, respect, and community,” Curtis said. “These deeply rooted values in our culture have taught me to never give up, to treat others with kindness, and to always remember where I come from. The challenges I faced growing up in small towns have made me more resilient and determined to succeed both on and off the court. The support and encouragement I received from my family, friends, and coaches have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back and represent my community with pride.”

Known for her scoring ability, toughness, and all-around game, Layla has already established herself as one of the top young prospects to watch in the Southwest. Despite her early success, she continues to focus on improving key parts of her game.

“One part of my game I’m really focused on improving is my court awareness, which includes better court vision and anticipation,” Curtis explained. “I want to anticipate where my teammates will be and understand how the defense is setting up so I can make smarter passes and better decisions overall. Ultimately, I want to anticipate plays before they happen, which I believe will elevate my overall performance and help my team succeed.”

With her mindset, leadership, skill development, and dedication to growth, Layla Curtis continues to prove why she is one of Arizona’s rising stars in the Class of 2029.