If you’ve spent any time watching college hoops lately, you know the name. JuJu Watkins isn't just a player; she’s a whole atmosphere. But before she was breaking scoring records at USC and basically becoming the face of women’s basketball in Los Angeles, everyone was asking one specific thing: where did JuJu Watkins go to high school?
The answer isn't just a single building on a map. It’s actually a tale of two different powerhouses in the L.A. private school scene. Honestly, her high school journey is as much about loyalty to her roots as it is about finding the right stage for her insane talent.
The Early Years at Windward School
JuJu started her high school career at Windward School in Los Angeles. This wasn't some quiet entry into the sports world. Even as a freshman in 2019, she was already playing like a seasoned pro.
Most kids are just trying to find their lockers in ninth grade. JuJu? She was averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds a game. She led Windward to the CIF Southern Section Open Division title game. It was clear right then that the "South L.A. kid with the hoop dreams" was actually the best prospect in the country.
She stayed at Windward for her sophomore year, too. The stats only got more ridiculous. She bumped her scoring up to 27 points a game. People started showing up to the gym just to see the kid with the "bun" dominate everyone in her path. But as the world started opening back up after the pandemic, a big change was coming.
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The Big Move: JuJu Watkins at Sierra Canyon
In the summer of 2021, the news dropped that JuJu was transferring. This was massive. She headed over to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth.
If you know high school sports, you know Sierra Canyon is basically a factory for future stars. We're talking about the school that hosted Bronny James and Amari Bailey. By moving there, JuJu wasn't just joining a team; she was joining a brand.
But here’s the thing: she didn't just blend in. She took over.
Dominance in the Mission League
At Sierra Canyon, JuJu’s game hit another gear. During her junior year, she led the Trailblazers to a 30–2 record and a state championship. It felt like every night she was putting up a double-double without even breaking a sweat.
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By her senior year, the hype was unreal. Celebrities like LeBron James and Chris Brown were literally sitting courtside at high school gyms just to watch her play. She averaged 27.5 points and 13.7 rebounds during that final season. Basically, she was a walking bucket.
Why the Transfer Happened
A lot of people wondered why she left Windward. Usually, when a star transfers, people assume there’s drama. But for JuJu, it seemed more about the challenge. Windward is a fantastic school, but Sierra Canyon offered a national schedule and a level of exposure that’s hard to find anywhere else.
She wanted to be tested. She wanted to play on ESPN. And honestly? She wanted to win at the highest possible level before heading to the Galen Center to suit up for the Trojans.
Awards and Legacy at Sierra Canyon
The trophy case from her time at Sierra Canyon is... well, it’s crowded.
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- Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023)
- Naismith Prep Player of the Year
- McDonald’s All-American Co-MVP
Just recently, in early 2026, Sierra Canyon officially retired her No. 12 jersey. She was actually the first student-athlete in the school's history to get that honor. That tells you everything you need to know about her impact. She wasn't just a "one-and-done" high school transfer; she left a permanent mark on the program.
A South L.A. Legend
Despite the fancy private schools and the national fame, JuJu never really left Watts. She grew up training at local parks and still credits her neighborhood for her toughness.
You can see it in how she plays. There’s a certain grit that you don't always see in "polished" prep stars. Whether she was wearing the Windward jersey or the Sierra Canyon blue and gold, she played with the same chip on her shoulder.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following JuJu’s career now, you know she’s had some ups and downs—including a tough injury that sidelined her for the 2025-26 season. But her high school foundation is what makes everyone so confident in her comeback. She’s been the "chosen one" since she was 14 years old, and she’s handled every bit of it with grace.
To keep up with her recovery and her eventual return to the court, you should:
- Follow the official USC Women's Basketball social channels for rehab updates.
- Check out her "JuJu" brand collaborations, which often give a nod to her L.A. roots.
- Watch old highlights from her 60-point game at Sierra Canyon if you want to see what a generational talent looks like in a high school gym.
The journey from Windward to Sierra Canyon was just the prologue. The real story is still being written on the floor of the Galen Center.