Preseason Recruiting Roundup: 2023 Signees

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the start of the 2022-23 high school girls basketball season across South Carolina right around the corner – it apparently has also become commitment season across the Palmetto State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of top-tier talents across the state are looking to their futures – particularly those entering their senior seasons. Both in-state and out-of-state universities are looking to have many of the state's most sought-after prospects sporting their colleges after they trade in their high school uniforms for their caps and gowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are the latest from across the Palmetto State to make their college commitments? Without further adieu, here is a look at a few notables that have brought their respective recruitments to a close.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124104"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The last few months had seen commitments from many a top senior across South Carolina - but many a hoops fan across the state was still wondering where the Palmetto State's senior of seniors would play her collegiate ball.rnrnDecision day for Fulwiley turned out to be Nov. 10 at the auditorium at Keenan HS in Columbia. After a long recruiting process, she narrowed down her list to four schools - South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida and Louisville.rnrnAs it turned out, Fulwiley became the latest u0022birdieu0022 to land in coach Dawn Staley's nest as it was announced she will sport the garnet and black of the Gamecocks in her collegiate career.rnrnSouth Carolina has become a WNBA factory under Staley with notable names such as A'ja Wilson, Kaela Davis, Ty Harris and Destanni Henderson entering the pros under her tutelage. Aliyah Boston is in her senior season and is projected to be a No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Staley's 2022 recruiting class included Cardinal Newman's Ashlyn Watkins and East Clarendon's Talaysia Cooper.rnrnWith names like Wilson and Boston that have achieved greatness at Colonial Life Arena, the same appears to await for Fulwiley.rnrnShe will have one more season in Keenan navy blue and gold as she looks to add one more state championship to her already illustrious resume - that includes competing in five state title games and coming out victorious in four of them. Fulwiley, coach Reggie McLain and the Raiders will move from Class 3A to 2A this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["158943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Unlike Fulwiley, this veteran standout guard will have a daunting trek to get to where she will ball out collegiately.rnrnRecently, Ferguson - who currently represents the Lowcountry at 2A Timberland - announced that she will go across the country to play her NCAA ball at Cal State-Northridge. The Matadors are also a Division I program as the bulk of its athletic teams play in the Big West.rnrnFerguson originally committed to Temple at the beginning of the calendar year before having second thoughts about taking her talents north to Philadelphia and the Owls.rnrnThe Wolves, coached by Allen Gethers, finished 16-14 (9-1 in conference) and also embarked on a deep playoff run in 2021-22 before suffering defeat at the hands of eventual 2A runners-up Andrew Jackson. Ferguson averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists and three steals a game.rnrnHer high school career has also included a stint with Northwood Academy in the SCISA realm.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["185226"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As for this talented guard out of the Lowcountry, she decided that staying close to home was best for her.rnrnNettles has established herself athletically not only in basketball but also in track. This mean that her commitment decision would be as much about which sport she would partake in in addition to where she would go.rnrnCane Bay, coached by Ira Owens, is one of the newer schools across South Carolina (first opened in 2008) and Nettles has already etched her name in stone as a revered one in the short history of the 5A Cobras. Nettles announced that she would play her collegiate ball at Charleston Southern - a Division I program in the Big South.rnrnNettles led Cane Bay to a deep postseason run in 2021-22 before being eliminated at the hands of eventual 5A runners-up Summerville. She averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 3.3 assists per game last season with a Cobras team that finished a robust 23-4 (8-0 in conference).rnrnIn addition to wearing Cane Bay's colors, she has also played her AAU basketball with TMP during the spring and summer months.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171787"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We have spotlighted athletes who are playing in the 2A and 5A ranks and now we turn our attention to another Midlands school - 4A A.C. Flora which is located east of downtown Columbia in Forest Acres.rnrnA number of its star athletes across a plethora of sports signed National Letters of Intent at its Signing Day event - including senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='171787' first='Trinity' last='Delaney']. After she earns her cap and gown at A.C. Flora, she will be a Falcon-turned-Patriot as she has committed to Francis Marion.rnrnDelaney is another notable from the Patriots' 2023 class that will arrive after this academic year. [player_tooltip player_id='171790' first='Kenzie' last='Feagin'] of Trinity Collegiate is another 2023 commit to Francis Marion and both have established chemistry from their time playing AAU ball together with SC Future.rnrnDelaney also fielded offers from Claflin as well as Limestone University.rnrnIn the first year of former Airport coach Jacob Thompson's tenure with the Falcons, the team finished 19-9 (8-2 in conference) and also went on a deep run in the 4A tournament before being eliminated in a close contest against eventual Upper State runners-up Catawba Ridge.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Early Signees</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124105"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Back in June, as the AAU schedule began to give way to high school team club month, one of the state's premier guards who plays for a 4A school announced her college commitment.rnrnThat guard was [player_tooltip player_id='124105' first='Jessica' last='Woods'] at Westwood as she announced her commitment to play at Campbell. Many a school had Woods on their radar - including East Tennessee State, Northeastern, Presbyterian, Elon, UNCW, Appalachian State and South Carolina State.rnrnThe Camels are bringing in an impressive 2023 class from the Palmetto State as said class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='172178' first='Peris' last='Smith'] from another 4A juggernaut in North Augusta.rnrnWoods, who played her AAU ball with Team Curry, averaged 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and three steals for the Redhawks last season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176202"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coach Kevin Pederson has had plenty of success luring plenty of in-state recruits to a program he is coaching. Whether it was previously at Lander (which landed four top-tier in-state prospects in its 2022 class) or currently with Coastal Carolina, Pederson possesses plenty of respect in South Carolina girls' basketball circles.rnrnThat was proven once again when [player_tooltip player_id='176202' first='Kendahl' last='Spearman'] announced her commitment to be a Chanticleer for her college career. She also fielded offers from Coker, Emory u0026amp; Henry and Converse.rnrnSpearman, who played her travel ball with Upward Stars 3SSB, averaged 21.6 points, 4.9 steals and four rebounds last season with 3A Emerald. She will play this season once again wearing gold and purple colors, but for those of Legacy Early College.rnrnRiley Stack at 3A Wren is also part of Coastal Carolina's 2023 recruiting class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171785"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Also among the early signees was a star big from the Midlands.rnrnGarner had herself an interesting AAU season as she played for coach Gary Williams and ABC Lightning - a travel team based out of North Carolina.rnrnA team based to South Carolina's north was where she balled out during the 2022 club season and a college team to South Carolina's west is where she will call home for college as she declared her commitment to Division II West Georgia.rnrnGarner also fielded offers from North Greenville and Francis Marion - the latter of which landed her Wildcats teammate Alexis Sexton, now in her freshman campaign with the Patriots.rnrnLast season, Garner led 5A Lexington to a deep tournament run and averaged 12.1 points and eight rebounds a game - only two boards shy of a double-double.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235090"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Newberry. Agnes Scott. Averett. Maine Maritime.rnrnWhat do these schools all have in common? All extended offers to this skilled and versatile veteran from the Charlotte metropolitan area who averaged 10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.rnrnOnly one school, of course, could get Burns and that school was Newberry.rnrnCoach Joanna Tincher's 2023 recruiting class, in terms of in-state recruits, not only includes Burns. [player_tooltip player_id='171784' first='Jenna' last='Yanity'] of Lexington also announced her commitment to the Wolves in September as Burns did.rnrnIn addition to sporting Lancers blue and green, she has also ran on the grassroots circuit with SC Future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->