Class 3A State Rankings

A good half of the regular season is now in the books. The attention of South Carolina high school girls basketball players, coaches and fans turns to a January that is sure to be a competitive month as teams make their stretch runs.    With the tournaments of the holiday season in the rear view mirror, region play will take center stage. As always, January is sure to be a critical point in the schedule for teams that may or may not be on the bubbles in terms of their class's playoff pictures.    There are a few teams in Class 3A that appear to have set themselves apart from the rest. Here is our top 10 list for Class 3A.   Southside (14-0)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5320.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-573624" width="340" height="255" /></figure>   Coach Milton Parks' Tigers have made a statement thus far by beginning the season with 14 victories and no losses. Southside, who was an Upper State Finalist from last season, has earned victories over Fairfield Central, Gray Collegiate, South Meck (NC), Gaffney and Blue Ridge.    [player_tooltip player_id='196311' first='Kamari' last='Thompson'], who recently picked up an offer from Allen University, has averaged a stellar 21.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 1.3 blocks a game. [player_tooltip player_id='197344' first='Lauren' last='Wearbon'] has played in all 14 games for the Tigers and has averaged 14.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4.5 steals. [player_tooltip player_id='194863' first='Kamya' last='Hatten'] has played in 11 games and has averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.5 steals. [player_tooltip player_id='194865' first='Jakayla' last='Lorick'] has averaged 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 steals per matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='176203' first='Quayla' last='Nolan'] has taken to the court in 11 games and has averaged 5.2 points, 5.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 steals.    Camden (11-2)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/06/D77E195C-0585-408C-90DF-0C0EE48DBBD1-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-446005" width="355" height="266" /></figure>   The Bulldogs came close to winning it all last season in 3A play. Camden and coach Natalie Jeffcoat-Norris entered the 2022-23 season with an unfinished business mindset. The Bulldogs have scored victories over A.C. Flora, Mauldin, Keenan and Andrew Jackson.    [player_tooltip player_id='171798' first='Joyce' last='Edwards'] has once again looked like one of the top juniors anywhere in the country. She is averaging a robust 26.3 points, 15.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.1 blocks per contest. [player_tooltip player_id='175325' first='Morgan' last='Champion'], who brings a 3-point shooting dimension to Camden's offense, has averaged 9.6 points per matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='324555' first='Braylin' last='Mungo'], a rising eighth grader who already has offers from Division I schools, has averaged 9.5 points and 3.1 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='171806' first='Zyasia' last='Carter'] has averaged seven points, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals a game. [player_tooltip player_id='254155' first='Tateyoina' last='Harris'] gives the Bulldogs an interior presence on both ends of the floor. She has averaged 11.2 rebounds and 6.7 rebounds per game.   Wren (11-2)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/12/0627A5DB-C8E1-4116-AD21-C8008040FF07.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-367672" width="355" height="266" /></figure>   As of this writing, seven teams in Class 3A have reached the double-digit win plateau. The Hurricanes, in their third season back in 3A are one of those teams. Wren's wins have included defeating Dorman, Riverside and Christ Church.    Opponents have had a hard time keeping [player_tooltip player_id='175308' first='Raina' last='McGowens'] in check. The Hurricanes' star guard has averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.9 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='124113' first='Riley' last='Stack'], a Coastal Carolina commit who stands at a towering 6-foot-4, has averaged 14.1 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 12 games. [player_tooltip player_id='268139' first='Deyana' last='Hayes'], also a 2024, has averaged 8.5 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. [player_tooltip player_id='175339' first='Olivia' last='Randolph'], a transfer from defending back-to-back 4A champions Westside, has averaged 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in nine games.    Blue Ridge (13-4)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5534-crop-3226x2118-1672313436.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-573640" width="338" height="221" /></figure>   The Tigers are another one of those teams that has reached double-digit wins as of this writing. In fact, only Southside has more (14) than Blue Ridge's baker's dozen. Its signature wins this season have come, so far, against Wade Hampton, Greenville (twice), Landrum (twice), Greer, Boiling Springs, Carolina Forest and (most recently) Eastside.   [player_tooltip player_id='252636' first='Zikira' last='Henderson'] has blossomed as a veteran leader for the Tigers. She has averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='252633' first='Anyah' last='Henderson'] has averaged 8.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Claire Skinner gives Blue Ridge an interior presence and she has averaged 8.6 rebounds and 6.8 points in 16 games.   Philip Simmons (11-4)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/11/31C0EAED-52A0-40E3-BB9E-F8C4FF33C738-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555831" width="354" height="265" /></figure>   Our first representative from the Lowcountry on our list, the Iron Horses have put the rest of the 3A field on notice given the return of one of its key players. Philip Simmons has notched victories over Summerville, Military Magnet, Oceanside Collegiate, Bishop England (twice) and North Myrtle Beach.    That returning player was [player_tooltip player_id='175384' first='Kylee' last='Kellermann'] and she has picked up where she has left off in the games that she has played in. The Iron Horses have also received important contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='197358' first='Kennedy' last='Rivers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='273201' first='Zhaire' last='Mack']. [player_tooltip player_id='555430' first='Germany' last='Moore'], a freshman, has established herself as the future of the Philip Simmons girl's basketball program.   Lower Richland (5-6)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5061-crop-2089x1372-1672213756.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-573050" width="365" height="239" /></figure>   Five victories at this point in the season may be enough for many a hoops onlooker to overlook the Diamond Hornets. But those wins include defeating Fort Dorchester and A.C. Flora along with nearly defeating SCISA 4A power Heathwood Hall.   [player_tooltip player_id='405364' first='Jhnai' last='Sumter'] has been the leading point-getter for many a Lower Richland contest this season. She is averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='496217' first='Chi'nya' last='Isaac'] primarily plays in the backcourt and has averaged 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='234751' first='Tyra' last='Floyd'] is averaging 10.4 points and 2.5 steals per matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='361185' first='Taniyah' last='Weston'] is an interior presence who has averaged 6.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.    Crestwood (10-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/E77AB937-FCE9-499A-8A9B-3C2F52884B4E.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-569850" width="357" height="268" /></figure>   The Knights became the latest team to reach 10 victories by defeating 5A Blythewood prior to the new year. Crestwood also earned a victory over another 5A team in Stall in the early portions of the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='171786' first='Tashiana' last='Farmer'] is in her final season sporting Knights colors and has thrived into the leadership role bestowed upon her. Crestwood has also received plenty of contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='370273' first='Taliya' last='Harris'], who adds depth to the Knights' frontcourt, as well as [player_tooltip player_id='370272' first='London' last='Vaughn'] who anchors the team's frontcourt.    Emerald (10-2)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_3892-crop-2417x1587-1671368569.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-568728" width="349" height="228" /></figure>   When looking at the Vikings' record, one can certainly come to the conclusion that the team's young core is poised to lead Emerald to success this season and in the future. Included in the Vikings' 2022-23 resume is a victory over Spartanburg.    Emerald's young nucleus includes [player_tooltip player_id='438237' first='Danielle' last='Oliver'] who has averaged 15.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.7 steals and 3.9 assists per game. Her sister, [player_tooltip player_id='438236' first='Cameron' last='Oliver'], has averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.9 assists per matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='563335' first='Jurnee' last='Williams'] is a seventh grader who has taken to the court in 11 games and is averaging 5.3 points per game.   West-Oak (9-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/04/D5545DF9-2A49-43C2-A3C4-D6E9BA4DB93B.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-417567" width="385" height="289" /></figure>   When considering which teams could make noise in 3A this season, the Warriors may have been off the radars of many a South Carolina high school hoops fan. West-Oak has already matched its win total from last season.    The Warriors' ascent has been spearheaded by freshman [player_tooltip player_id='577617' first='Joanna' last='Burgess']. She has averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Also instrumental in the team's success is [player_tooltip player_id='399198' first='Reagan' last='Mobley'] and the 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 steals she has averaged. [player_tooltip player_id='265021' first='Makazia' last='Hunter'] is averaging 10.3 rebounds and 7.3 points per contest.   Gilbert (9-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_3648-crop-2778x1824-1671360853.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-568707" width="394" height="258" /></figure>   The Indians have a strong case for the most improved team among 3A combatants. With nine victories, Gilbert is one win shy of matching its win total from last season. Among its victories is a win over Ben Lippen.    [player_tooltip player_id='370103' first='Taylor' last='Spencer'] is once again putting up [player_tooltip player_id='370103' first='Taylor' last='Spencer']-esque numbers – averaging 21.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.5 steals a game. Ahleria Leaphart has been a major piece in Gilbert's ascent – she has averaged 14.8 points, 6.6 steals and 5.7 rebounds per contest. Kylie Morton can be accurate from behind the 3-point arc and has averaged 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.

A good half of the regular season is now in the books. The attention of South Carolina high school girls basketball players, coaches and fans turns to a January that is sure to be a competitive month as teams make their stretch runs.