Newcomers: 2028 Unsung Heroes To Watch Out For This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The introduction of new rankings is always a sound way to get high school sports aficionados reacquainted with many of a state's premier names – especially when said rankings are unveiled in close proximity to the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But the release of new rankings also can serve another purpose – they can introduce fans to new names that previously may not have been in the backs of their respective minds.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, new South Carolina rankings were released this week for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes. Here are four from South Carolina's sophomore class whose play has certainly made them worthy of recognition, but they may not have as consistently received as much buzz as their peers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319106"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d54a381db3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hall is ready to ball. We still vividly remember when she took a massive step in building her statewide profile with her 26-point performance at the She Got Next Christmas Classic when Seneca took on Greenville. Hall will enter her third season at the varsity level after playing in 22 games in both her eighth grade and freshman campaigns. She averaged 8.1 points, four rebounds and two steals a contest in 2024-25 for a 4A Bobcats team that 12-14 after moving up from the 3A realm. Hall is a multi-sport athlete who also participates in track and field as well as cross country events. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319120"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d54a381dba0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following Cross Schools' 1A SCISA championship victory two seasons ago, the Stingrays added to their trophy with a 45-29 triumph over Laurens Academy back in February at the Sumter County Civic Center. Wheat concluded her freshman season with an 11-point performance – including clutch 3-point shooting – that made all the difference for Cross Schools in the win. She primarily plays as a three forward in the frontcourt, but as her 3-point shooting in Sumter proved, she can play effectively at the wing. Wheat is returning along with much of the cast that were instrumental in lifting the Stingrays to a second consecutive state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319138"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d54a381dbf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saluda has consistently been in the conversation of 2A state contenders as long as coach Jeanette Wilder has been drawing up the plays for the Tigers. Abney is one of the standouts Wilder is counting on to ensure that remains the case. Versatility is one of the central features to Abney's game as one can place her in a lineup in either the frontcourt or backcourt. In addition to basketball, she has also pursued track and field. Abney has no issues with getting ready to box out in case of an opponent's missed free throw and she understands the art of converting on high-percentage shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319112"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d54a381dc44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Indian Land's move from 4A to 5A Division 2 came with more than its fair share of growing pains. Johnson was a bright spot for last season's Warriors team. She competed in all 27 games last season for Indian Land and averaged 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest and achieved said statistics in her freshman season. When watching Johnson play, one can see why she can be placed in a lineup at either the point or the two. After all, she takes care of the ball and she has the long-range shooting prowess of many two guards. Getting to the free throw line is another advantage of hers and many a coach will say the last person their team wants to foul is the other team's two guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->