PGH Carolinas Expo: Team 2 Evaluations

Roughly two months remain prior to the tip-off of the 2025-26 high school girls basketball season across South Carolina and the nation. To stay sharp between the conclusion of the travel schedule and the November tip-off, many players participate in various showcase events.    One of those annual showcase events is The Expo. The Carolinas' version of The Expo once again emanated from the Rock Hill Sport and Events Center and featured plenty of marquee seniors, juniors and sophomores from both Carolinas.    We began our post-Expo coverage with a look at top performers from Team 1 and now highlight standout names from Team 2.     Boyd is quickly establishing a profile that is growing far beyond the confines of North Carolina. In the 22 games she played last season at Monroe, Boyd solidified her place among the statewide – and national – 2028 conversations. Between her ball handling, scoring, passing, rebounding and defense, Boyd is showing indications that she is just getting started. At times, the word “special” can be thrown around a bit loosely, but it is a superlative that fits when Boyd is the topic of conversation. She averaged 32 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 4.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Monroe is moving up from 2A to 5A this season.     As a senior, Odom's AAU career has already come to a close as she ran her final grassroots season with PSB 17U Elite Richmond. When one is 5-foot-9 and can effectively play as a guard – in addition to the forward position – that will earn one more than enough raised eyebrows. Odom worked her way up from the junior varsity ranks to varsity status and one way she did that was by allowing her rebounding and defense to compliment what she does as a scorer and ball handler. Odom's Southeast Guilford team will make the move up from 4A to 5A this season and she averaged 15.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 steals in 25 contests last season for the Falcons.     Herndon operates in the more conventional role for many a player that stands just barely south of six feet. Alongside her basketball achievements, she also competes in track and field events. Herndon is a gifted rim attacker from the open floor and can throw defenses off guard with how she can make quick passes while in attack mode. Her 5-foot-10 stature makes her difficult to score on as well. Herndon averaged nearly a double-double (9.5 rebounds, 9.2 points, 2.7 blocks and 2.7 steals) last season in the 28 games she played in 2024-25 for Southern Durham, which finished 25-4 last season and is moving up from 3A to 7A this season.     Vereen ensured that North Myrtle Beach's transition from 4A to 5A Division 2 was smooth and serene. The Chiefs advanced to the Lower State finals and Vereen averaged a stellar 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 steals and 4.2 assists in the 25 games she played last season sporting North Myrtle Beach blue and gold. Vereen is another standout veteran who has the 5-foot-11 height of a power forward or even a traditional five but makes plays with consistency as a guard. Last season's North Myrtle Beach team finished 22-3 and had some noteworthy graduations following the 2024-25 campaign so showcase events such as these are a worthwhile tune-up for Vereen who will be a focal point of the Chiefs this season.     Speaking of teams that had notable graduations, that distinction certainly applies to 5A Division 1 Ashley Ridge. Foley is returning as she is a 2027 and her play will be key in re-establishing the Swamp Foxes as forces to be reckoned with across the state. The six foot three forward understands how to find driving lanes to the rim and deliver strong finishes at the cup. Foley can handle the rock with her left hand and complete a play at the rim with either her right or her left hand. A product of FBC Reign on the Under Armour circuit, Foley had a busy weekend between participating in The Expo and at the Super 64 the following day at 3A Keenan HS.

Roughly two months remain prior to the tip-off of the 2025-26 high school girls basketball season across South Carolina and the nation. To stay sharp between the conclusion of the travel schedule and the November tip-off, many players participate in various showcase events.