Region 1-AAAAA Preview: Which ‘Green’ Has More of the Mean?

Last season, realignment did something very unique to 5A. It was divided into two divisions meaning that there would be two champions crowned for the Palmetto State's highest of classifications.   Depending on which division a 5A team could be in, they either want to be where Blythewood (defending 5A Division 1 champions) ended up or where Berkeley (defending 5A Division 2 champions) did.    Throughout the last several weeks, we at Prep Girls Hoops have released in-depth region-by-region preview of the 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A classifications.    We now shift our focus to 5A, beginning with a region that featured two teams that competed for the 5A Division 2 Upper State championship last season.   J.L. Mann (Division 1)   (2024-25 Record: 20-7, 14-0)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_2167.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1117735" style="width:593px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was in the mid-2000s when J.L. Mann won three consecutive state championships when the school was part of the 3A ranks. In previous years, the Patriots have been close to getting back to that point only to be denied.    Two seasons ago, the Patriots were denied in the Upper State championship game by way of Rock Hill. Last season, following victories over Lexington and Dutch Fork, J.L. Mann's season came to a close by virtue of eventual 5A Division 1 champion Blythewood.    An advantage of coach LaMont Wakefield team is he is returning his entire squad from last season as his team in 2024-25 did not have any seniors.    Key Players:   Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='610424' first='Jade' last='Hailstock'] played in all 27 games last season for J.L. Mann. Hailstock, who is garnering collegiate interest, averaged 15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game last season.    One name that is part of J.L. Mann's 2026 graduating class is [player_tooltip player_id='610465' first='Olivia' last='McKinney'] who also played in all 27 games for the Patriots. In those 27 games, McKinney averaged 11 points, 3.9 steals and 2.7 assists.    The Patriots will also greatly benefit from a senior season of [player_tooltip player_id='610464' first='Imari' last='Richardson']. She also participated in all 27 games last season and nearly averaged a double-double of 10.9 points and 9.6 rebounds along with 2.9 steals per contest.    [player_tooltip player_id='387003' first='Anastasia' last='Gillam'] is entering her junior season at J.L. Mann. Gilliam averaged 6.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season. She has played at the varsity level since she was in the seventh grade.    Greenwood (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 18-10, 10-4)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6713.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826429" style="width:609px;height:auto" /></figure>   The 22-6 season the Eagles put together in 2023-24 as a 4A combatant was a positive omen for Greenwood as the team made the leap from 4A to 5A Division 2.    In the 5A Division 2 tournament last season, LaShonda Chiles' team earned victories over Nation Ford and Riverside prior to a thrilling 49-47 victory over Greenville in the Upper State championship game. The Eagles' 5A Division 2 state hopes came to an end thanks to a 60-54 defeat by Berkeley.    A grand total of four seniors traded in their black and gold Eagles uniforms for caps and gowns at the conclusion of the spring semester.    Key Players:   Greenwood will head into the 2025-26 season with an unfinished business mentality and a stacked squad. Said assembling includes senior [player_tooltip player_id='438237' first='Danielle' last='Oliver'] who averaged 21.5 points, five steals, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.    It is also going into the upcoming season with an impressive 2026 graduating class. It includes [player_tooltip player_id='436756' first='Ty' last='Johnson'] who averaged 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in the 28 games she played.    When a team puts together winning seasons as Greenwood has done, it makes it an attractive transfer destination. The Eagles landed two transfers from 4A Emerald. One of those was [player_tooltip player_id='563335' first='Jurnee' last='Williams'] who averaged 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game.    Also among that 2026 class is [player_tooltip player_id='438236' first='Cameron' last='Oliver'], the twin sister of Danielle. She also played in all 28 of Greenwood's contests last season and averaged 9.2 points, 4.6 assists, four rebounds and 3.5 steals.    The second of those two transfers from the Vikings was [player_tooltip player_id='1318820' first='Le'Asia' last='Morgan'] who is actually also part of Greenwood's graduating class. In the 16 games Morgan played in Emerald purple and gold, she averaged 11.4 rebounds, eight points, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks.    The Eagles will be a tough out and one huge reason is because of the depth they will have in the frontcourt. That includes [player_tooltip player_id='1237474' first='Anya' last='Johnson'] who is starting her junior season at Greenwood. Johnson stands at 6-foot-1.    Mauldin (Division 1)   (2024-25 Record: 16-9, 9-5)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/11/IMG_5534-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-812514" style="width:643px;height:auto" /></figure>   When Mauldin defeated Stratford in the 2022-23 5A state championship game, it was the first time the Mavericks had prevailed in a state contest since the 1950s.    Last season, Mauldin had another winning season but it was not to the extent of what they did when the Mavericks won a state championship or the season before when Mauldin had a 17-2 record. The Mavericks faced off against Dorman in the first round of the 5A Division 1 tournament and the result was a 63-49 win for the Cavaliers.    Mauldin graduated four seniors from last season's team and lost a transfer to Greenville but there is an expectation that the Mavericks will continue to be a team to watch    Key Players:   Entering her senior season is [player_tooltip player_id='468191' first='Zara' last='Leamon'] who was part of that 2022-23 state-winning team. Leamon recently announced her commitment to Morgan State. Leamon averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 steals in 15 games last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='610426' first='Imani' last='Mciver'] will be competing this season as a junior following a 2024-25 where she played 23 games in Mauldin brown and orange. In those 23 contests, McIver averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.     When the school year concludes, Layton Wright will trade in her orange Mauldin uniform for a cap and gown. Wright can find time as a wing. She is a multi-sport athlete who also participates on the flag football team.   That graduating class also includes Jordyn McNeil who saw playing time in eight games last season for the Mavericks. McNeil can give a team productive minutes as either a two guard or at the point.   J'dah Aiken is entering her freshman season with the Mavericks with more experience than one's typical freshman. She has ran with [program_tooltip program_id='1229626' first='KST' last='Academy'] on the grassroots circuit and first played at the varsity level last season as an eighth grader.   Jalaila Ligon is another freshman that represents the bright immediate future that awaits the Mauldin program. Ligon is already receiving collegiate interest and has played at the varsity level since she was a seventh grader.   Kassidy Earle is advancing into her sophomore season with Mauldin. Last season with the Mavericks, she played in 19 games as a freshman. Earle's most recent collegiate offer was courtesy of Pfeiffer.   T.L. Hanna (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 13-11, 8-5)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/eZy-Watermark_16-06-2024_10-54-27-5280AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-925735" style="width:681px;height:auto" /></figure>   Realignment meant that T.L. Hanna was competing in a larger Region 1-AAAAA and it paid dividends for the Yellow Jackets.    T.L. Hanna improved from 10 victories two seasons ago to 13 last season and had an improved showing against region foes. The Yellow Jackets began last season's 5A Division 2 tournament with a victory over Northwestern before being on the receiving end of a close loss to Riverside.    When a team graduates six seniors and loses a transfer to 4A Westside as was the case for T.L. Hanna, the roster will certainly have a new look. This will be the second season of the Zipporah Scott-Martin era for the Yellow Jackets.    Key Players:  Even with the hit the Yellow Jackets endured over the offseason, T.L. Hanna opponents still have to watch out for [player_tooltip player_id='541372' first='Kamiyah' last='Christian'] who is expected to have a role with this year's team similar to what she had at Belton-Honea Path. Christian averaged 6.3 points and 1.3 steals per game last season.    Greenville (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 16-13, 7-6)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_2156.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1117729" style="width:661px;height:auto" /></figure>   Greenville was one of the three teams in the larger Region 1-AAAAA that were making the move to 5A from 4A.    The Red Raiders finished 11-15 two seasons ago and were 13-12 heading into last season's 5A Division 2 tournament. Then Greenville went on a run that solidified its current status as a 5A Division 2 force to be reckoned with. The Red Raiders defeated Indian Land, Fort Mill and Gaffney in addition to nearly defeating Greenwood for the Upper State championship.    In addition to only graduating two seniors, one would be hard-pressed to find a team that won the transfer portal more than the Red Raiders did.    Key Players:   The big fish Greenville landed was [player_tooltip player_id='610425' first='Makayla' last='Assemian'] who will begin her junior season with Greenville after leading 3A Powdersville to an impressive run last season. Assemian averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals and two blocks per game. Two months ago, she landed an offer from Lenoir-Rhyne.   Returning for her senior season with the Red Raiders is [player_tooltip player_id='258130' first='Ava' last='Owens'] who played in 28 games last season for Greenville. Owens averaged a double-double of 15.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in addition to 4.3 steals and 3.4 assists.    Red Raiders opponents also have to game plan for [player_tooltip player_id='567024' first='Miracle' last='Cheeks'] who played in all 29 games last season. In her freshman season, Cheeks contributed 13.6 points, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per contest to the Greenville cause.    Another transfer to that made her way to Greenville was [player_tooltip player_id='651706' first='Jazaria' last='Jones'] who trades in her Mauldin brown and orange for the Red Raiders. The junior Jones averaged 6.8 points and two steals per contest.    Contending teams need x-factors and [player_tooltip player_id='1049250' first='Kailee' last='Williams'] certainly fits the description of an x-factor for the Red Raiders. Williams, who stands at 5-foot-6, averaged 6.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and one steal per matchup.    A'Keyra Harris played in only three games in her freshman season. That improved to 29 contests in her sophomore season. Harris is entering her junior campaign with Greenville and averaged 5.1 points, three rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.    The 2026 graduating class for Greenville also includes [player_tooltip player_id='633410' first='Scarlett' last='Watson'] who is listed at 5-foot-9 and primarily plays as a two guard. Watson saw playing time in 23 games last season at Greenville.   Woodmont (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 14-15, 5-9)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4115.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151106" style="width:672px;height:auto" /></figure>   Every season since 2012-13 has seen Woodmont win at least 10 games. That theme continued with last season.    The Wildcats did improve in terms of its overall record but the larger Region 1-AAAAA meant Woodmont took a bit of a hit against region opponents. Woodmont still won enough games in region to qualify for a berth in the 5A Division 2 state tournament. The Wildcats picked up a first-round victory over Catawba Ridge prior to being eliminated in the second round by Gaffney.   Last season was the inaugural season for Eric Burrow as head coach of the Wildcats. Only two seniors graduated from the 2024-25 Woodmont version.   Key Players:    Beginning her senior season in Woodmont blue is [player_tooltip player_id='555429' first='Tyana' last='Pullman'] who recently committed to UNC-Pembroke. Pullman played in 28 games last season and averaged 16.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest.    Listed at 5-foot-2 is Ashanti Fenderson who can be placed in a team's lineup as either a point guard or a shooting guard. Fenderson also competes in track and field events. Fenderson averaged five points and 1.1 steals per contest.    Providing depth in the frontcourt for the Wildcats is [player_tooltip player_id='1157679' first='Brook' last='Hall']. She can give a team minutes as either a pure big or at the four. Hall stands at 5-foot-7 and played in 25 games last season for Woodmont.    More depth can be found for that Wildcats frontcourt in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='1237910' first='Mattie' last='Kellett']. She is part of Woodmont's 2026 graduating class and is listed at an even six feet. Kellett played in 25 games.    Easley (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 4-19, 2-12)   It was not that long ago when Easley not only put together an 18-7 season but a 9-1 record in its region. The Green Wave appeared to be heading in the right direction.    Easley has undergone a precipitous drop ever since – and the move to 5A Division 2 has done the Green Wave few favors – at least in the interim. Both of Easley's regional victories from last season occurred against Hillcrest and the Green Wave were on the outside looking in of the playoff picture.    It was only a couple of months ago that Terry Patterson was named interim head coach at Easley.    Key Players:    Kate Kelley is a two-sport athlete who also plays volleyball as a setter in addition to her basketball achievements. She is one of the main players in the backcourt for the Green Wave as one who can play as either a point guard or as a shooting guard.    Speaking of Easley's 2026 graduating class, that includes Camora Little who thrives in the frontcourt for the Green Wave. Little stands at a big six feet. Back in April, Little committed to SC State for softball.   Another noteworthy senior part of this year's Easley roster is Payton Todd who gives a boost to the Green Wave's rebounding efforts. Todd is another who also plays softball in addition to basketball.   Hillcrest (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 4-23, 0-14)   The 2016-17 season was when Hillcrest made the move up from 4A to 5A. The 2019-20 season was the last time the Rams won at least 10 games.    Since then, the Rams have encountered more than their fair share of hard luck. The only four games that Hillcrest won were against two 3A teams in Carolina Academy and Pendleton, a 4A teams in Laurens and a 5A Division 1 team in Wade Hampton.    It was all the way back in 1957-58 when Hillcrest won its most recent state championship. That occurred when Hillcrest was a 2A school. The most recent Rams version graduated three seniors.

Last season, realignment did something very unique to 5A. It was divided into two divisions meaning that there would be two champions crowned for the Palmetto State's highest of classifications.