PGH Sparkle City Slam Preview: Palmetto State Names to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The vast majority of the 2026 Prep Girls Hoops Circuit season is in the books, but there is still one weekend of Circuit play yet to take place.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That will occur this weekend as Spartanburg plays host to one of the final Circuit events of the summer. The Sparkle City Slam is set to emanate this Saturday and Sunday from the Global Academy of South Carolina – the building that used to be the Upward Star Center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Considering this is an event in South Carolina, one can expect a laundry list of Palmetto State talents to be on hand. Here are a few to watch for this weekend in the Upstate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["872291"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1667455,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45a10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In many ways, this year's Sparkle City Slam is a tune-up for when [program_tooltip program_id='715412' first='SC' last='Eagles'] 17U looks to make its presence known at the final travel event of the season in Cincinnati. Lombana and her [program_tooltip program_id='715412' first='SC' last='Eagles'] team have been a fixture throughout the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit as they have competed at the Southeast Kickoff, Peach Games and the Southeast Region Finals. She plays up in class as a rising junior on a 17U team and is a featured player for a Riverside team making the move from 5A to 4A starting with the 2026-27 season. Lombana averaged 8.2 points per game in 25 games last season with the Warriors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831289"],"_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-6a58e7bb45ac9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Gators of 5A River Bluff are well-represented on this year's [program_tooltip program_id='715412' first='SC' last='Eagles'] 17U team. Childers is another who plays up in class as a rising sophomore against mostly rising senior competition and she has proven throughout her career that she belongs on the same court against more experienced prospects. She actually has more experienced at the varsity level than one's average 2029 considering she has played against high school competition since she was a middle schooler. Childers played in 25 of the 26 games last season for coach Jordan Leath's Gators while averaging 7.6 points and 2.3 steals per contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992666"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1293698,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45b61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dozier is part of the 2027 graduating class for River Bluff. The 5-foot-10 standout for the Gators was one of six from the class of 2027 on last season's River Bluff assembling. Dozier saw playing time in all 26 contests last season with River Bluff. One would expect someone with Dozier's height to primarily play in the frontcourt, but she has the long range shooting accuracy of a two guard. The versatility that Dozier brings to the court is complimented by her passing capabilities. Dozier is poised to conclude both her grassroots and high school career with an exclamation point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1606099"],"_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-6a58e7bb45bdf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A notable frontcourt name from 4A Travelers Rest, Williams has experienced a noticeable uptick in her recruiting as of late. In the last few weeks, Williams has secured a pair of in-state offers from Lander and Converse. She played in all 28 contests last season for a Devildogs team that concluded its 2025-26 with a 17-11 record. Williams would average a double-double of 11.9 points and 10.3 rebounds plus 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. The rising Travelers Rest and [program_tooltip program_id='715412' first='SC' last='Eagles'] senior was one of two from the class of 2027 that were on last season's Devildogs squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["873913"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1849610,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45c73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vuyiv made headlines earlier in the offseason when it was known that she was transferring from Charleston Collegiate to another SCISA school in Cathedral Academy for her senior season. She has played in multiple sports throughout her athletic career – including soccer and volleyball in addition to what she has got accomplished on the basketball court. Vuyiv is one of the featured players for [program_tooltip program_id='1819754' first='Team' last='Charleston'] 17U and competed in 18 contests last season with the Sundevils. She averaged 16.1 points last season and is sure to be a worthwhile addition to a Generals team that had a resurgent 2025-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1305021"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1828991,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45d05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weaver has had a previous stint with Coastal Select before beginning to wear a [program_tooltip program_id='1819754' first='Team' last='Charleston'] uniform. [program_tooltip program_id='1819754' first='Team' last='Charleston']'s 16U team is set to compete in four games this weekend in Spartanburg. Weaver adds to the great deal of depth there is on First Baptist – defending SCISA 4A champions. She concluded her freshman campaign in Hurricanes purple having played in 28 of the team's 35 games. Weaver is a multi-sport athlete who has also played soccer in addition to what she gets accomplished on the hoops hardwood. Volleyball is another athletic discipline she has tried her hand at. Weaver previously played junior varsity at First Baptist before working her way up to varsity status. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1832131"],"_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-6a58e7bb45d6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pagan is another multi-sport athlete who has competed in cross country in addition to what she gets accomplished basketball-wise. H2 Basketball 14U is set to be one of the teams to watch among the 2030 division. Pagan competed in 28 of SCISA 3A Hilton Head Prep's 28 contests in her eighth-grade season and averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 steals and 3.2 rebounds per contest. She was one of four from the middle school ranks on last season's Dolphins team that reached the semifinals of last season's SCISA 3A tournament. Pagan and her H2 Basketball 14U team has already participated in one Prep Girls Hoops Circuit event – Peach Games back in early May. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1320209"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45de8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freeman is another 2030 name on the rise at the H2 Basketball 14U program. Last season was a down year for 4A Hilton Head Island, but Freeman stood out as one of the Seahawks' leading scorers in her eighth-grade campaign at Hilton Head Island. She has proven how much of a defensive force she can be with the steals she collects and is a very potent 3-point shooter. One can place Freeman in a team's lineup at either of the guard spots in the backcourt. The rising Seahawks freshman was the lone 2030 on last season's Hilton Head Island team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1320208"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1451456,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a58e7bb45e5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mitchell also fits the description of the multi-sport athlete. She also runs track in addition to getting the job done on that 94-by-50-foot hardwood. What especially earns Mitchell her fair share of playing time is how she can make things difficult for opposing teams as a defender. Mitchell has played two seasons at the high school varsity level as an eighth grader and competed in 25 contests last season for 4A Colleton County. Her play last season contributed to a Cougars team that went from six wins in 2024-25 to 13 last season and a berth in the 4A state tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->