Upper State 3A Newcomers: A Louder Roar at Daniel

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The PGH Carolinas Freshman Showcase is Aug. 30 and the Expo takes place on Sep. 6! Use the discount code Carolinas26PGH25OFF for 25% off registration!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Carolina is a state with a rapidly growing population. This fact of living in today's Palmetto State will have plenty of ripple effects – including on the enrollment numbers for its many high schools.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every couple of years, the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) reclassifies the many high schools in the state based on these statistics. Two years ago, the last reclassification carousel saw many schools move up. This time, more moved down than up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This includes a great deal of schools that moved down from 4A to 3A. Those schools are hoping to be where Walhalla has been the last couple of seasons – at the top of the 3A mountain. Here is a look at the Upper State newcomers to 3A play that will be looking to knock the Razorbacks off their perch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Daniel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1415455,"width":"599px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/IMG_2681.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1415455" style="width:599px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One reason plenty of former 4A teams like Daniel could be thrilled to be in 3A is they no longer have to deal with the North Augusta-Westside-South Pointe triopoly that has ruled the 4A realm the past few seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The realignment that occurred prior to the 2020-21 COVID year placed the Lions back in 3A after a few seasons as a 4A team. The last two years were banner seasons for coach Cosandar Griffin's Lions as they have gone a combined 49-7 in those campaigns. Dating back to 2023-24, Daniel has also won 32 consecutive contests against region opponents.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions earned playoff victories over Berea and A.C. Flora before running one of the heads of the aforementioned three-headed monster in the Upper State semifinals. South Pointe ended the Lions' season in a 77-52 decision, but the Lions were one of the winners of portal season meaning Daniel should once again be among the toughest outs in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning for her junior season is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827524' first='Campbell' last='Epting']</strong> who played in all 27 games last season for Daniel. She averaged 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, two steals and 1.4 assists in those matchups. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='672998' first='Shala' last='Williams']</strong> is part of the Lions' graduating class of 2027. Also playing in all 27 of Daniel's games last season, she averaged 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals and two assists per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753233' first='Lila' last='Mann']</strong> is also part of that graduating class. Mann is coming off a season where she averaged 10.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 steals per matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two other key pieces to the Lions' winning puzzle from last season were <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='844773' first='Janiyah' last='Wilson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1319106' first='Karmandee' last='Hall']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniel also managed to secure a couple of transfers from Pickens. One is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606084' first='Addie' last='Mitchum']</strong> who was the leading scorer for last season's Blue Flame as an eighth grader. Mitchum averaged 12.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 steals and 3.8 assists. The other is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606211' first='Braelynn' last='Hardin']</strong> who is entering her senior season. She, like Mitchum, competed in all 24 contests last season for the Blue Flame and averaged 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals and two blocks per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Berea&nbsp;</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1117720,"width":"623px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_2150.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1117720" style="width:623px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The more things change, the more they remain the same. That appears to be the case with the Bulldogs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was in 2017-18 when Berea last played as a 3A team. That year, the Bulldogs finished with a 13-13 record and compiled a 9-1 record in its region. Last season, Berea finished with a 12-13 record but did not exactly encounter the same region success as that 2017-18 assembling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs last season only went 3-9 against Region 2-AAAA opponents. Two of Berea's region victories were against Greer and the other was at the expense of Seneca. Coach Fred Bostic's team concluded the 2025-26 with a six-game losing streak – including a first-round 4A tournament defeat to Daniel.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key players for the Bulldogs includes <strong>Promise Kelly</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884937' first='London' last='Wakefield']</strong>, <strong>Tessa Lindsey</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1237922' first='Ava' last='Mendoza']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Pickens</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563817,"width":"627px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/IMG_5344.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563817" style="width:627px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Flame has been in the 4A ranks since the 2016-17 season. The year before that saw Pickens as part of the 3A field and it finished its 20215-16 with a 10-13 record plus a 5-9 showing in region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2025-26, it appeared as if Pickens was on the rise once again. Coach Sam Smith's Blue Flame had improved its win total from six two seasons ago to 12 last year. In addition, Pickens went from no region wins two years ago to five last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pickens' 2025-26 campaign was brought to a screeching halt at the hands of Wren in the first round of last season's 4A tournament. In addition, transfer season was anything but kind to the Blue Flame as a number of its players from last season took their talents to nearby schools such as Daniel and Liberty.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two names to look out for at Pickens are <strong>Za'Miya Donaldson</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606212' first='Kaylen' last='Threatt']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Seneca</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1610828,"width":"575px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/01/IMG_6056.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1610828" style="width:575px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It had to be an unusual sight for many a Bobcats fan to see Seneca competing against 4A teams instead of the typical 3A fare the Bobcats are used to sharing courts with.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During Seneca's two seasons in the 4A ranks, the Bobcats went a combined 21-32. Seneca also finished 11-13 against opponents in its region. This included the 9-18 season the Bobcats put together last year and the 4-8 region showing that was good enough to earn a spot in the 4A tournament.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Except in that 4A tournament, Seneca drew Camden in the first round. The Bulldogs won in commanding fashion by a final score of 73-25.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams looking to score victories over the Bobcats have to find a way to contain <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213548' first='Ja'nyce' last='Floyd']</strong>. The veteran guard competed in all 27 of Seneca's games last season and averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. They also have to find a way to contain <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068170' first='Savannah' last='Weston']</strong> who also played in all 27 of the Bobcats' contests. She averaged 10.1 rebounds and 8.9 points per game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Southside</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to the 2024-25 season, the most recent occurrence of Southside having to change classification occurred with the 2010-11 season. This was when the Tigers were moved from the 2A realm into the 3A ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That 2010-11 Southside team finished with an 18-9 record and an 8-2 mark in its region. That 2010-11 success was not duplicated by last season's Tigers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southside only won two games last season – and both of those contests were against Emerald. The Tigers were also well on the outside of the 4A tournament picture looking in. It was a far distance from the 2022-23 season where coach Milton Parks' Tigers were 3A Upper State finalists.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deanna Sanders</strong> is a senior name to watch at Southside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Emerald</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One would be hard-pressed to find a program that has encountered more hard luck than Emerald has.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings last were part of the 3A field in 2023-24. That year, Emerald finished 8-11 in addition to a 4-4 showing against region foes. Emerald even earned a first-round playoff matchup against Powdersville that year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season before that saw Emerald win its region at an undefeated 8-0 plus put together a 19-3 overall record. That season's Vikings team did suffer an unceremonious first-round exit from the playoffs by way of Broome.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season's Vikings finished 0-for-the-season. Its smallest margin of defeat occurred in mid-December against McCormick at a mid-season tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Legacy Early College</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":811550,"width":"637px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/11/eZy-Watermark_24-11-2023_02-33-49-3660PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-811550" style="width:637px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It may be difficult for many traditionalists across South Carolina to imagine Legacy Early College as an actual SCHSL member but that is the reality that awaits this year's Lions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy Early College will be joining the SCHSL a year after a 15-7 season. Even with the looming move on the horizon, the offseason has not entirely been kind to the Lions as it lost transfers to two of the state's top 5A teams in Dorman and Byrnes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One advantage of the Lions is their ability to consistently add top-tier talent. Only one senior graduated from last season's Legacy Early College assembling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A name to watch at Legacy Early College is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831281' first='Ava' last='Proctor']</strong>. She played in all 22 games last season with the Lions and averaged 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals and two assists in those contests. Another name to be on the lookout for is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='666608' first='Kassidy' last='Earle']</strong> who completed a solid AAU campaign with Carolina All-In on the New Balance circuit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Wren</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1067194,"width":"651px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/eZy-Watermark_23-11-2024_06-56-21-2020AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067194" style="width:651px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hurricanes are dropping down from 4A to 3A and Wren aficionados likely have fond memories of the most recent time the blue and gold were part of the 3A field. That was in 2023-24 when coach Pam McGowens' Hurricanes won back-to-back 3A Upper State championships.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wren is a perfect example of how it being in 4A meant having to deal with that three-headed monster. The Hurricanes finished second to Westside in its region then were eliminated by South Pointe in the second round of the 4A tournament following a first-round victory over Pickens.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Samantha Camp's Hurricanes only graduated one senior from last season's team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='975639' first='Hailey' last='Burgess']</strong> wore a number of uniforms during the AAU season – including [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'], [program_tooltip program_id='1248511' first='Amp' last='Elite'] and FBC Amplify. She played in all 28 games last season for the Hurricanes and averaged 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals per contest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='975806' first='Raegan' last='Bryant']</strong> is entering her fourth season at the high school varsity level considering she first played as a seventh grader. She averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.0 steals per matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755000' first='Scarlett' last='Howell'] </strong>is part of Wren's 2027 graduating class. She averaged 9.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game in 28 matchups. [player_tooltip player_id='628577' first='Ava' last='O'Shields'] missed most of last season with a back injury but is a force to be reckoned with when she is on the court. She averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals in the eight games she did play. Another notable name to watch for Wren is <strong>Chloe Powell</strong>. The standout 2028 averaged just under seven points per game in addition to three rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Blue Ridge</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1121430,"width":"635px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_2916.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1121430" style="width:635px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers are returning to 3A following a pair of seasons playing up as a 4A squad. Those two most recent seasons in 4A were productive for Blue Ridge as coach Demarkus Langley's team went a combined 43-12 those two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Ridge's only losses in its region were against Daniel. In fact, the Tigers had one of the best home court advantages in the state as they finished 13-1 on its home floor. That lone home blemish was to Daniel.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-26 4A tournament for Blue Ridge commenced with a close victory over Richland Northeast before its season came to a close by way of Camden in the second round.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Entering her senior season at Blue Ridge is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1098651' first='Opal' last='Maralit']</strong> who recently picked up offers from Chowan and North Greenville. Maralit competed in 27 of the Tigers' 28 matchups last season and averaged 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.5 steals and four assists per game. The same applies to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1098652' first='Kaydin' last='Sullivan']</strong> who also has offers from Erskine, Brevard College and Denmark Tech on her resume. She would average 7.3 points, 4.1 steals and 3.7 assists per contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers' rebounding efforts are spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1098650' first='Talia' last='Maxwell']</strong> who is also part of Blue Ridge's 2027 graduating class. She played in 26 games last season and averaged 6.5 boards per contest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1098649' first='Baylee' last='Autrey']</strong> is a name to watch in Blue Ridge's backcourt and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1886465' first='Presley' last='Harkins']</strong> adds depth to the Tigers' frontcourt.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->