Southeast Elite Showcase Fall Ball Session II: Sophomore Jump

Another high school basketball season is fast approaching – just ask the many prospects throughout the Palmetto State that are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign.    One way to stay at peak performance is to consistently find showcase events to sharpen one's skills. The Southeast Elite Showcase Fall Ball Session II is one of those gatherings. The most recent version was held this past Saturday at Ben Lippen School.    We at Prep Girls Hoops were on hand for the day's festivities. After spotlighting a number of the seniors and juniors that were on hand, we turn our attention to the class of 2029.     Mitchell was one of two from the class of 2029 on last season's 5A Sumter team. One has to especially watch out for Mitchell when she has the rock from behind the arc as she has the potential to knock down a plethora of 3-point attempts. Mitchell can be very agile and quick with her footwork which will earn her a sizable number of minutes. She is an efficient floor runner and has no problems drawing contact which will earn her opportunities at the free throw line. Mitchell also displays her toughness with her willingness to fall to the floor to complete a play.      Myers also was introduced to the high school varsity ranks when she was a middle schooler. The speed with which she approaches the game can particularly prove itself to be worthwhile when making plays in the transition game. Myers may only be a sophomore, but she displays leadership qualities that even some juniors and seniors may not typically display. Her ability to make plays can attract a large number of double teams and she is also a potent 3-point shooter. Myers, who stands at 5-foot-6, was one of two from the class of 2029 that was on last season's Gamecocks team.      Thompson is a familiar name to many aficionados of South Carolina high school girls basketball. What could be unfamiliar is the uniform she will wear as she will play in the SCISA ranks at Northside Christian. Thompson stands at 5-foot-9 and previously played at 5A White Knoll. Thompson can give a team worthwhile minutes as either a three forward or at the four and understands the art of drawing contact which an place her at the free throw line. Her AAU career includes a stint at Beechwood MS. Thompson joins a Crusaders team that concluded its 2025-26 campaign with a 16-15 record.     Considering that Saturday's showcase took place at Ben Lippen, McEntire had to feel right at home on her home court. McEntire understands the art of setting up an offense in the halfcourt. McEntire has competed at the high school level since she was an eighth grader and averaged 11.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals for a Falcons team that reached the SCISA 4A semifinals last season. Defenders cannot give McEntire too much space when she has the ball behind the arc as she is likely to take – and make – her 3-point attempts. McEntire was one of three from the class of 2029 on last season's Ben Lippen team.     With the large number of graduations and departures that defending 4A state champion North Augusta endured over the offseason, one would think the 2026-27 version of the Yellow Jackets would be the definition of “next woman up.” Lee is one of those for a North Augusta team that is entering the coach Scheraun King era. When considering backcourt play, Lee is more of a pure point guard with the ability to attack the rim and finish strong at the cup. She has previous experience at the junior varsity level and worked her way up to varsity status at North Augusta.     Considering that Douglas stands at 5-foot-9, it is safe to assume that she primarily plays in the frontcourt. While Douglas can certainly make plays in close proximity to the rim, she is actually listed on the roster of 5A Chapin as a two guard. Douglas competed in 24 of the 26 contests last season for an Eagles team that put up an impressive 16-10 record in coach Terence Jones' first season at the helm at Chapin. That prowess as a two guard displays itself when Douglas attempts 3-point shots and her work on defense can create additional offensive possessions for her team.     Talent-heavy teams such as 5A Chapin typically have 3-point specialists. That was on display on Saturday afternoon at Ben Lippen as Henry would deliver plenty of triples at the Falcons' nest. While her accuracy from distance gives her plenty of time at the two, one can also place Henry in a team's starting five at the point. Talents such as Henry can throw defenders for a loop when she decides to attack the rim and finish with emphasis on the basket. Henry has previous experience at the junior varsity level at Chapin and her ability to place crooked numbers on the scoreboard have more than worthy of a varsity call-up. Her junior varsity Eagles finished last season with a solid 16-4 record.

Another high school basketball season is fast approaching – just ask the many prospects throughout the Palmetto State that are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign.