2026-27 Season Preview: One Last Dance

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are many things that define the month of November. Among them are fall foliage, the Thanksgiving holiday and the return of high school girls basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across South Carolina, every team is looking to experience the state championship euphoria that was experienced by Military Magnet, Landrum, Walhalla, North Augusta, Berkeley, Blythewood, Wardlaw Academy, Dorchester Academy, Florence Christian and First Baptist at the conclusion of last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That journey for every team in the Palmetto State commences this month. For the senior class, the start of a new season is especially an emotional one. Their travel careers are already in the books and this is the start of their high school careers concluding as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324541"],"_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":1871646,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e727e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There were fewer commitment announcements across the Palmetto State that were more highly anticipated than that of the veteran star big from 4A Westside. She made that announcement recently that she committed to Iowa. Before she sports the black and gold of the Hawkeyes, she has one more season remaining in Rams maroon. Last season resulted in another Upper State championship for Hartwell and her Westside assembling. In 2025-26, Hartwell averaged 12.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. The 2026-27 season for Hartwell and her Rams will begin on No. 21 against Cherokee Bluff. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324542"],"_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":1379446,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e72823"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham's commitment announcement was also a much-anticipated one. Recently, the star big for 4A South Pointe announced that she would be bringing her many hoops talents to Alabama. Cunningham was originally offered by Alabama in April. She has already become the all-time leading scorer in South Pointe history and crossed the 2,000-point plateau last season. Cunningham competed in all 29 games last season for a Stallions team that was a 4A Upper State finalist. She averaged a double-double of 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game plus 2.7 steals and 1.8 assists per matchup. South Pointe opens its season on Nov. 21 against 5A Ridge View. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324555"],"_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":1544776,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e7284b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mungo has been a much-ballyhooed prospect since she was a seventh grader and she will depart from the high school ranks with at least two state championship rings on her fingers. As Camden and head coach Lewis Mungo make their return to the 3A ranks, Mungo is looking for one for the road. The Bulldogs are set to open its 2026-27 season at the She Got Next Thanksgiving Showcase in the latter portions of the month. Mungo competed in 26 games last season for Camden while averaging 10.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.4 rebounds per matchup. She was recently named as one of two team co-captains for the Bulldogs for its 2026-27 version. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444371"],"_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":1569124,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e72870"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North Augusta underwent plenty of changes over the offseason – including several graduations, a key transfer and its longtime head coach calling it a career. One element of the Yellow Jackets remains intact for one more season – its veteran star who announced her commitment to Georgia Southern. Walker played in all 29 games last season for a North Augusta team that claimed its seventh state championship in 10 seasons. She averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.2 assists throughout 2025-26. Walker will head into the collegiate ranks with at least three state championship rings on her fingers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444370"],"_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":1574222,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e72894"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As the 2026-27 season commences, Murray remains one of the top unsigned seniors in the Palmetto State. She has received offers courtesy of Johnson C. Smith, Elon and East Carolina. Murray is a multi-sport athlete who also plays volleyball in addition to what she gets accomplished on the basketball court. She is entering her senior season with a Wilson team that finished last season with a 20-5 record and will open its 2026-27 season against one of the toughest 5A teams in Dutch Fork. Murray averaged 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals in the 20 games she played in last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["637610"],"_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":1733924,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e728b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hopper is another who has the distinction of being a multi-sport athlete. A volleyball player in addition to basketball, she is another who has fielded her fair share of collegiate offers. Said offers have come from Anderson, Stetson, Converse, Augusta University and Braxton College. Gaffney played the last couple of seasons as a 5A Division 2 team – including last season where the Indians were an Upper State finalist. Gaffney will open its season against North Surry before traveling to SCISA 4A Ben Lippen for its first matchup against an in-state foe. Hopper played in 29 games last season while averaging 15.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.7 steals, 1.8 blocks and 1.8 assists per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["407242"],"_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":1450527,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e728d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In late August, Britt made her collegiate intentions known – she decided to remain in-state to bring her many hoops talents to Division I Presbyterian. Britt also landed offers from Livingstone College, Francis Marion, Anderson and Denmark Tech. She is preparing for a 2026-27 season with a Gray Collegiate team that is moving up in classification from 4A to 5A for the upcoming season. Britt played in all 28 of the War Eagles' contests last season while averaging a double-double of 19 points and 10.5 rebounds in addition to 1.7 steals and 1.6 assists per game. Britt and her Gray Collegiate team will open the 2026-27 season against First Baptist on Nov. 20. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["610425"],"_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":1610812,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e728fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In late September, Assemian announced that she would play at Lenoir-Rhyne for her collegiate career. She guided her Greenville team to a 5A Division 2 Upper State championship last season and will be in search of one more season of success with a Red Raiders team that is moving back down to the 4A ranks this season. Assemian and her Red Raiders are set to open the season against 3A Berea as part of its annual Red Raider Thanksgiving Invitational. Assemian played in all 29 of Greenville's games last season while averaging 10.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324560"],"_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":1450475,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e7291d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With the volleyball season in the rear-view mirror for Birch, she can place all of her athletic attention on the upcoming basketball season with SCISA 4A Northwood Academy. It was back in September when Birch announced that she would play her college ball at Flagler College. The Chargers are set to open its 2026-27 season on Nov. 17 against Northside Christian. Birch competed in all 30 of Northwood Academy's games last season while averaging 19.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, five assists and 4.7 steals per matchup. Birch is one of four from the class of 2027 on this season's Chargers team and has also been named its team captain. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404248"],"_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":1935023,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e7293e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crumlin's grassroots career with [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] is already in the rear-view mirror. Prior to that final season in [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] threads, she led her Dutch Fork team to the 5A Division 1 Upper State semifinals. Crumlin has also garnered a great deal of collegiate interest from schools such as Converse, Claflin, Wingate and Anderson. She played in 23 of the Silver Foxes' 24 games from last season and averaged a double-double of 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds plus 2.5 blocks, 2.3 steals and two assists per game. The Silver Foxes will begin its 2026-27 season against a tough 4A out in Wilson. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490767"],"_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":1667388,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e7295f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kingstree could arguably be one of the biggest beneficiaries of reclassification. Shaw and her Blazers were moved from 2A into the 1A Division 1 ranks. With one season remaining in her high school career, Shaw is beginning it with renewed state championship aspirations. The FBC BounceNation prospect has fielded offers from Francis Marion, USC-Salkehatchie, UNC-Pembroke and, recently, from SC State. Shaw averaged a double-double of 19.8 points and 11 rebounds plus five assists and 4.7 steals per game. She and her Kingstree squad will open its 2026-27 season at the She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament against 4A Irmo. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["560668"],"_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":1450539,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e72980"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Godfrey's forays into both basketball and flag football have paid dividends for the senior star from 5A River Bluff. Last month, she committed to North Greenville University for both athletic disciplines. Godfrey concluded her grassroots career in a [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] uniform. On Nov. 20, Godfrey will begin her swan song season as a Gator when River Bluff matches up against another 5A Midlands team in Ridge View. Last season, Godfrey competed in all 26 of the Gators' matchups and averaged 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 steals. Godfrey is one of five seniors on this season's River Bluff team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324559"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e7299b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a junior season where McMillan played in the SCISA ranks with 4A Hammond, McMillan is making her triumphant return to a Fairfield Central team that was one of the winners of transfer season. McMillan and her Griffins will compete in the 1A Division 1 ranks after being reclassified out of 2A. She was also one of the first from the Palmetto State's 2027 class to announce her collegiate commitment – McMillan will be heading to Anderson following her senior season at Fairfield Central. McMillan averaged 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals last season with the Skyhawks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417824"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e729bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For Earl, the past was her grassroots playing days with AEBL Girlz. The present is the 2026-27 with 4A Westside and the future will be when she steps into the collegiate ranks with Division I East Carolina. Last season's Rams claimed a second consecutive 4A Upper State championship. Earl competed in all 29 of the Rams' games last season while averaging 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.7 assists per game. Veteran talent will be the story of this season's Rams group as Earl is one of six seniors on this season's Westside team. Earl and her Rams will begin its 2026-27 season against 4A Cherokee Bluff out of Georgia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["651705"],"_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":826476,"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af6115e729dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Levey is another multi-sport athlete who plays volleyball in addition to her many basketball accomplishments. Those hoops accomplishments include landing offers from Spartanburg Methodist, Claflin, Converse, Erskine and SC State. They also include a pair of state championships with Berkeley as well. Levey and her Stags are set to commence its 2026-27 season on Nov. 24 against defending SCISA 4A champion First Baptist. She is one of three from the class of 2027 on this season's Stags team. Levey compete in 26 of the Stags' 28 contests last season and averaged 10 points, 5.5 rebounds and a block per matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->