2026-27 Season Preview: Sophomore Jump

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What do Military Magnet, Landrum, Walhalla, North Augusta, Berkeley, Blythewood, Wardlaw Academy, Dorchester Academy, Florence Christian and First Baptist have in common? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of those teams won state championships last season. And there are teams throughout the Palmetto State that are hoping to experience the same euphoria those respective squads experienced at the conclusion of 2025-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For every team across the Palmetto State, that journey begins sometime over the next several weeks after a travel season, a showcase schedule and a very busy time for transfers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our preview of the upcoming season with a look at the state's very talented 2029 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["429831"],"_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":1871671,"_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-6af514582cdf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dates is reaching the status of a Palmetto State prospect who needs no introduction. The FBC United prospect not only had one of the more successful offseasons of any prospect in South Carolina, she had one of the most successful offseasons of anyone in the country. Dates is now up to 21 collegiate offers – including one from South Carolina. With such a profile comes high expectations and that is certainly the case for her and her Goose Creek team heading into 2026-27. Dates guided the Gators to the 5A Division 2 Lower State championship game last season and averaged 20 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.8 assists per game. The Gators will begin its 2026-27 season at the Battle of the Lowcountry on Nov. 20 against First Baptist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["925560"],"_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":1258445,"_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-6af514582ce43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evans also had herself a successful offseason and travel campaign. Since last season concluded, the AEBL Girlz prospect has added offers from Florida, South Florida and Georgia Tech to her already impressive résumé. Evans and her Rebels will commence their 2026-27 campaign against 4A Catawba Ridge on Nov. 24. She led Byrnes to a solid record of 24-4 last season and played in 27 contests throughout 2025-26. Evans averaged 14.9 points, five rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per matchup. Evans was the only 2029 on last season's Byrnes team. She has also fielded offers from Wake Forest, Furman, Cincinnati, George Mason, Miami, Auburn, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Mississippi State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["800460"],"_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-6af514582ce69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bostick is a multi-sport athlete who also plays volleyball at 4A South Florence in addition to what she gets accomplished on the basketball court. With the volleyball season in the rear-view mirror, Bostick can place all of her athletic attention on basketball. Last season for Bostick and her Bruins saw South Florence make a deep tournament run to the 4A Lower State finals. Bostick's freshman season resulted in her playing in 28 games and averaging a double-double of 22.3 points and 10.1 rebounds plus three steals and 1.6 assists per game. She has also secured offers from Gardner-Webb, North Alabama, Denmark Tech and Furman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["672385"],"_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":1808857,"_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-6af514582ce92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riles is another highly sought-after prospect from the Palmetto State who had herself a successful offseason in terms of recruitment. She landed offers from Allen, Voorhees and Virginia State. Riles suffered a meniscus tear during region play last season and is looking to make up for lost time. She and her Panthers are set to open the 2026-27 season on the road at Lamar. Riles competed in 26 contests with Lake City last season and averaged 13.9 points, four rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.2 steals per matchup. She was one of six from the class of 2029 on last season's Lake City team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["921724"],"_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":1871675,"_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-6af514582cec5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There are fewer teams across the Palmetto State that are tougher outs than 4A Westside. Marshall was one of two from the class of 2029 on last season's Rams team that won back-to-back 4A Upper State championships. She had herself a travel season to remember of the spring and summer including winning the first ever 16U Girls EYBL Regular Season Defensive Player of the Year Award. Marshall added that accolade to offers she has secured from Georgia Tech and East Carolina. She competed in 28 contests last season and averaged 12.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.7 assists per contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885796"],"_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":1544689,"_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-6af514582cefa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Considering 5A Ridge View was one of the winners of transfer season, Ferguson and her Blazers should be state contenders as coach Aaron Lucas embarks on his second season at the helm for the purple and silver. Two years ago, Ferguson secured an offer from Allen. She competed in all 23 games throughout 2025-26 and averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.2 steals per matchup. The [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] product is beginning her third season at the varsity level since she first played against high school competition as a seventh grader. Ferguson was one of four 2029s on last season's Blazers team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1267040"],"_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":1610779,"_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-6af514582cf2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was during the summer of 2025 when Jaminet secured her first Division I offer courtesy of Furman. As the 2026-27 season commences, one can expect Jaminet to smoothly transition to a role as the featured guard for a Greenville team that won a 5A Division 2 Upper State championship last season. Jaminet and her Red Raiders experienced a change in classification as they will move back to the 4A ranks beginning with the 2026-27 season. Jaminet competed in all 29 of Greenville's contests last season and averaged 9.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Red Raiders will open the season against 3A Berea as part of its annual Red Raider Thanksgiving Invitational.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848229"],"_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":1446235,"_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-6af514582cf62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Patterson is another multi-sport athlete. She also has competed in softball throughout her athletic career in addition to what she gets accomplished basketball-wise. Patterson played in 28 games last season with a Clinton team that finished 27-2 last season. The Red Devils' only losses throughout 2025-26 were to 5A West Ashley and eventual 2A state champion Landrum. Patterson was one of two from the class of 2029 on last season's Red Devils team. She will be beginning her fourth season at the high school varsity level considering she first competed against high school competition in the seventh grade. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827542"],"_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-6af514582cf87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jenkins is another that has maintained a busy athletic schedule throughout her career. In addition to playing basketball, Jenkins has also competed in softball as well as volleyball. It was during June's camp month that Jenkins secured an in-state offer from Claflin. She spent her spring and summer running with [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] on the Nike EYBL circuit. Another who has competed at the high school level since she was in middle school, Jenkins played in 23 contests last season for SCISA 4A Heathwood Hall. She put up career numbers last season averaging 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game throughout 2025-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885795"],"_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":1544517,"_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-6af514582cfab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carr is the centerpiece of what 5A Ridge View looks to get accomplished in the frontcourt. She is another [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers'] prospect. Carr competed in all 23 of the Blazers' contests while leading last season's Ridge View assembling in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. She averaged 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and a steal per game. Carr was another of the four 2029s that were part of last season's Ridge View team. The Blazers are set to begin its 2026-27 season on Nov. 20 against another Midlands 5A team in River Bluff and will also take part in the She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1263372"],"_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":1561731,"_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-6af514582cfce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKevitt is returning to 5A Wando after last season's Warriors claimed the 5A Division 1 Lower State championship. She is another who spent her spring and summer running with [program_tooltip program_id='713550' first='Palmetto' last='76ers']. McKevitt has high school varsity experience spanning back to when she was a middle schooler. Last season, she competed in all 29 of Wando's contests while averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. The Warriors are set to open its 2026-27 season next Friday against 3A Georgetown. Wando has finalized its 2026-27 roster and McKevitt is one of three sophomores for this season's assembling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["975806"],"_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":1048036,"_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-6af514582cff0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a pair of seasons where the Hurricanes of Wren competed in the 4A ranks, Bryant and her Hurricanes are returning to 3A competition beginning with this season. During the offseason, Bryant secured her first Division I offer – an in-state get courtesy of Furman. Bryant has also competed at the high school varsity level since she was in middle school and is embarking on her fourth season at this level. She played in 28 contests last season with the Hurricanes and averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and three steals per game. Wren's first game of the 2026-27 season will be against 5A J.L. Mann on Nov. 20. </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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af514582d00c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Childers ran on the Under Armour Rise circuit playing up in class on [program_tooltip program_id='715412' first='SC' last='Eagles'] 17U. A highlight of Childers' offseason occurred shortly after the conclusion of the travel season when she made the All-Showcase Team at the second-annual Passion Driven Showcase at the Pearl Moore Center in Florence. Childers and her 5A River Bluff assembling are set to begin their 2026-27 season against another 5A Midlands team in Ridge View. She competed in 25 of the Gators' 26 contests last season while averaging 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals and two assists per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229641"],"_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":1667361,"_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-6af514582d02f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Two of the state's more intriguing sophomores play for a Mauldin team that advanced to the 5A Division 1 Upper State championship game last season. Aiken is one of those Mavericks 2029s. She played in 25 of the Mavericks' 26 contests last season and she averaged 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.5 assists per game. Aiken was one of three from the class of 2029 on last season's Mauldin team. The June camp month is also when Aiken secured her first collegiate offer. It was of the in-state variety courtesy of Erskine College. She ran with Better Built Basketball during the spring and summer of club ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["925559"],"_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":1569387,"_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-6af514582d050"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ligon is another of those Mauldin sophomores. Throughout her career, Ligon has secured offers from several in-state schools – including a Division I offer from Presbyterian. She has also been offered by Newberry College, Erskine College, Anderson and Augusta University. Ligon competed in all 26 of the Mavericks' contests throughout 2025-26 and averaged 7.3 points, 3.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 steals per matchup. She has also worn the Better Built Basketball uniform during the AAU season and has had an opportunity to play up in class against 17U competition. Ligon first played at the high school varsity level as a seventh grader and is entering her fourth season at this level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->