Here is another commitment that took place last month. The Bengals of 5A Division 1 Blythewood has been known the past several seasons for its senior big three. With Williams announcing her commitment to USC-Aiken, this means all three are set to begin their college journeys following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Williams has averaged 15points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.8 steals in the 22 games she has played for the Bengals this season. Blythewood, which won last year’s 5A Division 1 state crown, is 18-4 and undefeated in its region. The Bengals were ranked second in the most recent 5A Division 1 coaches’ poll. Its Senior Day is sure to be one of the more emotional and ballyhooed across the state – especially considering where the program was just a few short years ago.

Following a 24-point win over 4A Lancaster, Williams concluded this year’s Bennie Bennett Memorial Showcase – and the 2025 calendar year – with a 16-point showing that led defending 5A Division 1 state champion Blythewood to a 51-42 result over a fellow 5A Division 1 team in Clover. Skilled veteran guards that can take advantage of the attention they receive from defenses by dishing the rock to teammates will always be a favorite of coaches and this is only one element of Williams’ well-developed skillset. Williams is also a defensive stalwart in addition to a primary offensive force for the Bengals. These attributes make her poised to succeed at the collegiate level. 

A team getting consistency out of its marquee players is a key ingredient to winning. Blythewood consistently gets that from Williams – on both offense and defense. Defensively, Williams understands how to utilize her length which can enable her to clog up an opposing team’s passing lanes. Williams stands at 5-foot-8 and primarily operates as a point guard which gives her a height advantage over her peer ones and twos. She is coming off her final go-round through the AAU ranks with Palmetto 76ers/A’ja Wilson Elite and averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.2 blocks a contest last season en route to the 5A Division 1 state championship. 

The upcoming season will be a special one for Blythewood as the defending 5A Division 1 champions will graduate its big three that lifted the Bengals to championship euphoria back in March at Florence. Williams is part of that veteran big three. Her length enables her to clog up an opposing team’s passing lanes. She will get her hands and arms in the face of a would-be ball carrier. Offensively she is an efficient floor runner who is adept at making plays in transition. Attacking the rim and shooting 3-pointers are two other elements of Williams’ overall game. She averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 steals last season for Blythewood. 

After experiencing the euphoria of a state championship, what more is there for a high school baller to do? Many will say three words – run it back. Williams displayed more than enough signs at Riverview that she is poised to do just that. She has a height advantage over most guards given she stands at 5-foot-8 and can play at either point or as a shooting guard. A 3-point shot is an element of her overall offensive game. Williams gave her 5A Division 1 Blythewood team career numbers in 2024-25. She averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 steals per contest with the Bengals.

One would be hard-pressed to find a program that defines “rags to riches” more than 5A Blythewood. Three years ago, the Bengals were 0-19. Williams was on that team as an eighth grader. Fast forward three seasons and she’s scoring 22 points to lead Blythewood to a 5A Division 1 state championship in a 62-56 decision over Summerville. Not only is it a state championship, it is the first state championship in the still relatively young history of Blythewood’s program. The Bengals connected on six 3-pointers in its get-together with the Green Wave. Four of those were from Williams as she attempted nine shots from behind the arc. 

The other Williams we highlight is a standout from a Blythewood team whose big three looks to bring the Bengals to the next level in 5A play. Another Palmetto 76ers/A’ja Wilson Elite product, she approaches the game with a high basketball IQ as it seems she constantly knows where the ball is. The attributes that she gains from being a track and field competitor can certainly translate well to basketball. Much of what she got done on Saturday scoring-wise was of the two-point variety, but she has displayed an ability to connect on her opportunities from 3-point range as well.