McIlwain has decided to remain in state. Following her final season at the high school ranks with 5A Division 1 Clover, she will spend her collegiate days at North Greenville University. Prior to McIlwain sporting the black and red of the Trailblazers and being under the tutelage of coach Lakeisha Brown, McIlwain has plenty to look forward to this season with coach Shakkia Walker and her Blue Eagles. Last season, McIlwain played in 25 games last season for Clover and much of its veteran core that powered the Blue Eagles – including her – to a 23-3 record is returning for a Blue Eagles team that once again has state aspirations in 5A Division 1 play. 

Mariah Mcilwain Mariah Mcilwain 5'7" | SG Clover | 2026 SC had many meaningful moments in Florence. She was another name of note from a Shakkia Walker-coached Clover team that will be a 5A Division 1 favorite among many a South Carolina high school hoops pundit. Mcilwain is difficult to contain – especially when she gets the hot hand from behind the 3-point arc. When one is as gifted a ball handler as she is, many a play will be made. Mcilwain recently completed her AAU season with EA Lady Stars/Team KB Bridges and recently landed an offer courtesy of Division II North Greenville University and its head coach Lakeisha Gregory. Mcilwain was one of the standouts for Team Johnson this past weekend. 

Speaking of standouts from Clover who are getting collegiate looks, Mcilwain is another one of those. Mcilwain landed an in-state offer from North Greenville University. She finished her final season on the AAU circuit running with Team KB AAU – a Charlotte-based team with names from both Carolinas. She and the team spent the final live period of 2025 at ATL Summer Slam in Georgia and earned Player of the Game honors in one of her team’s contests at the LakePoint Sports Complex. A talented two guard for the Blue Eagles, she is a reason why the veteran core at Clover is poised to build on what was a successful 2024-25.