One of the latest commitments occurred by way of 5A Division 1 J.L. Mann. McKinney announced that she will be heading to Converse for her college journey. She has played in 25 games this season while averaging 7.9 points per game for the Patriots. This year’s 5A Division 1 tournament began with J.L. Mann earning a tough victory over Ridge View and the Patriots will have their hands full in the second round as they travel to another tough out in Mauldin – which was ranked fourth in the most recent 5A Division 1 coaches’ poll. McKinney is one of five Patriots seniors that is part of J.L. Mann’s 2026 graduating class. 

Look up the definition of “playmaker” in the dictionary and one ought to find this veteran guard 5A J.L. Mann. McKinney was a key reason why last season’s Patriots were Upper State finals participants and they will certainly have bigger ambitions for this season. She is one opponents have to watch out for anytime she is on the court, but is even more difficult to keep honest when she has the hot hand. McKinney is confident in her ability to make things happen either in the long range, the midrange and when she attacks the rim. McKinney averaged 11 points and 3.9 steals for the Patriots last season. 

Olivia is the 2nd player listed here for the Lady Patriots. McKinney a point guard can change speeds in the open court and race by defenders at times. She keeps the ball low to the deck and can knockdown the 3-ball at times.

Olivia is averaging 11 ppg and 4.1 steals this season for the Lady Patriots. She made the move up from #56 to #36 this time around here in the Palmetto State Rankings.

Drawing a team like Legacy Early College is not an easy task. While McKinney’s 5A J.L. Mann assembling may have had a rough evening overall, McKinney did prove to be a bright spot for the Patriots as she led her team with 20 points. In addition to her ability to score from all three levels, McKinney was calling for the ball – a sign of her confidence to make plays even against a tough team such as the Lions. She also understands the art of utilizing her defense to translate into offense. McKinney stands at 5-foot-4 and is one of seven juniors on what is a very veteran-centric Patriots roster. 

Olivia is a special guard. She puts her head down and drives hard with a strong handle of the basketball. She will weave through a full court defense to dish or to score several times per contest. She is a smooth athlete who can score with several moves in the paint. McKinney can attack with power, drain a jumper with touch, or create space for her jumper.

Olivia McKinney defends with pride. She is quick, she anticipates well, and she scores at the other end of Team Curry several times per game. McKinney can attack the rim to score or get to the foul line for Team Curry . She is ready for a special summer on the court with her team.