Top High School Basketball Stars in the Carolinas: A 21-Year Review of the Best Male and Female Players Since 2000

South Carolina High School Legends Shine in WNBA: Rivers & Coates Lead the Next Generation

Columbia, SC – two former South Carolina high school basketball stars are making waves in the WNBA, representing the state’s rich tradition of women’s basketball excellence. Recent draftee Azzi Rivers and seasoned pro Alaina Coates are both demonstrating the impact of their dominant high school careers on their professional success.

Azzi Rivers, a standout from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina (though heavily recruited from South Carolina), was selected 8th overall in the 2025 WNBA draft by the connecticut sun.Rivers’ path too the pros was paved with accolades, including three-time North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors and the national Gatorade Player of the Year award as a senior in 2021. Averaging an extraordinary 16.1 points, 6.1 steals, and 5.8 assists during her final high school season, Rivers was ranked No. 3 overall in the ESPNW 100.

Her collegiate career saw initial success at South Carolina, contributing to a national championship as a freshman, before she transferred to NC State. There, she solidified her status as a premier player, earning First Team all-ACC recognition twice, twice being named to the All-ACC Defensive team, and claiming ACC Sixth Player of the Year honors.

“Rivers is a dynamic player with a knack for creating opportunities for herself and her teammates,” says veteran basketball analyst Sarah Miller. “Her defensive intensity is somthing the Sun will immediately benefit from.”

Not to be outdone, Alaina coates, a Dutch Fork High School alumna from the class of 2013, continues to excel professionally. Coates led Dutch Fork to consecutive state championships, averaging a remarkable 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game in her senior year. She was a three-time All-State selection and earned both South Carolina ms. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year awards.

Coates’ collegiate career at the University of South Carolina was equally impressive. She played a key role in the Gamecocks’ national championship run, was named SEC freshman of the Year, and earned All-SEC honors four times. Drafted 2nd overall by the Chicago Sky in 2017, Coates recently achieved the pinnacle of team success, winning a WNBA championship with the Sky in 2023.

The South Carolina Pipeline: A legacy of Excellence

The success of Rivers and Coates highlights South Carolina’s consistently strong pipeline of women’s basketball talent. the state has become a hotbed for recruiting,with programs like South Carolina,Clemson,and others attracting top players.”What sets South Carolina apart is the emphasis on basic skills and a competitive high school habitat,” explains high school scouting expert, James Harrison. “Players coming out of this state are typically well-prepared for the rigors of college and professional basketball.”

The continued success of these athletes serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players across the state, reinforcing the idea that hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game can lead to extraordinary achievements. As Rivers begins her professional journey and Coates continues to build on her already impressive career, South Carolina’s legacy in women’s basketball is undoubtedly secure.

How has the growth of AAU basketball impacted the level of competition and readiness for collegiate basketball among Carolina high school players as 2000?

Dominating the Hardwood: Carolina’s Male Basketball Standouts (2000-2021)

The Carolinas have consistently produced exceptional high school basketball talent, feeding top collegiate programs and even the NBA. This section highlights some of the most impactful male players to grace the courts as 2000. We’ll focus on players who demonstrated both statistical dominance and significant impact on thier teams’ success.

2000-2005: the Early Years – Establishing a Pipeline: This era saw players like Raymond Felton (Latta High School, SC) emerge.felton, a point guard known for his court vision and scoring ability, went on to a triumphant college career at UNC and a lengthy NBA career. Other notable names include Julius hodge (Ingleside High School,NC) and Chris paul’s early development at West Forsyth High School. Early scouting reports focused on athleticism and raw potential.

2006-2010: Rise of Elite Guards & Forwards: This period witnessed the emergence of players like Ty Lawson (Oak Hill Academy, NC – though originally from SC) and James Michael McAdoo (Belmont, NC). Lawson’s explosive scoring and playmaking were key to UNC’s success, while McAdoo’s versatility made him a highly sought-after recruit. The focus shifted towards more polished, skilled players ready for immediate college impact.

2011-2015: The Harrison Twins & Beyond: The Harrison twins, Aaron and Andrew (Guilford, NC), captivated audiences with their dynamic play and commitment to Kentucky. This era also saw the rise of Justin Jackson (Christopher Columbus, NC), a versatile wing player who excelled at UNC. Recruiting became increasingly nationalized, with top programs actively scouting Carolina talent.

2016-2021: Modern Era – Skill & Versatility: Players like Wendell Moore Jr. (Cox Mill, NC) and Josh Hall (Moravian Prep, NC) exemplified the modern basketball player – skilled, versatile, and capable of playing multiple positions. The emphasis on three-point shooting and perimeter play became increasingly prominent. Social media and highlight reels played a larger role in player recognition.

Carolina’s Female Basketball Powerhouses (2000-2021)

The Carolinas boast a rich tradition of women’s high school basketball, with numerous players achieving collegiate and professional success. Here’s a look at some of the standout female athletes over the past two decades.

2000-2005: Laying the Foundation: This era was defined by players like Ivory Latta (McBee High School, SC), a dynamic point guard who led her team to multiple state championships and went on to star at UNC. The focus was on essential skills and tenacious defense.

2006-2010: Emerging Stars & Collegiate Success: Players like Erlana Larkins (Charles E. Jordan High School,NC) and LaToya Pringle (Summerville High School,SC) emerged as dominant forces. Larkins’ rebounding and defensive prowess earned her a scholarship to NC State, while Pringle’s scoring ability made her a standout player.

2011-2015: The Rise of Versatile Players: This period saw the emergence of players like Allisha Gray (Sandersville, GA – played HS ball in NC) and Kaela Davis (Buford, GA – played HS ball in NC). These players showcased a blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Increased emphasis on player development and specialized training.

2016-2021: A New Generation of Talent: Players like Janiah Barker (Independence High School, NC) and Saniya Rivers (Proctor Utsch, SC) represent the current generation of Carolina basketball stars. These athletes are highly skilled, athletic, and well-prepared for the challenges of collegiate basketball. The growth of AAU basketball and year-round training has contributed to the increased level of competition.

Key Programs & Their Impact on Player Development

Several high schools in the Carolinas have consistently produced top basketball talent.

Oak Hill Academy (NC): Known for its rigorous training and national schedule,Oak Hill has developed numerous Division I players.

Christ School (NC): A consistently strong program with a focus on academic and athletic excellence.

Latta High School (SC): A perennial powerhouse in South Carolina high school basketball.

Summerville High School (SC): A consistent producer of college-level talent, notably in women’s basketball.

Independence high School (NC): A strong program with a history of sending players to top collegiate programs.

Recruiting trends & The Impact of AAU Basketball

The landscape of high school basketball recruiting has changed dramatically since 2000.

Increased Nationalization: Recruiting is no longer limited to regional programs. Top players are now being scouted by colleges across the country.

* The rise of AAU Basketball: AA