South Carolina has long been a powerhouse in women's basketball, from the University of South Carolina's dominant college program to the incredible talent that comes out of its high schools. But when it comes to the all-time greatest girls high school basketball players from the Palmetto State, the debate is as heated as a Gamecocks-Clemson rivalry.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports set out to celebrate the athletes who defined their states—and the results are a who's who of South Carolina hoops royalty. From current WNBA stars to legends who paved the way, here are the 10 players who left an indelible mark on South Carolina girls high school basketball.
Alaina Coates was a force of nature at Dutch Fork High School, leading the Silver Foxes to a second straight state title with a perfect 29-0 record her senior year. She stayed in-state for college, starring at the University of South Carolina before being selected second overall in the 2017 WNBA draft. Dominant in the paint and a relentless rebounder, Coates set the standard for what a post player could be.
Joyce Edwards is the newest name on this list, but she's already earned her place among the legends. A three-sport star in basketball, volleyball, and soccer, Edwards finished her high school career with 3,966 points—second only to the legendary Ivory Latta in state history. Now a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, she's averaging 19.2 points per game and showing why she was one of the nation's top recruits.
Kaela Davis was a scoring machine at Buford High School before transferring to Norcross, but her roots in South Carolina run deep. The daughter of former NBA player Antonio Davis, she averaged over 30 points per game in high school and went on to play at Georgia Tech and South Carolina, where she helped the Gamecocks win a national championship in 2017.
Asia Dozier was a sharpshooter at Heathwood Hall, where she scored over 2,000 career points and led her team to multiple state titles. She went on to play at the University of South Carolina and later professionally overseas, known for her smooth shooting stroke and high basketball IQ.
Alaina Coates may have dominated the paint, but Ivory Latta ruled the court with her electrifying speed and scoring ability. The McCorriston High School legend is the state's all-time leading scorer with 4,345 points, a record that still stands today. She went on to star at North Carolina and in the WNBA, becoming a fan favorite for her fearless play and infectious energy.
Khayla Pointer was a dynamic guard at St. Joseph's Academy, where she led her team to multiple state championships and was named South Carolina's Gatorade Player of the Year. She went on to play at LSU, where she became one of the program's all-time greats, and later played professionally in the WNBA and overseas.
Joyce Edwards may be the future, but Brittany Webb was a standout in her own right. The former All-State guard at Hillcrest High School scored over 2,500 points and led her team to a state title before playing at the University of South Carolina and later professionally.
Felecia "Fefe" Anderson was a prolific scorer at Spartanburg High School, where she averaged over 30 points per game and set numerous school records. She went on to play at the University of Tennessee, where she was part of the Lady Vols' storied program.
Mikiah "Kiki" Herbert Harrigan was a dominant force at Spring Valley High School, leading her team to a state title before heading to the University of South Carolina. She was a key player on the Gamecocks' 2017 national championship team and was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the 2020 WNBA draft.
Kayla Brewer was a versatile forward at Dutch Fork High School, where she led her team to multiple state titles and was named the state's Player of the Year. She went on to play at the University of South Carolina and later professionally overseas.
Did we miss someone? There's always room for debate when it comes to the greatest of all time. Whether it's a player from the 1990s or a current star making waves, South Carolina's girls high school basketball history is rich with talent. Who would you add to this list?