Video: Unique Drake's highlights vs. Lugoff Elgin High
See the Westwood High star in action.2016-17 South Carolina preseason high school girls basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Wilson (Florence)Head coach: Gerrin Harrison
2015-16 record: 22-5
The Tigers were a young team last year, but still made it to the 3A semifinals, the best result ever for Wilson. Coach Gerrin Harrison (third year) returns the core of her team (now moved up to 4A) in junior
D'asia Gregg (6-foot-3, forward, with Power 5 offers and an all-court game), senior
Bryanna Goodson (5-10, shooting guard with a perimeter stroke, committed to College of Charleston) and senior point guard
Shamiyah Barnes (5-8, looking to penetrate when not distributing). Freshman
Loyal McQueen (5-7, point guard) can do a bit of everything and already has Division I offers. The team will be tested with December trips to the Junior Orange Bowl in Miami, and an in-state tournament in Rock Hill.
See the MaxPreps South Carolina girls basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard 2. Dreher (Columbia)Head coach: Teresa Jones
2015-16 record: 27-1
Defending 3A champion Dreher has been one of the elite teams in the Palmetto State for some time, with six state 3A titles (four under coach Teresa Jones out of 15 years in charge). Two key players return to help make the move up to 4A a successful one: Seniors
Jaelynn Murray (6-2, power forward with a deadly face-up game, committed to North Carolina) and
Kamryn Lemon (5-7, point guard with penetration and distribution mentality, deciding amongst a handful of Division I offers). Junior transfer
Haliyah Sumter (5-9, shooting guard, getting Division I offers) should add critical perimeter scoring. A December trip to the CresCom Holiday Invitational in Myrtle Beach highlights the schedule.
See the MaxPreps South Carolina girls basketball stat leaders 3. Goose Creek Head coach: Tim Baldwin
2015-16 record: 22-3
Of the teams featured in this year's South Carolina Fab 5, Goose Creek is the only school from the new 5A class. Last year, the Gators were knocked out in the 4A quarterfinals. Senior guard
Mariah Linney (5-8, committed to UNC Charlotte) can play either guard slot and senior power forward
Ericka Broughton (6-1, committed to the College of Charleston) works the paint along with sophomore
Shayla Nelson (5-11). Coach Tim Baldwin (17th year, and a state title winner in 2010) is using two December in-state events (Shootout by the Sea and Carolina Invitational) to help prepare his team for a run at his first 5A championship.
See the MaxPreps South Carolina girls basketball photos 4. Westwood (Blythewood)Head coach: Gregory Bauldrick
2015-16 record: 19-6
Westwood is only a few years old and third-year coach Gregory Bauldrick's young squad made its first appearance in the 4A state playoffs (remaining 4A this season) last year. Key returnees are sophomore point guard
Unique Drake (5-7, looks to get to the rim), sophomore
Maliyah Lockett (5-11 guard/forward) who likes to get out on the break, and junior forward
Mya Belton (5-11), who plays in and out of the paint. All are getting Division I offers. Freshman post
Nyah Leveretter (6-1) is expected to make an impact with play in the paint and already has Division 1 offers. A December trip to the in-state Farm Bureau Classic and two meetings with traditional state power Spring Valley are major dates on the schedule.
See the MaxPreps South Carolina girls basketball playoff brackets 5. North AugustaHead coach: Crystal Cummings
2015-16 record: 24-4
North Augusta had one of its best seasons ever last year, getting to the 4A semifinal. Coach Crystal Cummings (fifth season) returns several key players, led by junior forward
Amari Young (5-11 with Division 1 offers), who is a high-energy player in the paint. Support around her will include sophomore point guard
Aaliyah Bell (5-2), who looks to attack the basket, freshman guard
Tyliah Burns (5-6), who can get to the rim, and junior guard
Sarah Crews (5-6). The Savannah River Shootout (Dec. 19-21) and a late November game with perennial Georgia power Laney of Augusta highlight the schedule.
