The basketball journey is just beginning for 2028 prospect Sanai McKenzie-Watson, but she’s already making her mark as one of the rising young names to know in girls’ basketball. After a strong high school season and a summer filled with growth, versatility, and exposure, McKenzie-Watson has started to see her hard work pay off—earning her first official college offer from Francis Marion. With a physical, well-rounded skill set and a drive to keep expanding her game, she’s proving to be a prospect on the rise.
Lady Phenom: How was everything this past season for you and your team? And how has this summer gone for you overall?
McKenzie-Watson: This past season was a great year for growth. We faced tough competition, which really pushed me to step up as a leader and be more vocal on the court. I focused on setting the tone defensively and keeping my teammates locked in. This AAU season was a little different for me because I played for two teams—my grassroots team, Academy Elite, and a circuit team, Lady Upward Stars 16U 3SSB. Playing for both gave me the chance to experience different styles and tempos of play, which I think made me an even more versatile player. It also provided a lot of exposure and valuable game experience going up against strong competition on both levels. Overall, it’s been a summer of learning, competing, and improving.
Lady Phenom: How would you best describe your game and how you like to operate? Where do you flourish?
McKenzie-Watson: I’d describe myself as a physical and versatile forward. I can post up and finish through contact, but I’m also comfortable facing up, hitting mid-range shots, and making smart reads in pick-and-roll situations. On defense, I take pride in rebounding (in traffic), blocking shots, and being vocal. I think I flourish most when I can make an impact on both ends of the floor, either by scoring, getting stops, or creating opportunities for my teammates to score. I like being able to help facilitate the offense.
Lady Phenom: What areas of your game have you been working on developing?
McKenzie-Watson: My goal this year is to really improve overall, but I’ve been putting in a lot of work on my three-point shot so I can stretch the floor more consistently. I’ve also been tightening up my handle so I can attack off the dribble and improve my conditioning so I can play at a high motor the whole game. Another focus has been reading the floor quicker and making smart decisions when defenses collapse.
Lady Phenom: What are your thoughts on your latest offer? What did the staff have to say, who has been your main contact, and what do you know about them?
McKenzie-Watson: I’m thankful to have received an offer from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. I’ve been talking with the head coach, Jeri Porter, and assistant coach, Ryan McGee, for over a year now. They’ve been out to watch me play at different tournaments, and what I like most is that they’ve taken the time to get to know me as a person, not just as a basketball player. They’ve been genuine, and I appreciate that a lot.
Lady Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest that have yet to offer?
McKenzie-Watson: I don’t want to jinx anything, but I will say that I have been invited to several Elite prospect camps, both D1 and D2. Hopefully, I can build on those relationships in the future.