They say the power of talent lies in public schools in the state of South Carolina, and to some extent that is true, but the independent schools are rapidly catching up. There are some immensely talented players, top players nationally, playing South Carolina private school basketball.
One of the most slept on events of the year are the SCISA playoffs, the semi-finals and finals held at Sumter Civic Center in Sumter, SC. There you get to see all of the private school talent and it is a smorgasbord of mid to high major talent on the floor.
With the SCISA state championships being held last weekend, here is our All-State team and player of the year for SCISA, regardless of classification.
6'3 2019 Mike Green
Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Green is setting records for Christian Academy. While having one of the best flamethrowers throughout this region, the lefty is so much more than a shooter. He can create for himself off the bounce and has excellent vision. We are a little surprised that no offers have come yet, he should be a priority for mid level programs this summer. This season Green averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game all while shooting a staggering 50% from 3 (92-183 3P).
6'7 2019 Josiah Jordan-James
Porter Gaud (Charleston, SC)
James is the top prospect in South Carolina's loaded 2019 class. He is an elite level player and has many talking about his NBA prospects. What is there not to like about a 6'7' true point guard. A player who has elbow above the rim explosion, incredible length/instincts on defense, and high game IQ/ball skills to not put the ball in any type of danger on offense. He is true an elite level talent and should be recruited by every school across the country.
6'4' 2019 Chico Carter Jr.
Cardinal Newman (Columbia, SC)
Carter continues to get better year after year, game after game even. His steady climb as a player has placed him firmly on this list of elite prospects and caught the eye of numerous high major programs. Carter is a big point guard who plays with a great pace and body control. This season, for a 22-6 Cardinal Newman team, he averaged 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game, all while shooting 43% from 3.
6'8' 2018 Zion Williamson (Duke)
Spartanburg Day (Spartanburg, SC)
Pretty much everything Williamson does is well documented by media and cameras across the country. Rightfully so, Williamson is a polarizing basketball figure. An unbelievable talent on the court and an unbelievable kid off the court. The lefty does things many people cannot even dream of. Despite not playing in 10 or so games for Spartanburg Day, Williamson managed to average 37 points per game, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks per game. He also shot 77% from the field this season. The Duke commit also scored his 3,000 career high school point this year'Just take that in THREE THOUSAND career high school points!
5'11' 2019 Mikey Dukes
First Baptist (Charleston, SC)
Dukes is far and away the fastest person in the region with a basketball in his hands. In fact, he may be among a handful of fastest players in the nation. It is unbelievable what he does with the ball in his hands. He is explosive at the rim, he plays with great pace in the half court and he is a one man fast break, putting everyone on their heels, after a make or a miss on the other end. Dukes is a high level defender for 94 feet. In fact, there is not much he isn't able to do on the basketball court. Also a high level football player, if Dukes focuses on basketball he is a Top 100 prospect in the country. Regardless, he should be recruited at the high major level.
Player of the Year
6'6' 2018 Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt)
Porter Gaud (Charleston, SC)
Porter Gaud was the best team in the state of South Carolina and Nesmith was the central focus of that team. He worked himself to be the player he is, of course it helps that he has a 7' wing span and a 40' vertical leap, but his work made him into a Top 75 prospect in the country (we still think he is too low). Nesmith scored is 2,000th career point this season, and won his third consecutive state championship as the team's leading scorer. He is a high level prospect and watch him closely at Vanderbilt, he is known for outplaying his ranking.