For the culture of the high school game, it’s hard to find a region with more prestige and history than the Carolinas. Zion Williamson has taken over the world of sports with his unparalleled athleticism. Along the way, A’ja Wilson proves her prowess, dominating with a one-two punch in high school, collegiate and professional basketball that has changed the game. This article highlights the most outstanding basketball players from the Carolinas since 2000. It explores their accomplishments, numbers, and the incredible influence they’ve had on the game that continues to this day.
We haven’t seen Zion’s like since… well, pretty much ever, to be honest. Over the course of his legendary prep career at Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina, he directed his squad to three state titles. During that state title run, he averaged an incredible 36.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, dominating with a multi-level scoring ability. Williamson was a prodigious talent in high school, setting the stage for an equally phenomenal college career at Duke University. There, he set records and excited fans with his phenomenal ability.
A’ja Wilson took up the mantle not long after, following in Williamson’s wake and making indelible contributions to high school basketball’s legacy. She has since brought her talents to the University of South Carolina. In her first year she was instrumental in leading the Gamecocks to a national title and was named SEC Freshman of the Year. Further, Wilson was a four-time All-SEC performer. Her extraordinary performance led to her being selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft. NCAA tournament championship – this achievement cemented her legacy as one of the best players in the history of women’s basketball.
North Carolina’s Caitlin Rivers, who really steals the show. In her five years at Grace Christian School, she blossomed into a scoring machine. Rivers had gaudy numbers of 34.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 6.1 steals and 5.8 assists in her senior year of 2021. Her stellar performance led her team to three state titles and earned her notable accolades, including Naismith Player of the Year and North Carolina Ms. Basketball twice. In 2024, Rivers solidified herself as the No. This remarkable achievement further cements her legacy of greatness as one of the all-time great prospects in the history of women’s basketball.
John Wall is just one other name that resonates down the halls of Carolina basketball history. He averaged 22.1 points, 5.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and two steals per game during his high school career at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina. Impressive as it was, Wall’s leadership on the court pushed his team to the state title game in 2009. There, they proved their grit and ingenuity in the face of immense competition. His highlight reel excellence was best embodied by his selection for both the Elite 24 and the Jordan Brand Classic. In 2009, the Golden State Warriors saw something special in Curry and selected him with the No. 7 overall pick.
Chris Paul belongs on that short list of the best players ever from the Carolinas. In 2018, he became South Carolina’s Mr. Basketball. It was with this honor that his excellence during his entire high school career was recognized. The improvement we’ve seen in his court skills has been incredible. Today, he’s one of the all-time great point guards in NBA history.
These athletes represent just a fraction of the many talented individuals who have emerged from the Carolinas over the past two decades. Their achievements are a testament to each of their talents. They show the power of the state’s high school basketball programs and pride for this region.
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