South Carolina Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Nation’s No. 1 2026 Recruit, Saniyah Hall
The Gamecocks are going all in for the crown jewel of the 2026 class.
On Monday, the South Carolina women’s basketball program hosted Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 player in the 2026 class per both On3 and ESPN, for an official visit and it wasn’t just any visit. It was a red-carpet moment for one of the most electrifying and complete players in the high school game today.
Hall, a 6-foot-2 wing from suburban Cleveland, Ohio, spent her most recent season suiting up for national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida the same program that produced fellow Gamecock signee Agot Makeer. The duo was dominant throughout the season, with Hall shining brightest on the game’s biggest stages. She scored 28 points in the national semifinal and followed it up with 20 points in the championship, earning a spot on the all-tournament team and helping Montverde to a national runner-up finish.
Her complete dominance didn’t go unnoticed: Hall was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year and selected as a Naismith First-Team All-American, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
What sets Hall apart isn’t just her stat line it’s the way she impacts every inch of the floor. With a game that blends physicality, finesse, and flair, Hall is widely regarded as a three-level scorer with a high basketball IQ and the ability to guard multiple positions. Her game has drawn rave reviews from national scouts.
ESPN’s scouting report glows with praise:
“A big guard with a creative handle, Hall can create off the bounce, catch and shoot the three, and glide to the rim or power finish with contact. She is savvy and gets to the free-throw line well, and even has some post-up game and an old-school fadeaway jumper.”
She’s not just a star in the making she’s a walking program-changer.
Hall’s visit to South Carolina is part of a loaded recruitment schedule. Earlier this month, she visited North Carolina, and she’s previously been on official visits to UCLA, while also spending time on campus at USC and Ohio State. Her list of suitors includes virtually every elite women’s basketball program in the country, but she has yet to release a top schools list or hint at a commitment timeline.
Why South Carolina?
The Gamecocks have long been at the forefront of women’s college basketball, boasting a national championship pedigree, elite player development under coach Dawn Staley, and a loyal, growing fan base. Pairing Hall with 2025 star signee Agot Makeer again at the college level would form one of the most dynamic duos in the country.
With NIL opportunities, championship culture, and a proven path to the WNBA, South Carolina could offer the full package — and Hall’s visit signals the program is a serious contender.
What’s Next?
Recruiting for the class of 2026 is only beginning to heat up, and Saniyah Hall is the name to watch. Whichever program lands her is not just getting a top player they’re getting a potential face of college basketball’s next generation.
Stay tuned. This recruitment is far from over, and the Gamecocks just made a major move.
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