Road to Columbia Begins: Previewing the SCHSL Girls Basketball First Round for Area Schools

As the bracket solidifies for the 2026 SCHSL playoffs, the local girls’ teams are ready to take center stage. With high-stakes rematches and cross-county rivalries on the horizon, the path to the state championships at Colonia Life Arena (March 5–7) looks both challenging and exciting for area programs.

Here is a look at the opening-round matchups for local girls’ teams.

4A: The Stallion-Bruin Rematch

The most talked-about local matchup in the opening round takes place in Class 4A on Monday, Feb. 16.

• South Pointe vs. Lancaster: In a rare all-local first-round clash, the (3) South Pointe Stallions will host the (14) Lancaster Bruins. The Stallions are coming in as one of the hottest teams in the state, currently on a 12-game winning streak. They recently defeated Lancaster 73–38 on February 6, led by a double-double from JaNyia Cunningham and a 22-point performance from Kaleigh Lucas. Lancaster will be looking for a fresh start in the postseason to pull off a massive upset.

5A Division 1: Rock Hill & Clover Defend Home Court

On Monday, Feb. 16, two of the area’s most consistent programs look to advance past the first round.

• Rock Hill: The (8) Bearcats will host (9) Spartanburg in what looks to be a defensive battle. Rock Hill is led by standout Chloe Hudson, who is averaging over 22 points per game. These two teams are statistically neck-and-neck, making this one of the most competitive games on the Monday slate.

• Clover: The (5) Blue Eagles play host to (12) Spring Valley. Clover has been dominant lately, including a recent 53–18 win over Catawba Ridge and a 66–19 win over Indian Land. However, they’ll need to contain Spring Valley’s freshman sensation Destiny Simmons, who is coming off a 33-point game.

5A Division 2: Rivalry Renewed

The action for Division 2 tips off on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with a familiar face-off in Fort Mill.

• Fort Mill & Northwestern: For the third time this season, the (5) Yellow Jackets will face the (12) Northwestern Trojans. Fort Mill has swept the regular-season series (70–23 and 64–27) and enters as the heavy favorite. Colbie Wolf has been the engine for the Jackets’ 14–12 campaign.

• Nation Ford: The (6) Falcons host (11) Hillcrest. Nation Ford has shown they can hang with the best, recently pushing top-ranked Clover in a narrow 53–46 loss.

• Catawba Ridge: The Copperheads head to (8) Riverside as a (9) seed. After a tough stretch to end the regular season, Catawba Ridge is looking to reset and find the scoring touch that fueled their early-season success.

2A & 1A: The Road Warriors

• York Prep: The Lady Patriots travel to face Woodland on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

• Andrew Jackson: In a cross-county battle, the Volunteers host Brashier Middle College.

• Great Falls & Lewisville: On Monday, Feb. 16, Great Falls hosts Dixie, while Lewisville hits the road to face Ridge Spring-Monetta.

Local Girls Playoff Schedule