The New-Look Top 10 in South Carolina's 2028 Class

USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   After a busy summer of out-of-state movement, South Carolina's 2028 Class looks a lot different than it did in March. Antoine Caughman Jr., who was at #1 since the debut of the Prep Hoops Rankings, headlines the list of departures, but Brice Wiersma, Jermier Nelson, JJ Gray, Bryson Schofield, Ebon Miller, and Roman Ruggiero were all major names who left the Palmetto State over the last four months. With names at the top leaving, that left holes to fill and maybe some unexpected prospects entering the Top 10 in our minds. Take a look at the new Top 10 in South Carolina's 2028 Class:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    The new #1 in South Carolina's 2028 Class is [player_tooltip player_id='2373165' first='CJ' last='Moore']. Moore shifted from #3 to #2 12 months ago, and then remained steady behind Antoine Caughman before his departure to Oak Hill (VA). CJ is more than deserving of the top slot, possessing the size and athleticism to be an impactful defender as the offensive skill has begun to catch up. It was great to see him shine in his more natural wing position with [program_tooltip program_id='2078752' first='Upward' last='Stars SE'] this summer, and the acquisition of more size should allow him to remain there for Ridge View in their hunt for another state title this winter.     It was truly neck and neck between Moore and Allen for that #1 spot. He has quickly climbed our rankings in the year-plus that I've been here, jumping from #16 to #8, from #8 to #4, and now from #4 to #2. There are a lot of positives to be taken from the season Kaleb had with [program_tooltip program_id='2076394' first='Carolina' last='Premier'], and earning lots of national attention on the UAA circuit. His on-ball playmaking skills are probably the most intriguing development in his game, paired with elite-level athleticism. Now with his own team at Christ Church, it will be interesting to see how he continues to grow and improve before the start of a crucial junior year.     RJ returns to his spot at #3 after a brief dip in the June update. He was very impressive in his return to Georgia Stars in July, shining at the four next to an elite, interior-minded big man. Davis's length and athleticism are intriguing, especially if he fills out and gets stronger before he heads off for college. He does have the South Carolina offer like Moore and Allen, but RJ's recruitment was slightly quieter throughout the summer months. Given the big-name departures and Ridge View's projected team success, look for Davis to make a real push at Gatorade Player of the Year this season.     The freshest name to the Top 10 in South Carolina's 2028 Class is [player_tooltip player_id='2813875' first='Jamel' last='McKinley']. McKinley sat at #80 in his class when I took over the rankings in June of 2025, and since then he has made a couple of huge jumps to find himself at #4 after the summer before his junior year. Jamel's combination of size and shooting is something that you don't see every day and should not be discounted. He has gradually improved his handle and ability to hit shots off the dribble, making him one of the more intriguing offensive prospects in the state.     Ricky improves from #9 to #5 in the new-look Top 10. I have been up and down on Hood over the past year, but getting to see him with [program_tooltip program_id='2076394' first='Carolina' last='Premier'] in July answered a lot of the questions that I had. There is no doubting the physical gifts that he has, so if he continues to bring his defensive motor and offensive feel, he could easily end up as one of the most productive players in his class and wind up at a Division One program in two years.     Despite not having an overly impressive summer, Zyion is a guy I still remain high on long-term. He's been in the Top 10 since the debut of the rankings thanks to his unique length and ability to do a little bit of everything. Jones is comfortable working in the post, on the perimeter, or off the dribble, and he doesn't need a lot of the ball to positively affect the game. He is also a good defender when he can match up with fours and threes, but he'll need to put on muscle to hold up at the next level.     Addison is one of the premier shot-makers in South Carolina's 2028 Class. He put up some monster numbers with [program_tooltip program_id='2830220' first='Palmetto' last='Pride'] this season, proving himself as one of the best shooters and scorers in almost every event. With the departure of Josh Leonard, it will be interesting to see how much Isaiah's volume grows, but you will never have to question the confidence and skill of this young Shooting Guard when he's on the floor.     Keeping it in the Pee Dee, Gause rises from #16 to #8 in the August Rankings Update. Ian put together two of the best performances that I've seen from him in June and July of this year, showing excellent progression with his interior game on both ends of the floor. There were some highs and lows throughout the season with [program_tooltip program_id='2078752' first='Upward' last='Stars SE'], but I'm expecting Gause to be one of the most dominant players in Class 1A this winter.     Janssen is one of the best-kept secrets in the state. When you ask people outside of the Upstate about him, they wouldn't know him, but if you talk to people inside the Legacy program, they are extremely high on his ceiling. Clinkscales was the best prospect I saw at the Sizzlin' Summer Shootout two years in a row, showing elite size, skill, and rim protection, but he is also beginning to emerge from a national perspective thanks to good showings at the Crossroads Invitational Camp and the UAA Finals.     Capping off the list at #10 is [player_tooltip player_id='2454347' first='Lamont' last='Williams'] of Lamar and [program_tooltip program_id='2830220' first='Palmetto' last='Pride']. Lamont's peak ceiling might not be as high as some of the others in the list, but there is no doubting his ability to impact the game and how it will translate to the next level. Williams is as big and strong as any wing in the junior class, but he has a developed feel with the ball in his hands and one of the best motors you will see. It's only a matter of time before the right college falls in love with what Lamont can do, and he could make a real case for 1A Player of the Year in either of the next two seasons.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Think you belong in the Top 10? The Prep Hoops Carolina Expo gives players an opportunity to compete against top talent, showcase their skills, and gain valuable exposure in front of Prep Hoops Scouts and College Coaches. 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