WNBA Legends from the Carolinas

The Carolinas have been a breeding ground for basketball talent, producing some of the most iconic players in the WNBA. Here’s a look at the top female hoopers who have made a significant impact both in high school and professionally.

A'ja Wilson

High School: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (South Carolina) Class of 2014 A'ja Wilson dominated her senior year, averaging 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. She led her team to a state title and was ranked No. 1 in the ESPNW 100. Wilson continued her stellar performance at South Carolina, winning a national title and multiple awards. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, she has since won two WNBA titles, three MVP awards, and made the All-Star game every year.

Ivory Latta

High School: York High School (South Carolina) Class of 2003 Ivory Latta was a scoring phenom, averaging 44.6 points per game and scoring 70 points in a single game during her senior year. She became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina history with 4,319 points. Latta played for North Carolina, earning multiple accolades before being drafted No. 11 overall by the Detroit Shock in 2007. She was named to the All-Star game twice during her 10-year WNBA career.

Sarah Strong

High School: Fuquay-Varina High School; Grace Christian School (North Carolina) Class of 2024 Sarah Strong led Grace Christian to three state titles and was ranked No. 1 in the ESPNW 100. She had an impressive freshman season at UConn, helping the Huskies win a national title. Strong was named Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big East.

Saniya Rivers

High School: Eugene Ashley High School (North Carolina) Class of 2021 Saniya Rivers was a scoring machine, averaging 34.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 6.1 steals, and 5.8 assists per game as a senior. She won Gatorade National Player of the Year and was drafted No. 8 overall by the Connecticut Sun in 2025.

Alaina Coates

High School: Dutch Fork High School (South Carolina) Class of 2013 Alaina Coates led her team to back-to-back state titles, averaging 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game as a senior. She played for South Carolina, helping the Gamecocks win a national title, and was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Sky in 2017, winning the WNBA title in 2023.