South Carolina Rolls Out the Red Carpet for No. 1 2026 Recruit Saniyah Hall During Official Visit, Reuniting Montverde Star with Former Teammate and Gamecock Signee Agot Makeer

Gamecocks Roll Out the Garnet Carpet: No. 1 2026 Recruit Saniyah Hall Takes Official Visit to South Carolina

 

Columbia, S.C. – Dawn Staley’s recruiting engine is revving at full throttle, and the national spotlight continues to hover over Columbia, South Carolina. This past weekend, the South Carolina Gamecocks hosted the crown jewel of the 2026 recruiting class—Saniyah Hall, a 6-foot-2 five-star guard/forward ranked No. 1 in the nation—on an official visit that could shape the trajectory of the program’s future.

 

Hall, originally from Lorain, Ohio, now plays for national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, where her dynamic skillset and explosive athleticism have earned her comparisons to some of the most elite wings in women’s basketball. With averages of 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game during the 2024-25 high school season, she has cemented herself as a true two-way threat and a force on both ends of the court.

 

Her visit to South Carolina wasn’t just a courtesy stop. It was a statement—by both Hall and the Gamecocks.

 

The Montverde Connection

 

Hall’s ties to South Carolina already run deeper than most top prospects. She was a teammate at Montverde of Agot Makeer, a 6-4 forward and South Carolina signee in the class of 2025. Makeer committed to the Gamecocks on March 1 and signed her national letter of intent on April 24, solidifying her place in what’s expected to be another elite class for Staley.

 

That connection could play a major role in Hall’s decision-making process. The comfort of a familiar face, especially one with whom she’s already built chemistry on the court, may give the Gamecocks an edge in an ultra-competitive recruiting battle.

 

Sources close to Hall’s camp say she and Makeer remain close friends, and that Agot has spoken highly of the South Carolina experience—from the coaching staff to the culture to the ever-passionate fan base that packs Colonial Life Arena every game.

 

Inside the Visit: First-Class All the Way

 

The visit itself, according to sources and social media buzz, was filled with trademark Staley-style hospitality: heartfelt interactions, real talk, championship energy, and a vision that puts player development, academic success, and NIL opportunities front and center.

 

Hall toured the campus, observed offseason training sessions, met with academic advisors, and took in the Gamecocks’ state-of-the-art facilities. The coaching staff emphasized her potential fit in South Carolina’s system, highlighting her versatility as a guard/wing who can initiate offense, defend multiple positions, and be a high-volume scorer without sacrificing team-first basketball.

 

She was also spotted courtside at a South Carolina spring scrimmage, greeted by cheers from fans already familiar with her highlight reels and national rankings. Her name trended locally as speculation grew that the visit had gone exceptionally well.

 

A Recruit Built for South Carolina’s Blueprint

 

Hall’s game is tailor-made for the modern, positionless, aggressive style that Staley has championed at South Carolina. She can run the point, slash from the wing, shoot from deep, and guard four positions. Her defensive instincts and transition prowess fit seamlessly into a system that thrives on disruption and fast-paced execution.

 

“She’s a game-changer,” one national scout said. “You build your offense around someone like Saniyah Hall. She can impact the game without the ball, and when she has it, she’s electric.”

 

Recruiting insiders believe that South Carolina is one of a handful of top programs in serious contention for Hall, along with UConn, LSU, Stanford, and Notre Dame. But the official visit to Columbia could prove pivotal in building momentum for the Gamecocks.

 

South Carolina’s Recruiting Empire Continues to Expand

 

Dawn Staley isn’t just chasing elite recruits—she’s building dynasties. Over the last five years, South Carolina has consistently landed top-5 recruiting classes and produced national champions, WNBA stars, and All-Americans.

 

If the Gamecocks land Hall, it would represent a continuation of that dominance and signal to the rest of the country that South Carolina remains the destination for high-profile recruits.

 

“We want the best players, and we want the right players,” Staley said in a recent interview. “We want those who understand the grind, who value team, and who want to grow on and off the court. Saniyah checks all those boxes.”

 

What Comes Next?

 

While Hall has not indicated a firm timeline for a decision, her visit to South Carolina is expected to be one of several official visits during her junior season. With new NCAA rules allowing earlier and more frequent contact, top-tier 2026 prospects are increasingly taking advantage of the opportunity to build relationships and evaluate programs before their senior year begins.

 

For now, the Gamecocks have laid the groundwork. Hall left Columbia with a clearer picture of what life would be like wearing garnet and black—and judging by reactions from those close to her, it left a strong impression.

 

As Staley and her staff continue their push to secure the top player in the 2026 class, one thing is certain: South Carolina isn’t just in the race.

 

They may very well be leading it.

 

 

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Recruit Profile: Saniyah Hall

 

Height: 6’2″

 

Position: Guard / Small Forward

 

High School: Montverde Academy (FL)

 

Hometown: Lorain, Ohio

 

Class: 2026

 

National Ranking: No. 1 overall (ESPNW / HoopGurlz)

 

2024-25 Stats: 20.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.8 SPG

 

Strengths: Elite athleticism, versatile scorer, defensive IQ, leadership

 

College Interests: South Carolina, UConn, LSU, Stanford, Notre Dame, Ohio State

 

 

Stay tuned. The next era of South Carolina basketball might just hinge on the decision of a teenager from Ohio—with national title dreams and superstar potential.