Two Future Gamecocks — Kelsi Andrews and Kaeli Wynn — Named to Prestigious Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year Watch List
The Atlanta Tipoff Club revealed the Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year Watch List on Wednesday, and South Carolina women’s basketball continues to make its mark on the national stage. Two Gamecock commits — Kelsi Andrews and Kaeli Wynn — were among the 50 elite players recognized as top high school talents across the country.
The honor places both future Gamecocks in elite company, as they follow in the footsteps of Raven Johnson and A’ja Wilson, who won the prestigious award in 2014 and 2021, respectively.
Kelsi Andrews, a 6-foot-4 post player, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled frontcourt prospects in the nation. Though currently rehabbing a knee injury, Andrews has already proven herself as a dominant interior force. Known for her ability to score around the rim, control the glass, and protect the paint, her presence is felt on both ends of the floor.
According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Andrews is ranked No. 20 overall in the Class of 2026, No. 4 among power forwards nationally, and No. 2 overall in Florida. She also holds five-star status from ESPN HoopGurlz, underscoring her elite talent and potential.
Joining her on the list is Kaeli Wynn, a versatile California forward who recently made history as the first high school prospect from the Golden State to commit to South Carolina. Wynn brings a dynamic mix of frontcourt power and perimeter skill, allowing her to play multiple positions — and even handle the ball like a guard.
Rivals ranks Wynn as the No. 18 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 1 small forward in the nation, and No. 3 overall prospect from California. Like Andrews, she is also a five-star recruit according to ESPN HoopGurlz.
The Gamecocks’ recruiting momentum doesn’t stop there. Several other players on the Naismith watch list are active South Carolina targets, including Jerzy Robinson from the Class of 2026 and Eve Long, Jordyn Palmer, and Nation Williams from the 2027 cycle.
With Andrews and Wynn leading the charge, Dawn Staley’s recruiting machine continues to secure some of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball — proof that the Gamecock dynasty shows no signs of slowing down.
