Zara Leamon's 25-Point Performance Leads Mauldin to Upper State Finals

Upstate high school girls' basketball standouts shine in playoff action

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Several top high school girls' basketball players in the Upstate region of South Carolina had standout performances in the state playoffs this past week. Makayla Assemian and Ava Owens led Greenville to a dominant win, while Morgan White of Dorman had a strong effort in a close playoff loss. The story highlights Zara Leamon of Mauldin, who scored 25 points to power her team to the Upper State finals.

Why it matters

The high school basketball playoffs are a crucial time of year, with teams vying for a chance to compete for state championships. These individual performances showcase the talent and competitiveness of girls' basketball in the Upstate region, which has produced many college and professional players over the years.

The details

In a 54-51 win over Dutch Fork, Mauldin's Zara Leamon scored 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead her team to the Upper State finals. Greenville's Makayla Assemian had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals in a 75-28 rout of Eastside, while her teammate Ava Owens recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Morgan White of Dorman put up 11 points and 9 rebounds in a narrow 54-52 playoff loss to Blythewood.

  • The games took place during the week of February 23 through March 1, 2026.

The players

Zara Leamon

A standout player for the Mauldin High School girls' basketball team, Leamon scored 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to power her team to the Upper State finals.

Makayla Assemian

A key contributor for the Greenville High School girls' basketball team, Assemian scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and had 4 steals in a dominant playoff win.

Ava Owens

Owens, a Greenville High School player, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while also dishing out 7 assists in her team's playoff victory.

Morgan White

White, a member of the Dorman High School girls' basketball team, put up 11 points and 9 rebounds in a close 54-52 playoff loss to Blythewood.

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What they’re saying

“Zara Leamon's performance was crucial in leading our team to the Upper State finals. She's been a consistent leader for us all season.”

— Mauldin Head Coach

What’s next

Mauldin will face Blythewood in the Upper State finals, with the winner advancing to the state championship game.

The takeaway

The high level of talent and competitiveness in Upstate South Carolina girls' basketball is on full display during the state playoffs, with several standout individual performances highlighting the region's basketball prowess.