Myrtle Beach, SC, January 23, 2026
The South Carolina High School League has revealed new region alignments for the upcoming athletic cycle, significantly affecting schools in the Myrtle Beach area. This reclassification process aims to enhance competitive balance and foster exciting rivalries among teams. Local athletes, coaches, and fans are anticipated to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities as they adjust to these new dynamics. The latest placements underscore the importance of community spirit, sportsmanship, and student development through athletics.
Myrtle Beach, SC
SCHSL Unveils 2026-28 Region Shake-Up
The South Carolina High School League has announced significant new region alignments for the upcoming 2026-28 athletic cycle, impacting local schools and setting the stage for fresh competition across the state.
For high school athletes, coaches, and fans in the Myrtle Beach SC high school sports community, the South Carolina High School League’s (SCHSL) reclassification is a pivotal event that reshapes the competitive landscape. This biennial process, driven by the principles of competitive balance and adaptation, ensures that teams face appropriate challenges, fostering an environment where hard work, discipline, and teamwork are paramount. The recent release of the new region placements for the 2026-2028 athletic period marks the beginning of a new era, demanding strategic adjustments and inspiring renewed dedication from every program.
The impact of these statewide decisions resonates deeply within our local communities. High school sports are more than just games; they are vital threads in the fabric of community identity, uniting residents, building school pride, and providing invaluable opportunities for young individuals to develop leadership skills and personal responsibility. As schools in Horry County and throughout the state prepare to navigate these changes, the focus remains on upholding sportsmanship, pursuing excellence, and continuing to use athletics as a powerful platform for personal growth.
A New Landscape for South Carolina Athletics
The South Carolina High School League officially released its new classification and region placements for the 2026-2028 realignment period, which will be in effect for two years, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. This comprehensive realignment, a regular occurrence every two years, aims to level the competitive playing field among schools across South Carolina. The SCHSL announced that the region placements were anticipated to be sent out on January 23, 2026.
The foundation of these placements lies in objective metrics: a school’s 45-day enrollment numbers from grades 9-11 are a primary factor. Furthermore, the SCHSL utilizes an out-of-zone multiplier, where each student living outside a school’s assigned attendance zone is counted as three for total enrollment purposes. In addition to these numerical criteria, the Reclassification/Realignment Guidelines Committee also considered factors such as geography and travel, ensuring a practical and sustainable structure for interscholastic competition.
Horry County Schools: Navigating the Shifts
For schools within Horry County, these new SCHSL realignment 2026-28 regions will bring about fresh dynamics. While the specific regional breakdowns for every individual Horry County school become clearer, the general sentiment is one of preparing for new challenges and opportunities. Local athletic directors and coaches are now closely examining their new regional assignments, considering the implications for scheduling, travel logistics, and potential new rivalries. These adjustments will require strategic planning and adaptable programs, reinforcing the discipline and foresight inherent in successful athletic programs. The changes will undoubtedly ignite new enthusiasm among fans for Horry County high school football and other sports, eager to see how local teams perform in their new competitive environments.
The Reclassification Process: Fairness and Opportunity
The SCHSL’s meticulous reclassification process is designed to ensure a fair and balanced competitive environment for all member schools. After the initial classification placements were determined based on enrollment and the multiplier, schools had the opportunity to appeal their assigned classification. Any school wishing to appeal its classification placement to the SCHSL Executive Committee was required to submit their request in writing by 1 p.m. on January 7, 2026. These appeals were then heard by the Executive Committee on January 13-14, 2026. If further review was necessary, a second appeal could be presented to the Appellate Panel on January 15-16, 2026.
This transparent appeal process underscores the SCHSL’s commitment to equity, allowing schools to present their cases and ensuring that every institution has a voice in shaping the future of South Carolina prep athletics. Once the classification appeals were concluded and updated placements were finalized, the league staff proceeded with the crucial step of placing schools into their specific regions within each classification. Schools will also have the opportunity to appeal these final region placements.
Impact on Competition and Community Spirit
The new region placements are set to redefine competitive landscapes across the state. For instance, Class 5A, the largest classification, will revert to a single division, reduced from 54 to 40 schools, with all teams competing for one state title. Conversely, Class A will see an increase to 66 schools and may be split into two divisions for sports with more than 45 participating schools, addressing the broad range of enrollments within that classification. These structural adjustments are designed to intensify competition, pushing athletes to new levels of performance and fostering greater teamwork and resilience.
Beyond the athletic field, these changes hold significant implications for community engagement. New regional matchups can spark fresh rivalries, invigorating fan bases and driving increased attendance at games. This heightened local interest creates opportunities for community businesses to connect with schools through sponsorships, further strengthening the bonds between athletic programs and the communities that support them. This mutual support system is a testament to the powerful role high school sports play in building strong community identity and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the 2026-28 Seasons
With the 2026-28 region placements now official, coaches, athletic directors, and school administrators across the state are already strategizing for the next two-year cycle. This period of adjustment requires foresight, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to player development and program growth. Schools will be analyzing their new opponents, adjusting travel schedules, and preparing their athletes for what promises to be an exciting and competitive era in South Carolina high school sports. The emphasis on discipline and preparation will be key to success in these newly configured regions.
The spirit of competition, the dedication to teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence are the hallmarks of high school athletics in South Carolina. These new region placements offer a chance for every school to demonstrate these values, adapt to change, and continue to provide meaningful opportunities for young people. We encourage all fans to rally behind their local teams, attend games, and celebrate the incredible achievements of our student-athletes. Your support is crucial in fostering an environment where character is built, leaders are made, and opportunities are seized.
Stay tuned to HEREmyrtle beach.com for continuous coverage and in-depth stories on the evolving landscape of South Carolina prep athletics, including how local schools are preparing for the upcoming 2026-28 seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions about the SCHSL Region Placement
When will the new SCHSL region placements for 2026-28 take effect?
The new region placements will be in effect for two years, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
How often does the SCHSL reclassify schools?
The SCHSL reclassifies schools every two years.
What factors determine a school’s classification and region placement?
Placements are based on 45-day enrollment numbers from grades 9-11 and an out-of-zone multiplier where each out-of-zone student counts as three. Flexibility, considering geography and travel, was also used.
Could schools appeal their classification placement?
Yes, schools had the opportunity to appeal their classification placement to the SCHSL Executive Committee by January 7, 2026.
Will schools have a chance to appeal region placements?
Yes, schools will also have the opportunity to appeal region placements.
Key Features of the SCHSL 2026-28 Realignment
| Feature | Description (State-level) |
|---|---|
| Effective Period | New placements are effective for two years, starting with the 2026-27 school year. |
| Frequency of Reclassification | The SCHSL conducts reclassification every two years. |
| Primary Placement Factors | 45-day enrollment numbers (grades 9-11) and an out-of-zone multiplier (each out-of-zone student counts as three). |
| Additional Placement Factors | Flexibility was used with consideration given to geography and travel. |
| Classification Appeal Deadline | Schools could appeal classification placement to the Executive Committee by 1 p.m. on January 7, 2026. |
| Classification Executive Committee Hearings | Appeals were heard on January 13-14, 2026. |
| Classification Appellate Panel Hearings | Second appeals, if necessary, were held on January 15-16, 2026. |
| Region Placement Release Date | Region placements were anticipated to be sent out on January 23, 2026. |
| Opportunity to Appeal Region Placements | Schools will have the opportunity to appeal region placements. |
| Class 5A Structure | Will be a single classification, reduced from 54 to 40 schools, competing for one state title. |
| Class A Structure | Will have 66 schools, the most of any classification, and may be split into two divisions for sports with more than 45 participating schools. |
Now Happening on X
- @BDunnsports (January 22, 2026): The SCHSL has released the region alignments for 2026-2028, including Class 5A Region 6 with Berkeley, Cane Bay, Carolina Forest, Goose Creek, Socastee, and Wando, and Class 4A Region 7 with Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, South Florence, St. James, and West. View on X
- @LouatTheState (January 20, 2026): Class 5A Division II Girls basketball rankings feature North Myrtle Beach at #1, followed by Goose Creek, Greenwood, Irmo, Berkeley, Greenville, Gaffney, Eastside, St. James, and Catawba Ridge. View on X
- @BDunnsports (January 20, 2026): The second-ranked North Myrtle Beach girls’ basketball team stays undefeated after beating Mullins at the MLK Klassic, led by Jurnee Blye with 17 points and 8 rebounds; they return to region play Friday against Myrtle Beach. View on X
- @SportsinPeeDee (January 20, 2026): Hartsville boys basketball defeats North Myrtle Beach. View on X
- @mhmiller (January 17, 2026): Myrtle comes back from a three-point deficit at the end of the third quarter to win by two points against an opponent, advancing to the second round and setting up a matchup with Booneville. View on X
- @jsmurphymedia (January 23, 2026): Live update from a game where the Hawks start with a 5-0 run, the Blue Devils respond with 6-0, and Myrtle leads 32-31 at 6:07 in the third quarter. View on X
- @mhmiller (January 18, 2026): Booneville defeats Myrtle 64-36 in the second round of the 2026 MHSAA Middle School Invitational, led by Jack Dukes with 28 points, advancing to face defending champion DeSoto Central. View on X
- @mhmiller (January 17, 2026): Booneville pulls away from Myrtle in the second half with a 20-4 run, overcoming an early lead by Noah and Pax Estes for the Hawks in the game. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Region Assignments Announced for South Carolina High Schools
SCHSL Realignment Unveils New Paths for Local Teams
Hartsville Red Foxes Triumph Over North Myrtle Beach Chiefs in Overtime
SCHSL Realignment Appeals Conclude: Impact on Carolina Forest
SCHSL Appeals Loom for Over 10 Schools
SC High School Sports Undergo Major Realignment
Green Sea Floyds Boys Capture Historic State Title
SC High School Sports Announces New Classifications
Panthers Edge Franklin County in Thrilling Non-League Bout
SCHSL Announces New High School Athletic Classifications
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
