Myrtle Beach, January 14, 2026
The South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) has announced its new reclassification plan for independent schools, providing clarity and stability for the 2026-28 athletic seasons. This plan enables fair competition and celebrates student-athletes’ hard work. Schools like Hammond, Heathwood, Ben Lippen, and Cardinal Newman will maintain their classifications, fostering long-term development. The new structure aims to support various athletic programs and enhance community engagement through high school sports in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach
SCISA Finalizes 2026-28 Realignment: Stability and Strategic Planning for Independent School Athletics
The South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) has officially released its much-anticipated reclassification plan for the 2026-2028 athletic seasons, a move that provides clarity and a stable framework for its member schools across the state. This biennial process is crucial for fostering fair competition and ensuring that the dedication and hard work of student-athletes are celebrated within appropriately balanced divisions. For the vibrant high school sports community in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina, this announcement marks a significant step towards preparing for future athletic endeavors, emphasizing the enduring values of discipline, teamwork, and personal growth.
High school sports serve as a cornerstone of community identity, building character among young athletes and uniting fans under a common banner of school pride. The strategic realignment by SCISA underscores a commitment to these principles, recognizing that well-structured classifications allow talent to shine and competitive spirit to flourish. As schools begin to digest the new assignments, the focus remains firmly on developing well-rounded individuals who excel both on the field and in life, upholding the spirit of sportsmanship that defines South Carolina prep athletics.
The Rationale Behind Reclassification
SCISA’s Athletic Committee undertakes the critical task of reclassifying its member schools every two years. This systematic approach is mandated by the SCISA Constitution, aiming to create equitable competitive environments for all athletic programs. The core criteria for determining classification are meticulously applied, focusing primarily on a school’s enrollment figures for grades 8-11 and its geographic location.
For sports like football, an additional specific consideration is the enrollment of boys within grades 8-11. Notably, any SCISA school with 48 or more boys in these grades is not eligible to participate in 8-Man football, ensuring appropriate sizing for competition. These guidelines are designed to serve the best interests of all member schools, promoting fairness and competitive balance across different classifications and conferences. By regularly reviewing and adjusting classifications, SCISA ensures that every school has a genuine opportunity to compete, grow, and succeed.
Consistency for Key Programs
The 2026-28 realignment brings a measure of stability for several prominent SCISA athletic programs. Area schools such as Hammond School, Heathwood Hall, Ben Lippen, and Cardinal Newman will maintain their current classifications, indicating that their enrollment and geographic standing align with the established criteria. This consistency allows these institutions to continue building on their athletic traditions with a clear understanding of their competitive landscape for the upcoming two-year cycle. Such stability is vital for long-term program development, enabling coaches and athletic directors to plan effectively and focus on player development and team cohesion. It also reinforces the idea that success is built on sustained effort and a consistent approach to sports excellence.
A Look at SCISA’s Classification Structure
SCISA organizes its member schools into a multi-classification system, further dividing them into conferences and regions to facilitate structured competition. This comprehensive approach is designed to cater to schools of varying sizes and geographic locations, ensuring that competition remains both challenging and accessible. For instance, the Class 3A classification exemplifies this structure, grouping schools with similar competitive profiles into distinct regions.
Examples of SCISA’s classification include: in Class 3A, Region I typically features schools such as Augusta Christian, Ben Lippen, Cardinal Newman, Hammond School, and Heathwood Hall. Region II encompasses institutions like Florence Christian, Laurence Manning, Trinity-Byrnes, Wilson Hall, and Camden Military. Meanwhile, Region III includes schools such as Ashley Hall, First Baptist – CH, Hilton Head Prep, Northwood Academy, Pinewood Prep, and Porter-Gaud. This regional breakdown ensures manageable travel for teams and fosters local rivalries that ignite fan passion, contributing to the overall excitement of South Carolina prep sports.
Local Impact: Myrtle Beach SCISA Schools
The Grand Strand area boasts its own competitive spirit through its SCISA member schools, which are an integral part of the broader Myrtle Beach SC high school football and general sports scene. Schools like Lowcountry Prep, North Myrtle Beach Christian, Risen Christ – Myrtle Beach, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton contribute significantly to the local athletic landscape. These schools provide invaluable opportunities for young athletes in our community to develop their skills, learn the importance of teamwork, and compete at a high level. Their participation in SCISA athletics enriches the local sports culture, offering diverse choices for student-athletes and engaging fans who passionately support their local teams. The dedication shown by these schools reflects a commitment to personal responsibility and excellence that resonates deeply within Myrtle Beach.
The Path Forward for SCISA Athletics
With the 2026-28 reclassification plan now in effect, SCISA schools will proceed with setting their athletic schedules and preparing their teams for the upcoming seasons. While the initial classification placements are finalized, SCISA’s framework includes provisions for appeals, allowing schools to present their case for reconsideration if necessary. This transparent and structured process ensures that all concerns are addressed, maintaining the integrity and fairness of the athletic classifications.
The success of high school athletics relies not only on the efforts of student-athletes and coaches but also on the enthusiastic support of the community. Local businesses often play a vital role through sponsorships, providing resources that enhance athletic programs and facilities. This community engagement strengthens school pride and offers unique market-driven opportunities for local enterprises to connect with their audience, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between sports and community identity in South Carolina high school sports.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the SCISA 2026-28 realignment plan underscores a methodical approach to maintaining competitive balance and providing meaningful athletic experiences for independent schools across South Carolina. By focusing on consistent criteria and a structured review process, SCISA continues to uphold the values of fair play, discipline, and opportunity that are so essential to developing tomorrow’s leaders.
We encourage all residents of Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas to actively support our local SCISA high school teams. Attend games, cheer loudly, and celebrate the incredible efforts of these young athletes. Your presence not only boosts morale but also strengthens the bonds within our community, showcasing the powerful impact of high school sports. Stay tuned to HEREmyrtlebeach.com for ongoing coverage of all the thrilling action and inspiring stories from our local prep athletic scene!
Frequently Asked Questions about SCISA Reclassification
- What is the purpose of SCISA reclassification?
- The purpose of SCISA reclassification is to determine classification for athletic purposes, based on enrollment in grades 8-11 and geographic location, and to institute conferences in the best interests of all member schools.
- How often does SCISA reclassify its member schools?
- The SCISA Athletic Committee reclassifies all member athletic schools each two-year period.
- What factors are considered in SCISA’s classification process?
- Classification is determined based on enrollment in grades 8-11 and geographic location. For classifying football schools, the enrollment of boys is also considered.
- Are there specific rules for 8-Man football classification in SCISA?
- Yes, a SCISA school with an enrollment of forty-eight (48) boys or more in grades 8-11 may not participate in 8-Man football.
- Which Myrtle Beach area schools are mentioned in the SCISA classification context?
- Myrtle Beach area SCISA schools mentioned include Lowcountry Prep, North Myrtle Beach Christian, Risen Christ – Myrtle Beach, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Key Features of SCISA 2026-28 Reclassification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Reclassification Period | Two-year cycle for 2026-2028 athletic seasons. |
| Governing Body | SCISA Athletic Committee. |
| Primary Criteria | Enrollment in grades 8-11 and geographic location. |
| Football-Specific Criteria | Enrollment of boys considered; schools with 48+ boys (grades 8-11) may not participate in 8-Man football. |
| Conference Formation | Committee institutes conferences based on criteria in the best interests of member schools. |
| No Movement Schools | Hammond School, Heathwood Hall, Ben Lippen, Cardinal Newman. |
| Myrtle Beach Area Schools Mentioned | Lowcountry Prep, North Myrtle Beach Christian, Risen Christ – Myrtle Beach, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. |
Now Happening on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): TLAP Sports Academy from Florida defeated Bull City Prep 66–44 at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, showcasing strong physical play and energy in the tournament. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Southeastern Prep from Florida held off TD Prep from Georgia 66–60 in a competitive matchup at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, staying composed with key stops down the stretch. View on X
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- @BigShotsGlobal (January 11, 2026): Southeastern Prep Chasers from Florida won 76–59 against Bull City Prep from North Carolina in the Myrtle Beach Slam final, catching fire with big shots and momentum to claim victory. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 11, 2026): Accelerate Academy from North Carolina went undefeated to win the high school division title at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, with MVP Abraham Kanneh averaging 12 points per game. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Thomas Ridge secured a 58–47 win over Lake Raleigh Prep at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, bringing high intensity and making key plays to finish strong. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Ascend Ballers from South Carolina cruised to a 42–25 victory over Flight 22 Port City from North Carolina in middle school action at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, dominating with defense and energy. View on X
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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.
