76ers Peaking For FILA Nationals



New Clemson coach Audra Smith is one of the coaches who will be watching the 76ers this summer. Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics.

After building momentum through the spring, the South Carolina 76ers are poised to have a successful summer. The 76ers have talent and experience, and they hope that propels them to titles at major summer events like the FILA Nationals.

“We’ve had a lot of younger girls the past two years, and they did a lot of growing up over that time. Now we want to reap the benefits of that experience,” said program director Roger Wiley. “I feel really good about the way we are playing right now.”

The FILA Nationals, which will include over 100 national teams, will be played at the Suwanee Sports Academy outside of Atlanta from July 6-8. This is one part of a series of previews for the FILA Nationals where we will highlight the outstanding programs who will be competing.

Two key players for the South Carolina 76ers will be Zion Campbell and Jhileiya Dunlap. Campbell is a 6-3 post player in the Class of 2015, while Dunlap is a 6-2 wing from the Class of 2016. Dunlap is currently ranked as the No. 40 prospect nationally in her class by the All Star Girls Report.

“Both Jhileiya and Zion run the floor well, and they are excellent defenders,” Wiley said. “Jhileiya is very athletic, and she has an amazing wingspan. She could play anywhere from the two spot to the five. Zion has been working hard with (former NBA star) Xavier McDaniel, and she is coming along. She is a great shot blocker, and she is developing more of an offensive game.”

The 76ers also have two talented players from the Class of 2014. Cierra Carter is a 5-11 guard who has 11 Division I offers, and she is ranked at No. 437 in her class by ASGR. Iyanna Jones is a 5-6 point guard who is establishing herself this summer.

“Sierra is a tremendous player who can do it all,” Wiley said. “She has a lot of mid-major offers now, and she is getting serious looks from majors like Clemson. Iyana is an in-your-face, shutdown defender. This is her first year with our program, and she has a lot of the college coaches buzzing.”