USC Just Landed the Best Hooper in the nation: Again!
Anwar Stetson
It Always Rains in Southern California
The rich get richer in Hollywood as the best girls hooper in the nation just decided to take her talents to the Golden State in 2026.
Prep superstar Saniyah Hall announced her commitment to the University of Southern California Friday on NBA Today. Widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2026, the 6’1” versatile scorer is gearing up for her senior season at SPIRE Academy in Ohio, and then the sunshine of California.
Hall, who had dozens of offers, flirted with schools like powerhouse South Carolina before deciding on USC. She told ESPN that she built a relationship with USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb which factored into her decision.
She gained some valuable chemistry with U19 and future Trojan teammates Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith, who are both expected to be core players for Southern Cal this upcoming season.
“As soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home,” Hall said in a video shared Friday. Known for her exceptional combination of size, speed, and perimeter shooting, Hall’s skill set draws comparisons to USC star Juju Watkins, who is currently recovering from an ACL tear suffered during the NCAA tournament in March.
Earlier in July, Hall signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Jordan Brand, making her one of the youngest athletes to join the company’s roster. Hall’s commitment adds to a growing legacy at USC, which has now landed three of the last four consensus No. 1 recruits in girls high school basketball including Watkins (Class of 2023) and Davidson (Class of 2025). When it rains, it pours.
An International Bucket
Hall recently earned MVP honors at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she powered Team USA to its 11th consecutive championship earlier this month. In the title game against Australia, the 16-year-old led all scorers with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in the 88–76 win.
Prep Network’s E.J. Arocho saw Hall perform at Select Event’s “Live at the Nook” in April and had major praise for the future Trojan.
“Saniyah is a BUCKET. A ridiculous talent!” Arocho said.
“Very efficient 3-level scoring today, including a very pretty step-back short jumper off one leg,” he continued. “Very deep bag on offense which included speedy transition and devastating plays off the bounce. Her defense was clicking on all cylinders, defending multiple positions, forcing turnovers near the perimeter and rejecting shots near the basket. Particularly strong all-around game.
Very efficient 3-level scoring today, including a very pretty step-back short jumper off one leg. Very deep bag on offense which included speedy transition and devastating plays off the bounce. Her defense was clicking on all cylinders, defending multiple positions, forcing turnovers near the perimeter and rejecting shots near the basket. Particularly strong all-around game.
A native of Ohio, Hall began her high school career at Laurel School near Cleveland. She later transferred to nationally ranked Montverde Academy in Florida before returning home for her senior season at SPIRE Academy.
Though she’s a guard, she looks up to two-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, calling the Las Vegas Aces star her greatest inspiration on the court. It may not be long before we see Saniyah Hall rubbing shoulders with the pros under the bright lights on the game’s biggest stage.
BY THE NUMBERS
Laurel School (Ohio)
- Freshman year: 20.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.2 SPG, 2.6 APG. Named Northeast Lakes District Player of the Year and Ohio Ms. Basketball finalist.
- Sophomore year: Around 25.5 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.4 SPG, 3.0 APG over 29 games. Achieved standout games with 31 pts, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks in regional finals; and 26 pts, 15 rebounds in semis. Also an Ohio Ms. Basketball finalist again.
Montverde Academy (Florida) — Junior season (2024‑25):
- Averaged 20.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG. Led the team to a 26‑2 record and deep run in national competition. She was named to the Naismith HS Girls All-America First Team
Team USA: FIBA Women’s Basketball U19 World Cup (2025)
As one of only three 16-year-olds on the roster:
- Named MVP of the tournament.
- Led the U.S. with 19.9 PPG (third-highest overall), 6.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.9 SPG, and added ~1.1 BPG in seven games.
- In the gold-medal game vs. Australia (USA won 88–76): had 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, shooting 8‑16 FG
- Selected for All‑Tournament Team.