South Georgia's Destini McLemore Is Building a Résumé That Speaks for Itself
The basketball conversation in Georgia often centers around Metro Atlanta, but there is plenty of talent developing outside the perimeter. At Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Destini McLemore is giving people another reason to pay attention to South Georgia.
The 5-foot-9 Class of 2028 junior guard has already put together an impressive résumé through her first two varsity seasons. McLemore has won a state championship, captured back-to-back Region 1-5A titles, earned individual all-region recognition and established herself as one of Bradwell’s most productive two-way players.
Her high school career started with winning. As a freshman during the 2024-25 season, McLemore helped Bradwell Institute capture a Class 5A state championship while also earning Co-Freshman of the Year honors in Region 1-5A. That early success gave her meaningful postseason experience almost immediately, but she did not remain in a supporting role for long.
As a sophomore, McLemore became an even bigger part of Bradwell’s success. Across 28 games during the 2025-26 season, she averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.5 assists per game, numbers that helped earn her First Team All-Region 1-5A honors.
What stands out is how much she contributes beyond scoring. McLemore can play on or off the ball, rebound at a high level for a guard and create turnovers defensively. Averaging more than seven rebounds and three steals per game speaks to the activity, anticipation and physicality she brings to both ends of the floor.
She also showed the ability to produce when Bradwell needed it. McLemore scored 23 points against Brunswick, while also putting together strong scoring performances against Veterans, Colquitt County and Richmond Hill during the season.
Some of her most important contributions came in postseason play. In Bradwell’s Region 1-5A semifinal victory over Greenbrier, McLemore recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, helping send the Lady Tigers back to the region championship game. Bradwell went on to win the title, giving McLemore and the program back-to-back region championships.
The Lady Tigers continued their postseason run into the Class 5A Elite Eight, where their season ended in a narrow 50-48 loss to River Ridge. McLemore finished that game with 10 points and five rebounds, closing another season in which Bradwell remained one of the stronger programs in the state.
That winning environment has been an important part of her development. Bradwell head coach Faye Baker has built the program around discipline, defense and team basketball, and McLemore has grown into a significant piece of that identity. Her résumé is not based on numbers alone. She has produced while playing meaningful minutes on teams competing for championships.
Now a junior, McLemore enters the next stage of her high school career with more experience than most players her age. She has already played in championship games, handled postseason pressure and taken on an expanding role within one of South Georgia’s more successful programs.
Her recruitment is beginning to reflect that production as well. McLemore has publicly reported scholarship opportunities from St. Louis, Furman, Mercer, Jackson State and Howard, while continuing to compete on the travel circuit with Bounce Nation FBC.
She also lists a 4.0 GPA, adding another strong component to a résumé that already includes individual production, team success and Division I interest.
McLemore still has two full high school seasons ahead of her, which is what makes the next stage of her development worth following. She already has the championship experience and individual recognition. Now the opportunity is there to continue expanding her game, her recruitment and her name beyond South Georgia.
A state championship. Back-to-back region titles. Co-Freshman of the Year. First Team All-Region. Division I opportunities.
For anyone who has not been paying attention to Bradwell Institute, Destini McLemore is a name worth knowing in Georgia’s 2028 class.