Indian Land High School captured the 2026 Class 5A Division II state softball championship Saturday, shutting out St. James 4 to 0 in the deciding game of the best of three final series at South Florence High School in Florence.
The win gave the Warriors their 10th state title and their first since 2006, ending a championship drought that had stretched two decades for the Lancaster County program.
The title continues a legacy that began decades ago. Indian Land was a dominant force from 1997 through 2006, winning nine championships over a span of 10 years while competing at the Class A level.
Indian Land advanced by defeating Woodmont twice in the district round, then swept TL Hanna in the Upper State championship series.
St. James finished as state runner up for the second consecutive year.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
