The new high school sports landscape in South Carolina is starting to take shape. 

The South Carolina High School League released its region arrangement plan last week, which revealed where each team would be placed following the latest round of realignment. 

This alignment drew significant attention due to the ongoing debate about the competitive gap between public schools and private and charter schools. This alignment wave was the first to feature the multiplier, creating a new frontier for sports in the state. 

These region placements reflect the changes made to the league, with teams being put with opponents both new and familiar.  These new regions vary in size but create the opportunity for new local rivalries to blossom. 

All of the county’s 5A schools will play in one conference. It is actually the same region that exists now, featuring Chapin, Dutch Fork, Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll. The only change is the addition of Irmo, which moved to 5A from 4A during the realignment. 

Having all six 5A schools in the area in one region will limit travel costs for each program. This is a significant gain for Irmo, which previously competed in a region with schools across Richland County. 

The three 3A schools from Lexington County that moved to 4A were placed in the same region with Airport, creating an opportunity for new area rivalries to form. 

Gilbert, Brookland-Cayce and Gray Collegiate join Airport as Lexington County representatives in the 4A Region 4 conference. The eight-team region also included Aiken, Midland Valley, North Augusta and South Aiken. 

But while three 3A teams moved up, one was left behind. Swansea is the only 3A team in the area now and will have to compete with teams from other counties on a regular basis. 

The Tigers were placed in 3A Region 4 and will compete against Fox Creek, Newberry and Silver Bluff. 

Three Lexington County teams are in the 2A Region 2 conference. American Leadership, Batesburg-Leesville and Pelion will compete against each other for the next two school years. 

American Leadership’s placement comes after the school successfully appealed the South Carolina High School League’s Executive Committee’s decision to place the school in 3A. This will likely be the school's only run in 2A, with the appeals panel noting the school’s size will place them higher next alignment period. 

These region placements are set to take effect next school year and run for two seasons until 2026. Then the whole process will be repeated. 

The placements are not finalized just yet. Teams will be allowed to appeal the league’s decision and request a different region but not class. Appeal requests were due to the league on Jan. 30 with meetings scheduled to take place from Feb. 6-8. 

Here are all the regions featuring Lexington County schools. 

Class 5A Region 4

Chapin

Dutch Fork

Irmo

Lexington

River Bluff 

White Knoll

Class 4A Region 4

Aiken

Airport

Brookland-Cayce

Gilbert

Gray Collegiate

Midland Valley

North Augusta 

South Aiken

Class 3A Region 4

Fox Creek

Keenan

Newberry

Silver Bluff

Swansea

Class 2A Region 2

American Leadership Academy

Batesburg-Leesville

Ninety Six

Pelion

Saluda 

Strom Thurmond