New SCHSL Reclassification Splits SHS, Dorman

News Channel 7 has learned that the South Carolina High School League's reclassification plan that goes into effect for the 2010-11 school year has Spartanburg moving out of Region 2-4A but leaving city rival Dorman behind.

A source familiar with the plan tells us that Spartanburg would join current Region 3-4A member Gaffney and several schools from the Rock Hill area in that region.

Dorman would remain in Region 2-4A with many of the current members from the Spartanburg and Greenville area. Spartanburg and Dorman have been members of Region 2-4A together for several decades.

The plan was finalized Friday by the High School League's executive committee. Schools may appeal their assignments through the end of August.

SCHSL Executive Director Jerome Singleton could not be reached at the conclusion of the meeting late Friday afternoon. Messages left for each school's athletic director were not returned Friday evening.

Being assigned to separate regions could impact the Spartanburg/Dorman rivalry in several ways.

From a football standpoint, their late-season football meeting would likely be impaired. For a second straight year, the schools will also play an opening football game on August 21st. Under the proposed realignment, they may be limited to that meeting or could schedule a game the week before region play begins. There would also be the option to play later in the year but that would involve getting other schools involved in adjusting schedules.

The schools currently meet twice a year in other sports as a result of region scheduling.

The High School League realigns its members ever two years meaning the two schools could find themselves back in the same region in 2012.

Regions by classification

Class AAAA

1. Easley, Greenwood, Laurens, T.L. Hanna, Westside, Woodmont, Wren

2. Boiling Springs, Byrnes, Dorman, Hillcrest, J.L. Mann, Mauldin, Riverside

3. Clover, Gaffney, Lancaster, Northwestern, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

4. Blythewood, Dutch Fork, Irmo, Lugoff-Elgin (except football), Richland Northeast, Ridge View, Spring Valley

5. Aiken, Lexington, North Augusta, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, South Aiken, White Knoll

6. Carolina Forest, Conway, Lugoff-Elgin (football only), South Florence, Sumter, West Florence

7. Goose Creek, James Island, Stratford, Wando, West Ashley

8. Ashley Ridge, Beaufort, Colleton, County, Fort Dorchester, Summerville

Class AAA

1. Belton-Honey Path, Daniel, Pickins, Seneca, West Oak, Walhalla

2. Berea, Eastside, Greenville, Southside, Travelers Rest, Wade Hampton

3. Blue Ridge, Chapin, Chapman, Clinton, Greer, Union County

4. Chester, Fairfield Central, Fort Mill, Nation Ford, South Pointe, York

5. A.C. Flora, Airport, Brookland-Cayce, Dreher, Lower Richland, Midland Valley

6. Camden, Crestwood, Darlington, Hartsville, Lakewood, Marlboro County

7. Battery Creek, Berkeley, Bluffton, Cane Bay, Hilton Head, Lake Marion

8. Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, St. James, Socastee, Wilson

Class AA

1. Carolina, Chesnee, Crescent. Liberty, Palmetto, Pendleton

2. Batesburg-Leesville, Columbia, Eau Claire, Gilbert, Keenan, Strom Thurmond

3. Broome, Emerald, Mid-Carolina, Newberry, Saluda, Woodruff

4. Andrew Jackson, Buford, Cheraw, Indian Land, Lee Central, Pageland Central

5. Aynor, Dillon, Loris, Marion, Mullins, Waccamaw

6. Andrews, Bishop England, Kingstree, Lake City, Manning, Timberland

7. Barnwell, Edisto, Pelion, Silver Bluff, Swansea, Woodruff

8. Academic Magnet, Gerrett, Hanahan, North Charleston, Stall, Woodland

Class A

1. Abbeville, Calhoun Falls, Dixie, McCormick, Ninety Six, Tamasee-Salem*, Ware Shoals

2. Blacksburg, Brashier Middle Charter*, Christ Church, Gov. School of Arts*, Greenville Charter*, Greer Middle C