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Wedding & Event Venue Near Clemson, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Clemson, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Clemson, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Clemson native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Clemson, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Clemson, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Clemson, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Clemson, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Clemson, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Clemson, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Clemson, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Clemson, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Clemson's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Clemson.

 Wedding Venue Clemson, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Clemson?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Clemson, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Clemson, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Clemson, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Clemson, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Clemson, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Clemson, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Clemson, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Clemson, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Clemson, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Clemson, SC

Latest News in Clemson, SC

Clemson football announces several postseason awards, honors

CLEMSON, S.C. (Clemson Athletics) - Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and a talented freshman class headlined Clemson’s collection of honors during the 2023 college football award season. Trotter earned several first- and second-team All-America nods to become Clemson’s first multi-time All-American at linebacker since Keith Adams in 1999-2000, while five different Clemson freshmen garnered at least one Freshman All-America selection.Trotter, a second-team AP All-American a year ago, garnered first-team All-America honors fr...

CLEMSON, S.C. (Clemson Athletics) - Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and a talented freshman class headlined Clemson’s collection of honors during the 2023 college football award season. Trotter earned several first- and second-team All-America nods to become Clemson’s first multi-time All-American at linebacker since Keith Adams in 1999-2000, while five different Clemson freshmen garnered at least one Freshman All-America selection.

Trotter, a second-team AP All-American a year ago, garnered first-team All-America honors from both ESPN and Sports Illustrated among others in addition to a bevy of second-team selections for his performance in 2023. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker, joining Isaiah Simmons (2019), Tre Lamar (2018), Dorian O’Daniel (2017), Keith Adams (2000) and Levon Kirkland (1990) as one of six Butkus finalists in school history.

Trotter declared for the 2024 NFL Draft after compiling a team-high 88 tackles, a team-best 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions (including one he returned 28 yards for a touchdown) in 676 snaps over 12 games (all starts) this season.

True freshmen defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods were among five Clemson freshmen who accrued Freshman All-America honors from a variety of presenting organizations. Parker earned Freshman All-American status from 247Sports, ESPN, The Athletic and others and was a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Semifinalist as his 11.0 tackles for loss this season place him one shy of Myles Murphy’s true freshman school record. Woods earned Freshman All-America honors from 247Sports, College Football News and On3 and was named as College Football Network’s Freshman Interior Defender of the Year for his interior presence for Clemson’s seventh-ranked total defense.

True freshman safety Khalil Barnes’ impact campaign was recognized with Freshman All-America nods from On3, 247Sports, The Athletic and College Football News. Barnes’ nose for the ball made him the first Clemson freshman in the Dabo Swinney era to record multiple forced fumbles and multiple interceptions in a freshman season and the first Clemson player of any classification to reach those marks and record a sack in a season since Bashaud Breeland in 2013. In his most recent game, Barnes became the first Clemson player with a takeaway on consecutive plays from scrimmage since Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins accomplished the feat against Duke in 1995.

True freshman wide receiver Tyler Brown and redshirt freshman Robert Gunn III also earned Freshman All-American status, with Brown collecting honors from ESPN while Gunn was named as a College Football Network Freshman All-American as a kickoff specialist. Gunn enters bowl season ranked third in the nation in kickoff average (64.57 yards per kick) and fifth in touchback percentage (84.62), and Brown’s 51 receptions placed him alongside Antonio Williams (56 in 2022), Artavis Scott (76 in 2014), Sammy Watkins (82 in 2011) and DeAndre Hopkins (52 in 2010) as one of five Clemson freshmen since 2010 to record 50-plus catches in their debut campaigns.

On Nov. 28, the Atlantic Coast Conference recognized Clemson with eight selections to its annual All-ACC Team. Tyler Davis became the fifth four-time All-ACC honoree in Clemson history, and Will Putnam earned a repeat selection after earning All-ACC honors in his first year at center in 2022. Trotter, Nate Wiggins, Barrett Carter, Jake Briningstool, Blake Miller and Ruke Orhorohoro were all first-time All-ACC selections.

CLEMSON 2023 POSTSEASON AWARDS AND HONORS

NO. 0 LB BARRETT CARTER

NO. 1 RB WILL SHIPLEY

NO. 2 CB NATE WIGGINS

• First-Team All-ACC (AP)

• First-Team All-ACC (PFF)

• First-Team All-ACC (USA Today)

NO. 6 WR TYLER BROWN

NO. 6 CB SHERIDAN JONES

NO. 7 RB PHIL MAFAH

NO. 9 TE JAKE BRININGSTOOL

NO. 11 DT PETER WOODS

• First-Team Freshman All-American (247Sports)

• First-Team Freshman All-American (College Football News)

• First-Team Freshman All-American (College Football Network)

• True Freshman All-American (On3)

• Freshman Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Network)

NO. 12 DE T.J. PARKER

• First-Team Freshman All-American (247Sports)

• First-Team Freshman All-American (College Football News)

• First-Team Freshman All-American (College Football Network)

NO. 13 DT TYLER DAVIS

• First-Team All-ACC (AP)

• First-Team All-ACC (PFF)

NO. 33 DT RUKE ORHORHORO

NO. 36 S KHALIL BARNES

• True Freshman All-American (On3)

• First-Team Freshman All-American, All-Purpose Defense (247Sports)

• Second-Team Freshman All-American (The Athletic)

• Second-Team Freshman All-American (College Football News)

• First-Team All-ACC, Flex (PFF)

NO. 38 PK ROBERT GUNN III

• Freshman All-American, Kickoff Specialist (College Football Network)

NO. 39 P AIDAN SWANSON

NO. 54 LB JEREMIAH TROTTER JR.

• First-Team All-American (ESPN)

• Second-Team All-American (AFCA)

• Second-Team All-American (AP)

• Second-Team All-American (PFF)

• Second-Team All-American (The Athletic)

• Second-Team All-American (USA Today)

• First-Team All-ACC• First-Team All-ACC (AP)

• First-Team All-ACC (PFF)

• First-Team All-ACC (USA Today)

NO. 56 OL WILL PUTNAM

NO. 78 OL BLAKE MILLER

Copyright 2023 WHNS. All rights reserved.

Division of Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access

Men of Color National SummitThe mission of the Clemson University Men of Color National Summit is to bridge the opportunity gap and illuminate pathways after high school for African American/Black and Hispanic/L...

Men of Color National Summit

The mission of the Clemson University Men of Color National Summit is to bridge the opportunity gap and illuminate pathways after high school for African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx men of color and their allies by emphasizing the importance of education and inspiring high school and college students to see opportunities for their future. The summit brings together approximately 2,400 high school and college students, business professionals, educators, government officials and community leaders from around the country.

More Information

Women's Roundtable

The Women’s Roundtable is a developmental and networking opportunity for participants to acknowledge, explore and invest in promoting the experiences of girls and women and thier allies, particularly in STEM fields. The Roundtable focuses on the tools and skill sets necessary to navigate exclusionary educational and professional environments that many girls and women encounter.

More Information

Tiger Alliance

Knowledge is power. Clemson University is taking bold steps to help empower, enlighten and develop African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx males and their allies. As part of the Men of Color National Summit, we have introduced a high school component called Tiger Alliance, which includes and involves African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx males and their allies from the local area.

Emerging Scholars

The Clemson Emerging Scholars Program helps students from South Carolina’s I-95 corridor learn what it takes to go to college. We concentrate on academic preparation, leadership skills and the college application process. Students stay on Clemson’s campus several times throughout the program, and we also work with students in their schools and communities.

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Clemson Career Workshop

The Snelsire, Sawyer, & Robinson Clemson Career Workshop is a summer program designed to provide rising high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to learn tips and tools needed to prepare for college and their careers through an inside look at Clemson University and their fields of study.

More Information

Clemson vs. South Carolina: How to watch, stream college football for free

One of football’s great in-state rivalries will be renewed Saturday when Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers visit the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. No. 24 Clemson (7-4) will look to close the season on a high note after a home win over North Carolina; Shane Beamer’s team needs a win to finish 6-6 and be bowl-eligible.Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game will air on SEC Network. Clemson is a 7-point favorite, according to ...

One of football’s great in-state rivalries will be renewed Saturday when Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers visit the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. No. 24 Clemson (7-4) will look to close the season on a high note after a home win over North Carolina; Shane Beamer’s team needs a win to finish 6-6 and be bowl-eligible.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game will air on SEC Network. Clemson is a 7-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, and the over/under is set at 52.5 points.

Fans looking to watch this college football game can do so for free on fuboTV, which offers a free trial (as well as RedZone, for you NFL fans) or on DirecTV Stream, which also offers a free trial. SlingTV has promotional offers available, as well. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). All SEC Network games are available with a cable subscription on Watch ESPN.

Who: No. 24 Clemson @ South Carolina (SEC Network)

When: Saturday, Nov. 25 — 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC

Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream

Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats

*New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.*

Gear: Shop around at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more

Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Will Shipley is finally glad to see Clemson on the right side of the turnover game.

The Tigers recovered two first-quarter fumbles from ACC leading rusher Omarion Hampton and Clemson’s defense clamped down on high-scoring No. 22 North Carolina in a 31-20 victory Saturday night.

Shipley, Clemson’s all-ACC tailback, was front-and-center of his team’s issues at the start of the season, losing two fumbles in a season-opening, surprise loss at Duke. This time, it was the Tar Heels (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) who melted down when they could’ve — many would say should’ve — led 21-0 in the opening period.

“It’s like coach Swinney always says, ‘The worm is turning,’” Shipley said with a smile. “Have any of y’all heard that? I hadn’t other than from him.”

It means, for those of Shipley’s generation, that the mistakes Clemson (7-4, 4-4) made too often during its 4-4 start have been cut down in its past three wins, which including two victories over ranked opponents in Notre Dame and the Tar Heels.

“Things are rolling our way,” said Shipley, who had 126 yards rushing and a 33-yard TD run. “But it’s also about effort.”

That was apparent when North Carolina quickly got to the red zone on its first drive and freshman Peter Woods jarred the ball free from Hampton for another first-year player T.J. Parker to recover.

Then came cornerback Nate Wiggins, a highly regarded NFL draft prospect, who chased down Hampton steps away from a 64-yard scoring run and knocked the football out of bounds for a touchback.

“That may be the greatest play I’ve ever seen,” said Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for 219 yards and as 3-yard score to tight end Jake Briningstool. Klubnick also ran for 44 yards and a critical 1-yard stretch TD right before halftime that put Clemson ahead to stay.

When asked what made Wiggins know he’d catch up with Hampton, he responded with a smile, “I know I’m fast.”

Phil Mafah had a 3-yard TD run and Shipley’s score put the Tigers ahead 28-14 and North Carolina couldn’t respond against Clemson’s fiercesome defense.

Reigning ACC player of the year Drake Maye was 5 of 9 for 120 yards in the opening quarter. He was just 11 of 27 for 89 yards and an interception the rest of the way as the Tar Heels lost their sixth straight to Clemson.

For Tar Heels coach Mack Brown, it was a lot like last year’s ACC championship game where the Tigers routed his club, 39-10.

“I thought we battled them better tonight, the game was better tonight, we had a better chance to win tonight,” Brown said. “You can’t do some of the things we did last and this year and beat a great team like Clemson.”

Excited fans, mostly Clemson students, twice rushed onto the field before the final seconds ticked off and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. No matter, Clemson ran out the clock moments later the celebration was on in the season’s final home game.

“We’re playing our best football and it’s fun to watch,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

ACC leading rusher Hampton had 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including one of 55 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

North Carolina: The Tar Heels may have lost some motivation early in this one when Louisville’s 38-31 victory at Miami went final during their opening drive to clinch the last open spot in the ACC title game. North Carolina needed a loss by the Cardinals and a victory over Clemson for any chance at the league title.

Clemson: The Tigers have gotten the better of North Carolina and quarterback Drake Maye the past year. They intercepted Maye twice including a 98-yard pick six in the 39-10 win in last year’s ACC championship game. Maye was pressured throughout and sacked four times.

UNRANKED? UNBOTHERED

Clemson won against two ranked opponents this season as a unranked team. The last time that happened was when the Tigers defeated three ranked opponents without being in the Top 25 in 2005 (Texas A&M, Florida State and rival South Carolina).

UP NEXT

North Carolina finishes the regular season at rival North Carolina State on Saturday.

Clemson goes to rival South Carolina on Saturday night to close the regular season.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

Clemson is calling. Why Josiah Thompson is staying loyal to South Carolina

With just over a week before he can sign on the dotted line, five-star offensive lineman Josiah Thompson remains loyal to South Carolina. The 6-foot-7, 280-pound star from Dillon High School is spending the week in the Upstate, practicing for the 2023 Shrine Bowl at Spartanburg High. During Tuesday’s morning practice, the Gamecocks commit rocked garnet and white Under Armour clea...

With just over a week before he can sign on the dotted line, five-star offensive lineman Josiah Thompson remains loyal to South Carolina.

The 6-foot-7, 280-pound star from Dillon High School is spending the week in the Upstate, practicing for the 2023 Shrine Bowl at Spartanburg High. During Tuesday’s morning practice, the Gamecocks commit rocked garnet and white Under Armour cleats with the South Carolina logo splattered around his foot.

He said his plan is still to sign with South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean other schools haven’t come calling.

Just over a week ago, Clemson hired Matt Luke — the former Ole Miss head coach and Georgia OL coach — to run its trenches. Upon being hired, Luke reached out to The Palmetto State’s highest-ranked prospect.

“He’s been in contact, (telling) me that like, ‘If you can trust me, I can actually do better. I can take you far as well,’” Thompson said. “But it’s here and there. It’s not everyday. He just comes and talks, tries to persuade me.”

Thompson added that he’s only talked with Luke once, but noted that the Tigers did not mention anything about Thompson visiting Clemson before early signing day on Wednesday.

Thompson is sticking with South Carolina.

The Gamecocks showed interest early and it was under former coach Will Muschamp when USC pulled the trigger initially. When Shane Beamer was hired, he kept Thompson as a priority and offensive line coaches Greg Adkins and Lonnie Teasley made great impressions.

“I knew I could trust them,” Thompson said.

Thompson committed to South Carolina back in April and has since been elevated to a five-star prospect and 247 Sports’ third-ranked offensive tackle in America. On Saturday, he was named SC’s Mr. Football.

“I love it. Staying close to home — my family can travel,” Thompson said of his USC commitment. “I can actually represent my state. If I go far, I just know I that I played for South Carolina and I was born in South Carolina and I was able to represent.”

This story was originally published December 12, 2023, 1:51 PM.

Rivalry woes: USC basketball loses lead, drops first game of season to Clemson

Purple and orange balloons waved around the Clemson student section inside Littlejohn Coliseum. The pockets of garnet and black just behind the USC bench and above section 234 continued screaming for the Gamecocks.Every whistle, fans in the arena held their breath. Every missed USC free throw, Clemson fans erupted. After nearly silencing the Tigers in the first 20 minutes, Clemson stormed back.Long gone was South Carolina’s undefeated start, and revenge from a year ago was served as No. 24 Clemson took the 72-67 win over ...

Purple and orange balloons waved around the Clemson student section inside Littlejohn Coliseum. The pockets of garnet and black just behind the USC bench and above section 234 continued screaming for the Gamecocks.

Every whistle, fans in the arena held their breath. Every missed USC free throw, Clemson fans erupted. After nearly silencing the Tigers in the first 20 minutes, Clemson stormed back.

Long gone was South Carolina’s undefeated start, and revenge from a year ago was served as No. 24 Clemson took the 72-67 win over South Carolina.

“It was going to be a tough loss, no matter who won this game,” South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris said.

Regardless of a rather forgetful first half, the Tigers made the switch from PJ Hall to Joe Girard III as their main scorer two minutes into the second half and it paid off.

Girard led Clemson on an 11-0 run that brought Clemson back within one possession halfway through the second half. The Tigers finally got the leg up with nine minutes to play, and by then the rivals were trading leads. Six ties and seven lead changes later, Clemson could finally exhale with 90 seconds to play.

“We didn’t really make a lot of plays,” USC’s BJ Mack said of the second half. “We missed three-straight shots that were wide open for us we usually knock down.”

Clemson’s defensive rebounding efforts made it near impossible for USC to pick up second-chance points during the run, and Clemson won the turnover battle, 42-38.

Ian Schieffelin and Hall led the team in rebounds, with 12 and eight, respectively. Clemson scored 10 points off turnovers. All five starters for the Tigers scored in double-digits, scoring a combined 63 points.

Of the eight games USC has played this season, Clemson was by far the best team game the Gamecocks played.

Ta’Lon Cooper never stopped moving on the court. Zachary Davis scored clutch 3-pointers in the first half. Meechie Johnson and BJ Mack weren’t afraid to take contested shots, and won a few. Stephen Clark got his hands dirty in the paint and scored a season-high 10 points.

They just couldn’t finish it off in the end.

“It got down to towards the end, to the nitty gritty, and we and we didn’t make any plays,” Paris said. “At that stage of the game, you’ve got to make a couple of those plays.”

South Carolina hasn’t played a flawless game this season, but against a Clemson team where everyone has to contribute, the Gamecocks did all they could. Clemson’s Girard and Hall were top priorities on the scouting report. Sure, both players scored double-digit points, but USC didn’t make it easy on them.

The final minutes of the contest were when USC finally started showing the wear and tear. Self-inflicted errors, including letting guard Chauncey Wiggins get hot late, were more prevalent.

“They scored a lot more points in that second half,” Johnson said. “We just weren’t as together as we were in the first half.”

Still, holding the No. 24 team to 72 points on the road isn’t a bad stat. This was going to be a difficult game.

Clemson has averaged 36.2 points in the first half this season. South Carolina held them to 23.

The Gamecocks’ defense successfully kept the ball away from Hall and Girard after the starting pair scored seven unanswered points to tie the game at 23-all. For the next 7:37, the Tigers couldn’t get anything to fall.

“We were communicating a lot and we were together,” Johnson said. “And we honestly have been doing a pretty good job of that.”

A few shots trickled in and out, but most just bounced off the rim. The occasional thud from the backboard grew louder and louder as USC collected rebound after rebound. Clemson had a steal just seconds before the half, but Johnson swiped it away to keep the Tigers at bay.

Twenty-three points tied Clemson’s season-low for first half points with its game against Davidson on Nov. 12.

This story was originally published December 6, 2023, 10:11 PM.

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