Central – The Daniel High School girls basketball team didn’t come out of the gate fast, but they finished in a blaze.
After losing seven of their first 10 games, the Lions won 13 of their next 14 games to make a run to the AAA upper state championship game in the state playoffs, losing to Wren 57-41.
“This team exceeded above all expectations,” said DHS head coach Cosandar Griffin, whose squad finished with a 17-10 record. “It’s a young team that consisted of only one senior. I expected this year was a time for us to develop and grow as a team. I knew we were going to be competitive and play hard, but what this team accomplished in such a short time was amazing.
“I couldn't have asked for a better season. They gave me everything they had every practice and game. The wanted to leave no doubt and create their own legacy.”
Daniel was led by freshman Lila Mann, who was selected to the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association AAA All-State team. Mann averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Mann was joined on the All-Region 1 team by sophomore Siena McIntyre, junior Colleen DiMaio and sophomore Braelin Cumbie.
McIntyre led the Lions in rebounding at 6.1 while averaging 7.2 points. DiMaio averaged 7.0 points and 3.7 rebounds, and Cumbie averaged 7.7 points and 3.1 rebounds.
“The strength of this team is the love and chemistry within the team, they always had each other’s backs,” Griffin said. “I wouldn't change anything that we did. We had a successful season, we accomplished the region championship, went to the upper-state championship and went on a 11-game winning streak. We have a lot to feel good about.”
DANIEL BOYS HAVE STRONG SEASON AS WELL
Like the girls, Daniel’s boys basketball team won the region championship with a 9-1 record, finishing 20-8 overall. The Lions had the misfortune of running into eventual state champion Powdersville in the second round of the playoffs.
“I was very pleased with our veteran leadership,” said DHS head coach Ben Touchberry. “I thought our guys played up to expectation. Although we were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, we still believed we were one of the top tier AAA teams in the very talented state.”
Daniel had two All-Region selections in senior Hayden Anderson and junior Tristyn Carrington. Anderson averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots, while Carrington averaged 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.9 steals.
Junior Simms Disbrow led the team in scoring at 12.2 points and assists at 3.3. Senior Ian Williams was the leading rebounder at 7.0 with 5.2 points.
“I feel we are continuing to get better as a program and look for next year to be even stronger,” Touchberry said.
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