Chesterfield’s Marah Brock Named “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month Chesterfield — Marah Brock is a senior two-sport athlete at Chesterfield High, where she plays volleyball and softball. She was on their 2023 team that won the state title that season, but missed much of last season due to injury, and she is excited about this season. Brock said she that while she enjoys volleyball, softball is her favorite sport. “Playing both sports helped prepare me for the other sport, both mentally and physically,” she said. “ Another advantage of being a multi-sport athlete is that it keeps me a part of a team, working together, and having a schedule to maintain.” In the classroom, she carries a 4.0 GPA, and she says that after high school she doesn’t expect to have time for next level sports while pursuing a degree as a Registered Nurse at the University of South Carolina.  For all her athletic and academic accomplishments, Brock has been chosen the “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month.” This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges after a student’s high school graduation. The NETC is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2024-25 school year to students in Marlboro County, Dillon County, and Chesterfield County, where they serve the academic needs of high school students. Currently, Brock is enrolled in two dual credit online courses offered by NETC. She already completed many basic requirements for freshman year and has taken key classes for her nursing major like Anatomy, Physiology, and Micro-Biology. Brock looks forward to college and becoming an RN. When asked about what NETC did to help her, Brock said she’s “taken classes since the ninth grade which keeps her busy with the extra schoolwork, but it also helps with keeping good study habits and not “slacking off.” “Overall, it was a good experience taking online courses through NETC,” said Brock. “Some courses were more challenging than others. It prepares you for what the college experience will be like, and what the set up will be like.” Another advantage of taking online courses through “NETC” has allowed Brock to be able to graduate from Chesterfield High with an Associate’s Degree in Science, and this has made her very proud indeed. She is also very proud of the value of her high school Diploma from Chesterfield High that qualifies her for advanced placement once she enrolls in college. As a high school student, playing two sports, Brock said being enrolled in NETC online classes, has helped her learn valuable time management skills. “It hones your time management skills, and there is no time to procrastinate,” she said. “This helps you focus, while building good study habits, and I have learned to allocate my time wisely.” Brock recalled her favorite time playing softball was in the state title game in 2023. “We were playing at the USC softball park in Columbia,” she said. “It was game three and we won to clinch the title. Being in a college stadium was an awesome experience.”

Chesterfield’s Xander Hamilton Named “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month Chesterfield — Xander Hamilton is a senior two-sport athlete at Chesterfield High, where he plays soccer while also participating on the Ram’s wrestling team. Soccer is his favorite sport of the two, and he has played on soccer teams since he was three years old. Hamilton has excelled in wrestling also; a sport he did not take up until he started high school. Hamilton has 98 career wins on his resume as a wrestler at Chesterfield High. After his high school career, he is looking to continue playing soccer as a walk-on at the next level. He is currently considering Coastal Carolina, UNC-Wilmington, and he has a visit to the University of South Carolina planned for April, 28.  In the classroom, Hamilton carries a 3.8 GPA, while maintaining his online course load, and participating in two sports. Of the two sports he participates in, Hamilton has a strong desire to play soccer at the next level. For all his athletic and academic accomplishments, Hamilton has been chosen the “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month.” This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges after a student’s high school graduation. The NETC is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2024-25 school year to students in Marlboro County, Dillon County, and Chesterfield County, where they serve the academic needs of high school students. Xander is currently enrolled in dual credit online courses offered by NETC and will has earned enough credits for an associate’s degree. He is focused on completing all the required classes for the first year of college to give a head start on his college credits. For his education after high school, Xander has a strong desire to major in Marine Biology in college. By taking the online courses through the NETC, Xander says, when I graduate high school, I’ll also be awarded my Associate’s in Science degree. When asked the difficulty to enroll and take classes, he replied that “it was nice that courses were so easy to access and to complete the work.” “The NETC online work helped me prep for college by “improving my ability to communicate, that made it easier for me to interact better with my teachers and professors.” The other advantage Xander noted by taking college level classes in high school, “it will help take away some of the stress of my first year.” Hamilton said that enjoyed wrestling, but his favorite sport is soccer which he started playing when he was 3-years old. He is mainly a defensive player, and his goal is making the team as a walk once he gets in college if he does not get an offer up front.

By David Shelton Senior Writer Chesterfield – With memories of winning the AA state title two seasons ago, the Chesterfield High softball team is looking to make another run at the top prize this spring. The Rams advanced to the district finals of the AA playoffs last year and return a host of players that are ready to make a statement. Chesterfield will be battle-tested all season from a very competitive region 4-AA schedule that includes North Central and Buford, two of the four Lower State finalists last season. Graham Harpe is beginning his second season as the head coach. Harpe likes his team’s overall potential. “We should be very competitive with any team on the schedule,” Harpe said. “We have a lot of pieces back and several have more than a year of experience. If we play to our potential and get everyone going at the same time, we have a chance. It won’t be easy in our region but it never is. We won the state title two years ago and didn’t win the region. The tough region prepares all of the teams for the playoffs.” The Rams are 1-1-1 to start the season, owning a win and a tie against Dillon while losing to Catawba Ridge.  “Little sluggish and sloppy at times but I feel good about what we can be,” Harpe said. “I think this team will hit pretty well and score runs. We scored 14 against Dillon so that’s a good sign.” The top returning player is senior shortstop Kayleigh Eubanks , a returning all-state performer and a fourth-year starter. Eubanks is joined on the left side of the infield by Kai Pace, a senior third baseman, one of the top hitters in the batting order. Taking on duties at second base is sophomore Baylie Harpe , a returning starter as well. Senior K endall Brock returns as the starting first baseman while sophomore Jamison Miles returns behind the plate. “Defensively we should be pretty solid on the infield,” Harpe said. Freshman Trinity Traxler is the team’s No. 1 pitcher but has help. Expected to see time inside the circle are eighth-graders Ashton Cassidy and Sydney Sowell . Sowell also starts in centerfield. “I feel good about all three. Pitching is solid for us,” Harpe said. Seniors Marah Brock, Michaela Lisenby , and Arianna Vanderpool are seeing most of the action in the outfield. Vanderpool is one of the top hitters and has pitched some in the past. Rounding out the roster are Jenna Stafford, Jordan Evans, Justyce Sellers, and Harley Hatcher.

Chesterfield girls shake off slow start to earn playoff shot By David Shelton Senior Writer  Chesterfield – A strength of a good coach is patience, not panic. When teams start slow, the right coach can calm the waters and keep the team focused on daily improvement. When his 2024-25 team got off to a slow start this season, Chesterfield girls coach Nick Jolly stayed the course. The Rams went 1-7 in non-region play during the first month of the season but Jolly knew his young team needed some time to develop the right chemistry. Things improved drastically in region 4-AA play as the Rams piled up nine league wins against three losses. Two of those losses came to defending state champion Andrew Jackson. Chesterfield split two games with Cheraw and is slated to play the Braves on Feb. 14 to settle the No. 2 position in the region standings. “We weren’t winning games early but we were competitive,” Jolly said. “We just weren’t consistent and we weren’t closing out games. We led in most of our games. I saw potential this team and felt we would do well in our region.” This year’s team is a mix of seniors and underclassmen with the younger players carrying a heavy load. Freshman Reagan Rivers is averaging nearly 15 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. She recently recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in the win over Cheraw. Another freshman, Terrahjah Robinson is averaging 12.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Seventh-grader Le’Asia Brown joined the team at mid-season after dominating the middle school level. Brown is averaging 7.9 rebounds per game. Senior Temia Chapman averages 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds and senior Trinity Turnage adds 5.1 points per game. Senior Kai Pace is a strong defender while averaging about five points and five rebounds per contest. Remaining members of the team include senior Jalah Carter ; juniors Justice Sellers, Jaylen Evans and Jordan Evans ; and freshmen Aiivia Honeycutt and Taylor McCoy . “We are excited about the playoffs,” Jolly said. “We feel we can compete with any team we might see and we are playing our best right here at the end. This team can win some playoff games.”

Rams start off 3-8 overall, but 2-1 in region play

By David Shelton Senior Writer Moncks Corner – At long last, the regular season came to an end and the Class AA state playoffs are upon us. The brackets are set and the fans of the favorites are hoping to make plans in mid-December for Orangeburg and the state finals scene. Who are the favorites in AA? Is there a sleeper or two that may surprise everyone and get to the title game. Most of the time, the teams that survive the grind and reach the fifth week of the playoffs, the title game, are teams that everyone who follows the sport predicts will be there. Let’s have a little fun and handicap the AA field. My process is to list my top four teams in the Upper State bracket and top four in the Lower State, as I see it. Any team not in my top four would be considered a sleeper to make it through the bracket. But, it can be done. In the Upper State, my No. 1 team is Batesburg-Leesville . I know, shocker. The 10-0 Panthers have answered every challenge and have proven to be quite formidable. They allow seven points per game with a defense that has speed and physicality. Nearly half of the total points they have allowed in 10 games came in one game, to Abbeville, in a two-point win. Abbeville is the top-ranked team in Class A and their coach , Jamie Nickles , is a believer. “They are certainly capable of winning the state championship,” he said. Running back Amadre Wooden and quarterback Tanner Watkins are a solid one-two punch offensively. Wooden has rushed for more than 1,500 yards and Watkins has passed for more than 1200 yards. My No. 2 pick to win the Upper State is Clinton. The 7-2 Red Devils have lost only to Woodruff and Daniel. Each of those teams has just one loss this season. The tough non-region schedule makes me feel the Red Devils are battle-tested for close, big games. Quarterback Tashawan Richardson makes it all go for the offense with James Cook adding a major threat in the run game. My No. 3 pick in the Upper State is Fairfield Central . The Griffins lost their season opener to Ridge View and have won nine straight games since. The scouting report needs just one word – speed. The Griffins can run and are explosive. Running back Tydarion Grier has gained more than 1.400 yards and averages 9.3 yards per carry. And, my No. 4 is Saluda . The Tigers’ only loss came to Batesburg-Leesville and they would love another shot at their region rivals. Saluda is another of the top defensive teams in AA and defense wins championships. Tahe your pick as the favorite in the Lower State cause several teams have a shot. My No. 1 going in is Barnwell . While not flashy or dominant, the Warhorses are solid and athletic. Senior Cameron Austin is a great leader at quarterback and if they have success on the ground, game over. No. 2 is Barnwell rival Hampton County . Again, the Hurricanes run the football and have good solid play at quarterback. They made a good run a year ago and I think their confidence level is high. The last two favorite picks are difficult and I ended up with three teams for two spots. At No. 3 I am going with Cheraw . The 8-2 Braves are not great at anything but very solid at most. Running back Cam McClendon is a threat to score from anywhere and the defense gets after it pretty good. For No. 4, I am sharing the spot between Manning and Philip Simmons . Manning has just one loss, the season opener to Crestwood, but their schedule and region was not overly difficult.  Philip Simmons went undefeated in a tougher region and seems to be peaking at the right time. The Iron Horses have a veteran quarterback and they really play hard on defense. Class AA state playoff first-round pairings Upper State Pelion at Clinton Strom Thurmond at Chester Columbia at Batesburg-Leesville Andrew Jackson at Liberty Chesterfield at Fairfield-Central Ninety Six at Chesnee Landrum at Central Mid-Carolina at Saluda Lower State Academic Magnet at Barnwell Lake City at Timberland Edisto at Cheraw Andrews at East Clarendon North Central at Manning Woodland at Hampton Co. Mullins at Philip Simmons Kingstree at Whale Branch

Willie Kennedy from South Florence, MLB with 29 tackles this season.

Dillon FB players at the HSSR Media Day 2024

Chesterfield – As the 2024-25 school year begins, there will be a few new faces in charge of some athletic programs at Chesterfield High. Athletic director Kevin Kenny had to make a big hire, late in the spring, to fill an unexpected opening for the head coaching position in football. Former coach Jonathan Eason announced in May that he was accepting a head coaching spot at his alma mater, Central of Pageland. Kenny had to hustle to find qualified applicants for the job, not an easy task heading into the crucial summer months. Luck, however, was on his side. Kenny was able to hire Matt Quinn as head coach, pulling him away from his post as athletic director at Marlboro County High. “We were very fortunate to find such a highly qualified candidate so late in the game,” Kenny said. “Certainly the timing to bring in a new football coach after spring practice is not ideal but it worked out for us. Matt is a very successful coach and he had a desire to get back into coaching. We got lucky but some luck is life is a good thing.” Quinn has previous head coaching experience at several schools, including Westwood High in Columbia and North Augusta High, as well as a stint in North Carolina. He is graduate and former player in one of the state’s elite programs, Byrnes High. Two of Eason’s assistant coaches also left Chesterfield but Quinn was able to maintain most of the coaching staff. “They’ve been hitting the ground running since day one,” Kenny said. “They are working hard and the kids are responding. They’re starting behind in some areas but they are catching up. The coaches are doing a great job.” Kenny also announced a change in volleyball. Junior varsity softball coach Courtney Vanderpool will take over the volleyball program this fall. In track and field, Kenny pulled off a coup in attracting long-time coach James Wall to take over his program. Wall enjoyed great success in North Carolina, winning multiple state championships before retiring in the Tarheel state at Anson County High. “Again we are very lucky,” Kenny said. “He is a proven winner and leader of young people and we are excited about what he can do with our track program. Our athletes will benefit greatly from his knowledge.”