Class AA region breakdown

David Shelton • August 24, 2024

Overview: Class AA looks a lot different in 2024 with traditional powers Abbeville, Oceanside Collegiate and Gray Collegiate now in different classifications.

 

Former AAA powers Chester and Clinton drop down to AA and already are being mentioned as state finalist contenders, for good reason. Saluda and Strom Thurmond have key people to replace but will be top 10 level teams.

 

Manning and Hampton County are getting early attention in the Lower State while region six may be the most competitive league overall in AA.

 

Region 1-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Clinton

2.     Liberty

3.     Chesnee

4.     Blacksburg

5.     Landrum

 

Clinton was a state title contender in class AAA so should maintain that level of status in Class AA. Coach Corey Fountain enters the 2024 season with 99 career wins as a head coach so getting 100 should come early.

 

A big returner offensively is quarterback Tyshawan Richardson, who will have receivers Chris Boyd and Maison Tinsley in his eye sight. Running backs Kason Copeland, Angelo Cromer and Javen Cook will be a solid trio offensively.

 

Anchoring the offense line is junior prospect Tre Aiken, a 6-4, 285-pound tackle who is racking up college offers. Cal Pitts is the other starting tackle while Hunter and Clayton Lawson will line up at guard beside center Rion Gordon.

 

Senior Devin Swindler returns to anchor the defensive secondary with Adarell Swindler and Noah Garrett working along the front, Linebackers Brett Young, Jayden Glenn and DJ Clark will be a formidable unit at the second level.

 

Liberty went 7-4 a year ago and returns nearly every offensive starter this fall. Those returners include quarterback Logan Smith, running back Austin Smith, receiver Kendrick Jackson, tackle Logan Ramsey and tight end Connor Hood.

 

Top returners defensive will include linebacker Austin George and defensive back Issac Reece.

 

Chesnee should improve on their 6-6 record of a year ago with Brett Chappell taking over as head coach. The big piece offensively for the Eagles is K’Jay Proctor, a quarterback who also plays defensive end.

 

Evan Lawter also could see time at quarterback, allowing for Proctor’s talents to be used in other ways. Jayden Williams and Kale Thrift are returning running backs while Braylon Branton and Carson Gossett are valuable returners as receivers and defensive backs.

 

One of the top returning defenders is linebacker Bradley Myers.

 

Blacksburg notched three wins a season ago, a marked improvement over the previous years. Progress should continue with the return of some key personnel, including 2,000-yard passer Josh Sims at quarterback. Receivers Ziyon Harris and Cameron Cobb also return.

 

In the running game, look for contributions from Dominic Odom and Shun Rogers. Hart Crawford returns as a leader up front.

 

Top defensive returners include ends Chanzell Bonner and Trevon Clark, and linebacker Ross Eliis.

 

Landrum posted a 5-6 record last season and should compete for a playoff spot this fall. Aiden Kelly is a returning running back looking to impact the offense, along with AJ Lindsey, who missed 2023 with an injury. Titus Poore is one of the top athletes on the roster and will be used on both sides of the ball.

 

Junior Ty Foster looks to be the man at quarterback while linebacker Jayden Rose is one of the top returners on defense.

 

Region 2-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Strom Thurmond

2.     Saluda

3.     Ninety Six

4.     Batesburg-Leesville

5.     Pelion

6.     American Leadership

 

Strom Thurmond won 10 games last season but has some key personnel to replace. Nonetheless, the Rebels have a strong program and should be among the favorites in region two.

 

One of the graduation losses came at quarterback but junior Bri’shaun Lee did see some time last season and should be a comfortable replacement. The top returning receiver is Jay Sewell, who grabbed nearly 50 passes for more than 500 yards a season ago. Anchoring the run game is Cam Blacks, who garnered more than 300 yards last season.

 

The offensive line should be a strength with the return of Trent Kelly, Tucker Mines and Micah Warren.

 

Leaders defensively will include linebacker Deonte Phillips, end Josh Merriweather and defensive back Kaleb Simpkins.

 

Saluda has won more than 40 games since 2019 and coach Stewart Young has established a winning culture. The Tigers were 7-4 last season, finishing third in the region. The top returning player this fall is all-state defensive end TJ Lott. (See a complete team feature in section A of the 2024 football issue).

 

Ninety Six went 8-3 a year ago, their first winning record since 2018. The success should continue as coach Matthew Bennett builds a solid foundation early in his tenure.

 

The offense will be paced by running back Zay King, who was the region player of the year last fall after gaining more than 1,200 yards on the ground. King is one of 14 returning starters,

 

Kayden Conway is a top returning receiver and Nathan McCary returns as a leader along the offensive and defensive lines. Two key linebackers return in Gabe Hackett and Kayden Payne. Both also see carries in the run game.

 

Batesburg-Leesville will battle for a playoff spot and could be a sleeper team in the region race. Three key performers return offensively in senior quarterback Tanner Watkins, junior running back Amadre Wooden, and senior receiver Jamarius Clark.

 

Two top linemen return in senior Matthew Howard and junior JaQuan Corley. (See team feature in section A of the 2024 football issue).

 

Pelion will continue their efforts to improve their region standing. The top returner is senior running back Michael Cottrell, who will shoulder the load in the running game.

 

Senior Kaleb James is a returning starter at guard with college potential, with senior Lane Brown also returning at guard as a starter.

 

The top defensive returner is junior linebacker Andy Rawls, a physical tackler and a leader on the defense.

 

American Leadership Academy is taking on their first varsity season with long-time midlands coach Robin Bacon at the helm. Things could be a little rough in year one but the potential set the foundation is there.

 

Offensively, a few of the key players will be quarterback Ian Briggs, receivers Abraham Hoffman and Carson Williams, and linemen Ayden Mitchum and Greg Kimpson.

 

On defense, look for leadership from lineman Landon Wallace, linebacker Caleb Sanders and defensive back Jackson Sheriff, also a receiver.

 

Region 3-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Chester

2.     Fairfield-Central

3.     Mid-Carolina

4.     Columbia

5.     Eau Claire

 

Chester is the preseason No.1 team in Class AA so naturally the Cyclones are the favorite to win the region 3-AA title.

 

Coach Victor Floyd returns a talented cast from a 10-3 team that ended with a loss in the Class AAA Upper State semi-finals.

 

This year’s team is again led by senior quarterback Trooper Floyd (6-3, 195), now in his third varsity season. The athletic Floyd is equally dangerous as a runner and passer. Junior Omari Pendergrass and sophomore Amari Nesbitt are the top receiving targets. Handling the bulk of the running game will be junior Hudhaifah Taylor and sophomore Caleb Feaster.

 

Three senior leaders along the offensive front include center Jeremiah Gladden, guard Jabrell White and tackle Donovan Wilmore.

 

Junior Terry Radford and sophomore Luke Reed will be key performers along the defensive front. Cam Wray is the lone senior linebacker and Zeke Evans is the lone senior expected to start in the secondary. All total the starting 22 could include as many as 15 underclassmen.

 

Right on the heels of the Cycs will be the Griffins of Fairfield Central. The Griffins went 9-3 last season and continued an impressive run as a state title contender.

 

Entering camp, senior Ford Davis and junior Kaden Diggs were competing for the starting nod at quarterback. Senior Tydaizion Grier returns as the lead running back with junior Dre Walker getting totes as well.

 

The top returner at receiver is junior Jayden Boyd, a hard guard at 6-feet-8 inches tall. Tyshannon Shannon also returns as a pass catcher.

 

Seniors along the offensive line include center Antron Rice, and tackles Jalen Rogers and Tymorris Weldon.

 

Defensive back Chris Pearson is the top senior returner on defense. He is one of four seniors projected as defensive starters this season. CJ Turner is a returning linebacker while Antario James and Chris Jackson start in the secondary as seniors.

 

Mid-Carolina is a solid bet for third in the region. The Rebels were 3-8 last year. The Rebels will also have their fair share of underclassmen in the starting lineup, starting with sophomore quarterback Davis Ruff and sophomore running back Ryker Woolstenhulme.

 

Senior AD Basnight is the top returner at wide receiver with senior JD Dewalt also back as a pass-catcher. Junior center Peyton Kitts will be a leader along the offensive line, joined by seniors Jaxson Moody, Trustan Stack, Braeden Wessinger and Liam Blair.

 

Defensive leaders should include Basnight, Moody, Dewalt and Wessinger.

 

Columbia High finished 3-8 last season and their 2024 roster is loaded with underclassmen this season. Senior leadership is expected from Seon Allen (OL/DL), Aaron Myers (OL/DL), Trevon Belton (OL/DL), Justin Wright (WR/DB), Malachi Butler (WR/DB), Daqon Booker (LB) and Shelvin Enwright (OL).

 

Eau Claire finished 0-10 last season, extending their losing streak past 30 games. The last victory came during the 2019 season.

 

One player to watch is senior lineman Dexter Gunter, a 6-5, 265-pound tackle/end.

 

Region 4-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Cheraw

2.     Andrew Jackson

3.     North Central

4.     Central

5.     Chesterfield

6.     Buford

 

Region four stacks up as a pretty competitive league overall with no clear-cut favorite as the season begins.

 

Based on the sheer numbers of returning starters, the logical pick to win the region is Cheraw. Coach Andy Poole returns some major personnel from a team that went 5-6 last fall. Poole lists 16 returning starters, including nine on defense.

 

Among the key returning seniors on that defense are tackle Asheton Walls, linebackers Tyler Gordon and Deman Ellerbe, and four seniors in the secondary – Jahveon Marshall, Henry Singleton, Jaden Carroway and Robert Brown.

 

There will be a new starting quarterback as junior Kadin Thomas takes the reins. Poole has confidence in the 6-3 signal-caller. Senior Cam McClendon is a returning running back while senior Zay Campbell and sophomore Nick Gordon are returning receivers.

 

The line is led by seniors Bernard Joyner, Caleb Terry, Ed Meeks and John Campbell – all returning starters.

 

Andrew Jackson has been a region title contender for several years, winning the trophy and capturing nine wins last season.

 

The Vols will have a new quarterback as senior Dallas Vick takes over but he will have solid help around him. Senior receivers Jy’Kevious Johnson and Bryce Peterson return with all-state potential. Junior Damais Seegars is back at running back and looks to become the RB1 this fall.

 

The offensive line will begin the season inexperienced as senior center Tavarus Kelly is the lone returning starter. Juniors Nick Carter and Graham Edwards, and sophomores Ethan Horton and Gaige Lowery will be the new starters.

 

Senior Caden Langley and junior Kam McGill are returning starters along the defensive front. Junior Jase Fair and Seegars are returning linebackers while Peterson and junior Tyre Gaddy return on the back end.

 

The Knights of North Central finished 4-7 a year ago and look to take another step forward this fall. Senior running back Jonathan Carson is a key returner offensively. Carson rushed for 773 yards and nine scores while earning all-region honors. Senior Ashton Brazell was an all-region corner last season but is moving to quarterback this fall. Senior Jordan Joe is the top returner at receiver.

 

Senior Aiden Wiles is a force along the offensive and defensive line, totaling more than 70 tackles last season. Junior linebacker Quayson Peoples was an all-region pick in 2023.

 

Central and Chesterfield have new head coaches this fall. Central head coach Jonathan Eason was the head coach at Chesterfield before returning to his alma mater for 2024.

 

The Eagles are led by returning seniors Tray Wilson (RB/DB), Dontavious Covington (LB) and Kobe Davis (defensive line).

 

Sophomore Dwayne Louallen is slated to be the quarterback this season. Junior MJ Allen could be a key at running back but also starts at linebacker on defense.

 

Chesterfield’s new coach is Matt Quinn, most recently of North Augusta but also had a successful stint at Westwood.

 

The Rams have solid potential but not a lot of depth early. Expect consistent play and leadership from junior quarterback Bryce Adams, last year’s starter. Jaquavis Clark is among the top pass-catchers in Class AA while the defense is anchored by linebackers Terrell Robinson and TJ McBride.

 

The entire starting offensive line returns from last season, giving the Rams a solid advantage. Senior right guard Xavier Rivers is a fourth-year starter.

 

Another key linebacker will be junior Sincere Hubbard while Derrick Lockhart is at outside backer after missing last season. Another key defender is senior end Jaden Wallace.

 

No information was available for Buford by presstime.

 

Region 5-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Barnwell

2.     Hampton County

3.     Whale Branch

4.     Edisto

5.     Lake Marion

 

Barnwell has been getting a lot of love in the preseason but Hampton County is the defending region champion. Both are ranked in the Class AA preseason top 10.

 

Barnwell returns a boatload of talent, including 21 seniors on the roster. Leading the list is senior quarterback Cam Austin, a USC baseball commit but an excellent athlete on the gridiron, Austin will put up big numbers through the air and on the ground. His top targets are likely to be Logan Sturkie and Jaquan Peeples while Jordan Peeples returns as the RB1.

 

Senior Tony Cherry will anchor what should be a solid offensive line. On defense, key leaders will be end Lex Thomas, linebacker Jeremiah Eady and defensive back Jayden Pinckney.

 

Hampton County surprised many around the state with their 12 wins in their first season of play after the merger of Wade Hampton and Estill High. The confidence gained will carry over this season and the Hurricanes are not taking steps backward.

 

Senior Chris Terry returns at quarterback and is as steady as they come. Running backs Jaylen Singletary and Jayvin Risher will be major parts of the offense while sophomore Jordan Bovain is a top receiver.

 

Lineman Mandrell Sanders is a major force defensively, racking up more than 50 tackles for loss over the last two years and earning all-state honors.

 

Talk about consistency, the Whale Branch football program has been a model. Since 2014, the program has posted nine winning seasons, including a 7-2 record last season.

 

Looking to continue the winning trend this season are returning linemen Joseph Darby and Isaiah Evans (6-8, 330), linebacker Aaron Fields, and running back/safety Zaire Polite, among others.

 

Edisto made positive strides last season and looks to continue that trend. Among the top returning players are two-way linemen Tyshawn Sprinkle and Jamon Boatwright. Terrell Thomas is hoping to return at quarterback as he continues recovery from an injury. Thomas rates as one of the team’s top athletes. Kahlehi McKenzie is slated to be a key returner on defense.

 

Lake Marion finished 2-8 last season. Coach Jarvis Davis says his top returning seniors are receiver Mason Miles and left tackle Trent McHoney. Junior running back Torrington White and junior linebacker Dewaine Shivers also will be key players.

 

Sophomore linebacker Javeon Bauldrick is expected to be an impact performer at linebacker.

Other offensive linemen include Antoine White, Jeremiah Ravenell, Ty Brigman and Cadon Keller.

 

Region 6-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Philip Simmons

2.     Andrews

3.     Woodland

4.     Timberland

5.     Academic Magnet

6.     Burke

 

No team in region six has a clear advantage as any of the top four teams could win the region title. As always, depth and key injuries at this level can play a major role in determining a season.

 

Philip Simmons may operate a little differently on offense after the graduation of the top two running backs in school history.

 

KJ Asbury and Sharod Williams combined for more than 3,000 rushing yards last season.

 

However, quarterback Tavien Orellana will be a third-year starter and a bigger emphasis on the passing game is likely.

 

Running back was not the only area hit by graduation as Bendig has holes to fill on both sides of the ball. The offensive line should be a strength, anchored by junior Quamaine Vaughn and senior Daniel Scarth.

 

Scarth also is a key returner at linebacker, along with juniors Brody Tonon and Ethan Chisum. Senior Cam Richardson will anchor the secondary while three underclassmen, juniors Michael Garnett and Jayquan Shephard, and sophomore Alex Tonoryk, will work along the defensive line.

 

Timberland’s strength is along the offensive and defensive lines where size and experience returns. Anchoring that group is junior Desmond Green, one of the nation’s top 2026 prospects with multiple P4 offers.

 

Two other returning senior linemen include Kaseam Liferidge and Keyon Wright. The new starter at quarterback is junior Malyk Goodman and senior Aiden Berrios returns as the top receiver. Look for sophomore Josh Brown to make an impact at running back.

 

Among the key returners defensively are linebackers Ethan Milligan and Demarrs Middleton, and defensive back Jeremiah Cleveland.

 

Woodland coach Eddie Ford has built a consistent winning program and the success should continue in 2024.

 

While there are significant holes to fill from graduation losses, Woodland seems to find the right athletes to compete on the field.

 

A new quarterback, sophomore Jervaze Salley, will take the offensive reins this season and Ford loves the athleticism and potential of his budding star. His top receiving threat will be senior Ja’Kease Salley, and junior Jaemin Brown will be the top threat in the running game.

 

Anchoring the offensive line are senior Antonio Ford and junior Tyreon Summerson, both returning starters.

 

Leading defensively is returning linebacker DJ Blanding. Jaemin Pinckney and Tre’von Walker are returning at outside linebacker, while senior Antuan Addison returns along the defensive line.

 

Travon Tate will anchor the secondary.

 

Andrews is another consistently competitive program as Scott Durham has built a solid program over the last decade and the former Goose Creek assistant has quality personnel returning this fall.

 

Senior Brandon Cumbee will be a third-year starter at quarterback and brings dual-threat potential to the offense.

 

Andrews is a run first offense and will lean on AJ Lee, who gained 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last season. Da’Viyon McNair anchors the trenches and senior tight end Khalil Dorsey returns as arguably the best player on the team.

 

Dorsey is also a major threat on defense at end while Jacolby Sanders returns at defensive tackle. The other returner at end is Aden Cooper.

 

An overall lack of depth makes things difficult for the Raptors of Academic Magnet but coach Mitch White has managed to keep the team competitive.

 

Two leaders offensively include receivers Dean McCollough and Tyler Perez, who also handles placekicking duties. Returning along the offensive line are senior Max Peters and junior Carson Clark.

 

Anchoring the defense are returning linebackers Keveon Ford and Hamp Hamilton, both seniors. Junior safety Campell Stoklosa and sophomore corner Cole Ivey will lead the defensive secondary.

 

The work to rebuild the Burke program enters year three for coach Earl Brown, who continues to fight a numbers issue.

 

Sophomore Melachi Singleton will be a major threat offensively, working from the quarterback position. Singleton was the runner-up for region player of the year in Class A last season.

 

Senior Allen Rouse III is a third-year varsity player and will be featured at running back and slot receiver this fall. He also will start at cornerback on defense.

 

Senior Chad Joe is a 6-3, 320-pound two-way lineman who also is a third-year performer. Senior linebacker Amir Lewis and senior safety Shermane Wittrell are two keys that return on defense.

 

Region 7-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Manning

2.     Marion

3.     Kingstree

4.     Lake City

5.     Mullins

6.     East Clarendon

7.     Atlantic Collegiate

 

Region 7-AA may or may not be a wide open race as every team has key personnel to replace. At first glance, Manning and Marion appear to be the favorites but time will tell.

 

Manning coach Reggie Kennedy suffered some key personnel losses to graduation but has a few key pieces back as well. Among those returners is the state’s biggest running back in senior Jaylnn Coard. The 6-2, 290-pound Coard, also a nose guard on defense, rushed for more than 700 yards last season and fits well in Kennedy’s game plan of power football running game.

 

When the Monarchs wish to pass, quarterback Jakae Mitchell is a solid thrower and has a year of experience. Jeff Ceasar returns as the top receiver while Jontavious Canty will be a key returner at linebacker.

 

Marion went 10-2 last season but graduated a ton of production. Coach Brian Hennecy reports only seven returning starters. One key returner is junior running back/linebacker Jeremiah Eaddy while senior Tyrice Davis will assume duties at quarterback.

 

Returning at linebacker are Dramere Pearson and Ben Watford. Pearson is considered among the top players in the region. Senior Jamerson Davis will be a leader on the offensive line.

 

Kingstree went 5-7 last season and should be better this fall. Seniors Mycheal Edwards-Wallace and Malcolm Salters return as veterans along the offensive line. Junior Xavier Dukes is the top receiving threat and junior Tyleek Dukes heads up the running game. Junior tight end Benjamin Washington will figure into the offense as well.

 

Many starters will be going both ways. Xavier Dukes is returning in the secondary, along with junior Bryson Epps. Edwards-Wallace anchors the defensive front and Washington is a returning start at linebacker.

 

Lake City looks to improve on their 4-7 record. Junior Amari Hanna returns at quarterback and senior Torrance Wilson is the top returning running back. Two seniors, Blayne Edwards and Treshon Burgess, return as key receivers. The offensive line will be fairly young with only left guard Connor Lane listed as a returning starter.

 

Wilson and Messiah Singletary are returners at linebacker while Burgess is back in the secondary. Shannon Epps and Quez Washington also return in the back end.

 

Mullins was a very young team last season and the majority of this season’s starting lineup is comprised of underclassmen, though many with a year under their belt.

 

Offensively, junior KaNazzion Bethea is returning and was an all-region pick last season. Junior Ayntwain Crawford is the most explosive offensive threat at wide receiver. Three seniors, Elijah Waters, Kion Cribb and Jamell Crawford, are projected to start along the offensive line.

 

 Senior strong safety Lebron Avant is an all-state caliber player on defense. Crawford is one of four returners on the defensive line, joined by Lonnie Alston, Reggie Miller and Braden Hughes.

 

 East Clarendon will rely on quarterback Takisha Cornelius to operate the offense this season. Jay Webb will be a factor in the run game while Darius McCray will work at receiver and linebacker. The top returner on defense is linebacker Hunter Mixon.

 

Atlantic Collegiate will play their first official varsity season after getting a taste with three games last season. Quarterback Gavin Dufour shows promise as a leader offensively. Jeffrey Williams and Noah Bell are the top linemen.

 

Justin Bellamy will be a major factor at linebacker and tight end while Michael Livingston will be the leader in the secondary. The Armada have a special teams weapon as well with placekicker Jack Garstka.

Laurence Manning baseball, softballt teams having trremedous seasons

By Dennis Brunison hssr.com Associate Editor • April 18, 2025
Lady 'Cats gearing up for another run at SCISA AAAA state title

Emerald Baseball Focused On Strong Finish In Pursuit Of play-off Berth

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
By Billy G. Baker Publisher Greenwood — Emerald head baseball coach Mack Hite knew if he could ever get talented freshman Beau Hite back on the mound that his confidence would be restored and positive things would emerge. Hite has been able to bat all season, but an injury prevented him from pitching until recently. “Beau has been able to throw an inning here and there recently, and he had a big strike out against a highly regarded prospect at Laurens who is going to Georgia. Big moments like that have helped him get his confidence back,” said Coach Hite. “It has also helped him increase his hitting average at the plate also.” Hite is now batting .438 with 9 RBI’s, including five doubles and a triple. Hite also has 8 stolen bases. He is a three-sport athlete at Emerald where excels in football and basketball also. One bit of recent bad news for the team was losing the pitching services of LHP and PC commitment Tucker Meredith . “He is still able to play a position and bat, so not all is loss,” said Coach Hite. Other top hitters to date for the Vikings include freshman Ethan Metts at .375 along with sophomore Eli Swancey who is at .400 with five TBI’s including an excellent .978 fielding percentage. Finn Howard is at ,367 with four RBI’s while junior Aaron Polly is hitting .351 with 9 RBI’s. Freshman Coleman Marino is at .360 with six RBI’s. With Meredith off the rubber, Hite, Howard, Marino, and Swancey have all stepped up to share pitching duties. Howard has become the work horse and he is 2-1 with 32 K’s in 28.2 innings of work. As of April, 11 the Vikings were in 5 th place in the region. “I think as competitive as our region has been this season, with so many good teams, that we should have a good case to possibly qualify for an at-large play-off berth,” said Coach Hite. “In the mean time we just need to keep playing with grit and toughness and win as many games as we can. “We have been hitting well is spurts, but we can’t seem to get a timely hit with runners in scoring position,” said Coach Hite. “Hopefully our luck will change as we enter a crucial part of our schedule.” The team had seven games left as of April, 14 when they played at Ware Shoals . Hey have region games against Westside on April 15 and 17. They next play region games against Laurens on April 22 and 24 before hosting Abbeville on the 30 th . They close out the season at home against Ware Shoals on May, 1. Emerald Softball Very Young This Season  Tiaria Agnew is in her fourth season as the Emerald High girls’ softball coach and her team is very young and rebuilding this season. The Lady Vikings are made up of one 7 th grader, three 8 th graders, two freshmen, one sophomore, three juniors and just two seniors so a youth movement has certainly hit the program. The team was 5-3, 2-6 entering the final two weeks of the season. They recently had two confidence wins over Southside (16-1, 20-0). The young team is being led by senior LHP Bria Jones, sophomore Paydyn Stafford and freshman utility athlete Caitlyn Hackett.

Dorchester softball team having a great season

By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • April 18, 2025
Raiders off to an 11-4 start as SCISA AA state playoffs draw near

Spring sports hitting the final stretch of regular season play

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
Spring sports hitting the final stretch of regular season play By David Shelton Senior Writer Lake City – Don’t look now but the 2025 spring sports season is nearly over and the athletes at Carolina Academy are prepping for the stretch drive. The spring has been a mixed bag of success to date but all of the teams are looking to finish strong. The baseball team has had a tough go, winning four of their first 15 games. Several losses were close games so the team has been competitive at times. On the mound, getting work are Walker McCutcheon, Bennett Mathews, Hampton Kirby Ryker Rhodes and Ryan Cox . McCutcheon, Rhodes and Matthews have seen time behind the plate as well. Kirby has seen time at short, along with Matthews, while Parker Miles , Carson Hanna and Holden Carsten are seeing time at the corner infield positions. Cox, Tanner Floyd and Kingston Cox are working in the outfield. The boys golf team has had some success this spring and will be playing in the SCISA state tournament on April 26 th in Conway. The Bobcats played in the region tournament on April 10.  The team has a bevy of seniors who are playing in the top group. Seniors include Thomas McDaniel, Cam Porter, Mason Huggins, Michael Wyatt, Blanding Franks, Jamison Andrews and Drake Morri s . Also playing are Landon Crosby , eighth-grader Grady Long , and seventh-graders Braeden Morris and Kohl Elmore . The Carolina Academy softball team has had better luck so far this season, winning nine of their first 12 games to put them in contention for a region title. Coach Scotty Philips felt his team had what it takes to challenge for a state championship if things continue to progress. “I see a lot of potential with this team but they have to focus and continue to work,” Phillips said. The strength of the 2025 team is inside the pitching circle. Junior Raylee Frye is a third-year performer who is as good as any hurler in SCISA when she brings her “A” game. Freshman Ella Ham will log innings at pitcher as well while also playing centerfield and first base. Lauren Sims also will pitch and share third base duties with Frye. “We have three good pitchers, dependable,” Phillips said. “I feel good giving the ball to any of them.” Handling the catching duties is returning starter Carlie Ann Smith , a junior who has been impressive behind the dish early on. Sophomore Jaylyn Davis will play most of the innings at first base while eighth-grader Natalie Braveboy will move from left to second base to replace McCutcheon. Three eighth-graders, Paisley Coker, Kayley Lyerly and Emma Amos are working in rightfield, with Ham also getting reps. Rounding out the varsity roster this season are Katherine Holiday, Lexi McCutcheon, Sarah Emma Garris, Savannah McCUtcheon, Jennifer Vargas and Hannah Grace Matthews.

Panthers enter HIT as region champs

By Roger Lee • April 18, 2025
Max Poulakis has been key to Pinewood’s success this season as a pitcher, infielder and batter.

Baseball, softball struggling this spring

By David Shelton • April 18, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Bennettsville - The 2025 season has been a rough ride for the baseball and softball teams at Marlboro County High . With the top four teams in each region of Class AAA qualifying for the Lower State playoffs, both of Marlboro County’s teams are in jeopardy of not making the cut. Both need a strong finish in the remaining region 6-AAA games to earn their postseason opportunity.  The baseball team has been a regular in the postseason and was expected to be a top four team in the region this spring. As of April 7, the Bulldogs were 2-8 overall with three of those early losses by two runs or less. Coach Ryan Pierce has mixed and matched his lineup this season, searching for the right combination of players that can yield success. Senior Cam Hunt is arguably the top overall player on the roster as a shortstop and pitcher. Tristan Quick plays mostly third base and is another arm on the mound. Others who have seen time on the mound include Zach Hardee and J ameson Bradshaw . Hardee also does work defensively as a corner infielder. Patrick Stubbs mans centerfield in most games while Layton Chavis handles most of the catching duties. Jayden Chavis plays second base while Ty Kickery , Tim Sloan and Landon Sweatt are working primarily in the outfield. Justin Haithcock and Khalil Sloan have seen time as the designated hitter, and Greir Norris has spot time at first base. Rounding out the roster are RJ Hale, Coy Preston and Jake Sloan . Entering the first full week of April, the Marlboro County softball team was 0-7 in region play and 3-13 overall. In recent years the Bulldogs have been region title contenders but have not been able the get it going this spring. One player who is playing at a high level is sophomore shortstop Addison Skipper , who is hitting .618 with five homeruns and 15 runs batted in through 15 games. Sophomore Ruthie Grooms hit .344 with nine RBI in the first 15 games while junior centerfielder Amir Bridges is hitting ,316 on the season. Eighth-grader Kaylee Sweatt is hitting ,296 and senior Abby Quick is hitting .286.

KNIGHTS BASEBALL GROWING STRONGER

By Gerald Doolittle • April 18, 2025
BY: GERALD DOOLITTLE Contributing Writer Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. – The W.W. King Academy Knights coached by Brian Kneece heads into Spring break with an 5-4 overall record. The Knights still have regular season games left with Greenwood Christian, Ridge Spring-Monetta and Wardlaw Academy. After the regular season games SCISA Region 3-A will have a Region tournament at Richard Winn on 4/21 and at W.W. King on 4/22. With a win over Wardlaw Academy to close the regular season the Knights will have a 4-2 region record which will give them second place behind Richard Winn Academy. The Knights offense has been sparked by Casen Buzhardt (so), Elijah Hutto (so), Joshua Oswald (fr) and Greyson Rikard (fr). These four are followed by Colton Buzhardt (sr) and Zed Watkins (jr). Casen leads with a batting average of .393 and 8 RBIs. And 10 runs scored. Hutto has a batting average of .375, 4 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Oswald has a batting average of .375, 4 RBIs and 8 runs scored. Rikard has a batting average of .375, 8 RBIs and 5 runs scored. Rikard also has 2 home runs. Landen Anderson (so) has four hits that has resulted in 9 RBIs. One of those hits was a home run. Leading the base running stats is Hutto with 14 stolen bases followed by Colton Buzhardt with 6 stolen bases. Oswald follows with 5 and Casen with 4.  Hutto leads the pitching staff with 28 Ks followed by Colton and Casen Buzhardt with 17 each.

With Spring Break Over Gaffney Softball Focused On AS Winning Streak

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
By Billy G. baker Publisher Gaffney —The Gaffney Lady Indians softball team went into Spring break at 10-7, and in sixth place in a very competitive AAAAA region, and head coach Maddie Pruitt is very focused on the team having a strong finish to the 2025 season over the next two weeks. “We are coming off Spring break well rested and we are ready to go to work and we are looking forward to finishing the regular season on a high note so we can ride into the playoffs the first week of May with a lot of momentum,” said Coach Pruitt. “We play all the region teams we faced in the first half of the season over the next two weeks. It will be a busy time and our focus is to work hard and have success.” One setback to the team was an injury to talented 8 th grade infielder Maysen Byars who was hitting .514 at the time of her injury. Maysen played second and third base for me and she is a solid infielder and we will miss her so much,” said Coach Pruitt. Over the Spring break Brooklyn Jennings committed to play softball at USC Union . Senior Dacy Phillips has signed with North Greenville and Korbyn Lydia is headed to USC Upstate. Both Phillips and Lydia have been a key part of the Gaffney softball program for five seasons including junior varsity. The team’s ace pitcher this season has been sophomore Ashley Caraway who has a record of 5-2 with an ERA of 2.70. caraway has worked 46 innings in the circle with 41 strike-outs. The leading hitters for Gaffney have been junior Kourtney Caraway who is batting .442. Sophomore Ashley Caraway is batting .405. Lydia is batting .378 and Jennings is at .333. Dacy Phillips is batting .250 and playing solid defense “Dacy has been barreling balls up and good during her at bats, but it’s been right at the defense,” said Coach Pruitt. “Hopefully, she will have a strong finish to the season.” Gaffney has played a very competitive schedule this season and they have defeated some talented teams among their 10 victories. They have wins over: ALA (15-5), Legion Collegiate (7-3), Seneca (4-3), Oceanside Collegiate (6-1), Greenville (14-1 & 5-2), Riverside (7-3), and Wade Hampton (9-2).  Gaffney will play at Spartanburg on April,15 then travel to Eastside the next day before hosting Byrnes on April, 18. The Indians host Boiling Springs on April, 21 and Riverside on April 22. Gaffney is at Dorman on April, 25 before hosting Wade Hampton on April, 29. Chapman comes to Gaffney on April, 30 and then the Indians close out the regular season at home against Eastside on May, 2.

James Island spring sports racking up the wins in 2025

By David Shelton • April 18, 2025
James Island spring sports racking up the wins in 2025 By David Shelton Senior Writer James Island – There has been winning aplenty for the James Island Charter spring sports teams through the first two weeks of April. The move from Class AAAA to AAAAA has not been as difficult as some predicted as several James Island teams are contending for region 8-AAAAA championships. The girls and boys soccer teams are in the thick of the race as the regular season winds down. The girls soccer team won their first six region contests and won 11 of their first 13 matches overall. The boys soccer team is off to a 5-1 start in region play, winning 10 of their first 14 contests overall. Lacrosse continues to grow and gather strength as a relatively new sport at the school. The boys team sits at 9-6 as of April 12 with just a few games remaining. The girls team went 5-10 in their first six weeks of the season. Leading the effort on the girls team is senior Mary Katherine Williams , who has scored 48 goals with six assists. Senior Emma McFall has tallied 20 goals while sophomore Lane Hobey has added 11 goals. Senior Reece Bertschy has nine assists to go with her 10 goals. The softball team is in a little rebuild this spring but has still competed well overall. The Trojans split their first six region games, losing to the top three teams in the region – Summerville, Fort Dorchester and West Ashley. Senior first baseman/pitcher Mary Davis Hancock leads the team in hitting with a .405 batting average. She has eight runs batted in as well while logging 54 innings inside the circle. Senior outfielder Rachel Manchester is hitting .350 and sophomore Caroline Jaruzel is hitting .300 while also working 32 innings as a pitcher. The team’s top returning hurler, sophomore Gracie Sue Billings , has not pitched this season after winning nine games last season.  The baseball team is one of the state’s top five teams in AAAAA and will enter the playoffs seeking a second consecutive state championship. They won the AAAA state title in 2024. The Trojans are 9-0 in region play and 14-3 overall entering spring break (April 13). A devastating and productive top of the lineup has been as advertised. Senior catcher Stow Rogers , junior shortstop Taj Marchand , senior third baseman Jake Amman and sophomore second baseman Trip Ostergard have blistered opponents with each hitting near or better than .400. First baseman Finn Pratt , a first-year starter, also is off to a solid start offensively as is junior outfielder Connor Dantzler . Marchand and Ostergard also have been key performers on the mound, along with senior Collin Anderson and sophomores Dawson Belder and Cooper Jones.

Barnwell Softball Starting Three talented 7th Graders From Ponytails World Championship Team From Last Summer

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
Barnwell Softball Starting Three talented 7 th Graders From Ponytails World Championship Team From Last Summer  By Billy G. Baker Publisher Barnwell -Last summer an 11–12-year-old Ponytails softball rec team, from Barnwell County, earned their way to the World Series finals, held in Louisiana, and the team ended up winning a national Championship. Three members of that team are now 7 th grade starters on the Barnwell Warhorse softball team head coached by Michael Beasley, who has nearly 30 years of high school softball coaching experience. “Even in my 22- plus years at Blackville-Hilda I would occasionally have a 7 th grader on the varsity but none of them ever started,” said Coach Beasley. “For us to have three 7 th graders starting, and I mean they are also major contributors, is really amazing I will tell you that.” The top hitter on the entire team is 7 th grade shortstop/pitcher/catcher Kinsey Terrapin who is batting .577 as the team went into Spring break on April, 14. Shalayah Badger is a 7 th grader who is a shortstop/pitcher/catcher and she is batting .500. The other 7 th grade starter is 3 rd baseman Genesis Walker who is batting .417 . “All three of these players have been playing softball for a long time and it is a first- time situation for me to have three 7 th grade starters on a varsity team,” said Coach Beasley. “Kinsley is a natural born hitter and she has had a hot bat all season. Genesis is versatile and she likes playing several positions, but we use her mainly at 3 rd base. Shalayah’s speed and strength for a 7 th grader is quite impressive and she is the fastest player we have on the team.” Barnwell has entered Spring break (13-3, 10-0) and they won the region once again and they have won 29 straight region games in a row going back to the 2022 season. “We feel fortunate to have got all our region games out of the way before Spring break,” said Coach Beasley. “We scheduled a lot more games this season so we have an opportunity to face good pitching by playing 8 non-region games after the break. “We will be playing quality teams like Saluda , Colleton County , Branchville , and Silver Bluff after our Spring break, and we will be playing all 8 games over a two- week period,” said Coach Beasley. “What is also nice about the way we have set things up is that we have five days to prepare for our first home playoff game after we conclude our regular season.” The rudder of the team is senior pitcher Jaidyn Devore who has signed a softball scholarship with Howard University . In her senior season, Devore is currently 6-3 with 92 K’s in 47 innings in the circle with a sterling 0.74 ERA. At the plate she is batting .265 with 13 RBI’s and two home runs. Over her long career in the Barnwell softball program, Devore has 538 career K’s, has pitched 14 no-hitters, and four perfect games in 280 innings in the circle. Her career record is 38-15. “Jaidyn has been a hard worker and very focused player over her entire career at Barnwell,” said Coach Beasley. “She’s battle tested and playing very well in her senior season. “ Sophomore Laney Grubbs is an outfielder number two pitcher for the Warhorses. She went into Spring break batting .436 with 11 RBI’s. In the circle, Grubbs is 3-0 with 21 K’s in 12 innings of work with an ERA of 2.92. “I consider Laney a next level prospect and she is one of our team leaders despite being just a sophomore,” said Coach Beasley. “Everything she does is for the team.” Starting sophomore second baseman, Molly Wilson has a nick name she certainly likes. “We call her “Hitting Machine”,” said Coach Beasley. “She rarely strikes out and she always puts the ball in play.” Senior starting third baseman Brooklyn Gordon is one of three seniors on the team. She is an all-region returner who is currently batting .389 with 10 RBI’s. Sophomore Kendall O’Berry starts in center field and she is currently batting .375 with 11 RBI’s and she leads the team with three doubles. “She is a gold glove type center fielder,” said Coach Beasley. Junior Brianna Croft has been the starting catcher the past two seasons and she comes into the break hitting .278 with 8 RBI’s. “Brianna is probably our best bunter and she makes good contact with the ball.” said Coach Beasley. Abigail Corley is a three starter in right field and she in also a returning all-region player from last season. She is currently batting .241 with 7 RBI’s. Two key reserves who round out the 13-player roster are junior Shaelyn Badger who plays first and third base along with junior Layla Bishop who is an outfielder. “With our young players maturing so quickly this season, and as well as we have been hitting the ball lately, we are certainly hoping for a deep play-off run,” said Coach Beasley. “We have averaged 13 hits a game over our last games. “Our pitching is solid and deep also,” said Coach Beasley. “We hope playing 8 non-region games over the final two weeks of the season will expose us to some good pitching and get us ready for the playoffs.” Rick Arnold is an assistant coach for the team.
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