First Baptist girls eyeing run at SCISA title

First Baptist girls eyeing run at SCISA title

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

James Island – With eyes set on the ultimate prize, the girls basketball team at First Baptist begins their quest for the AAAA SCISA state championship on Feb. 14.

The regular season saw the Hurricanes put together quite a run, winning 26 of 28 games overall while posting a 10-0 record in region play. First Baptist clinched the region title for the first time since coach Presley Singleton arrived as head coach. The Hurricanes have secured a No. 1 seed in one bracket AAAA after going undefeated against all SCISA competition.

Expected to be strong contenders in AAAA are two-time defending state champion Heathwood Hall and Trinity Collegiate, as well as region rival Northwood Academy.

“These girls have been on a mission this off season with their training, playing travel, early morning workouts and have really bought in to the culture that we have built here,” Singleton says of this year’s team. “This is the most balanced team with the most weapons that I’ve had since I’ve been here. We will not graduate any starters or players in our main rotation.”

The Hurricanes certainly do possess many offensive options this season. Freshman Maddie Pajani has been a huge addition to the program, leading the team in scoring at 17 points per game. Pajani is shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc and 60 percent from inside while averaging four steals per game.

“As good a shooter as I have ever coached,” Singleton said. “She’s a big-time prospect and still just a freshman.”

Junior wing Ava Rush is averaging 13 points and nine rebounds per game. She already holds several college offers.



Sophomore point guard Gabby Moore is a third-year starter, averaging 10 points,, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals per game. Junior guard Paige Pouyat adds 10 points per game and shoots 36 percent from three-point range. She recently scored her 1,000^th career point.

“Paige has won state championships at the AA level and we’re hoping her experience can lead us,” Singleton said. “Ava and Gabby have experienced playing in the Sumter Civic Center, losing to Heathwood Hall in overtime. Their experience is a strength should we advance.”

Manning the paint is 6-5 junior Dyarri Braddick, who averages eight points, eight rebounds and shoots 58 percent from the field.

Key contributions off the bench are provided by Dora Jones and Ellie Blitch. Jones is a lefty point guard who makes plays and defends very well. Blitch is a Division I track athlete who uses her speed in transition to get out and fastbreak.