PHOTOS: Both SCISA Class AAAA State Championship Title Games

By David Shelton Senior Writer Walterboro – As a former player and graduate of Colleton County High, Jermale Paige is very committed to building a successful baseball program as head coach. Paige is in his ninth season as the head coach and has been able to make his teams competitive overall. The wins and losses (24-53 in last four years), do not tell the entire story. The Cougars have lost a bevy of close games and opposing teams have to show up and play to earn their victories. The last winning season for the program came in 2019 when the Cougars won 12 games. Paige is hopeful that his 2025 team can win more than they lose. The early season has looked promising as Colleton County posted early wins over Woodland and Hampton County, a loss to Berkeley, and ties in tournament play against Goose Creek and Andrews. “Honest expectations are to compete every day, while striving for a playoff spot,” Paige says. “I would like for those guys on my team who aspire to go to college to get the exposure that is needed. We have good senior leadership and more internal drive from our players.” The biggest senior leader, Da’Veon Varner , is also the team’s best player. He is now three-year starter and has batted .350 combined in the last two years. He also is a quality arm on the mound. “He plays the game at a high level,” Paige said. “He is hungry to go to the next level and I am looking forward to him showcasing his talents this spring, while always placing the team first.” Another third-year starter is centerfielder Xavier Oxner , who also is expected to work as the closer on the mound.  Junior catcher Brinton Jerel is back for his third season as a starter. “He has physically grown and is more mature this year. He will command our staff and the defense overall.” Varner and Oxner will hit one-two in the batting order this spring. Sophomore leftfielder Michael Witkin will hit third while sophomore third baseman Galil Frazier hits cleanup. Senior RJ Adams is slated for rightfield and senior Alejandro Marin will play first base. After Jurel, the batting order ends with freshman shortstop Conner Desassure and junior second baseman Kyle Linder . Paige expects Varner, Witkin and Adams to be the top three arms on the mound, with Oxner and Marin filling in their roles. Colleton County will face quality opposition every night of the region 7-AAAA schedule. Perennial state title contender and multiple state champion Bishop England is new to the region. May River and Beaufort also rate as strong contenders. “Every team in our region is going to be able to compete,” Paige predicts.

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Manning —Two of the better teams in SCISA baseball, for the 2025 season, Laurence Manning (10-1) and Orangeburg Prep (11-2) faced each other in a non-region game on March, 27 th and the Swampcats took advantage of five errors to claim a 8-2 win. Both teams will be in action 24 hours later. LMA travels to play at Hilton Head Chrisitan while O-P will host Colleton Prep . After the game, veteran LMA head coach Tom Hatfield shared his thoughts with the HSSR, “We are starting to get some kids back who have been dealing with injuries, our pitching staff is solid and out hitting coach Rodney Mooneyham works every day with our hitters and he does a good job. “We just need to be more consistent and I thought we took too many fastballs tonight,” said Coach Hatfield. “Orangeburg Prep is a fine ball club and they came into the game tonight at 10-1. We like challenges in mid-week games. “We used three pitchers tonight, and had them all on pitch counts so we can use them, if needed against Hilton Head Christian tomorrow,” said Coach Hatfield. “I thought they all performed well tonight. “The potential of this team, with the depth we have in our pitching staff, I feel like we can make a serious run in the play-offs,” said Coach Hatfield. “One of our main pitchers ( Braydon Barnhill ) is not back yet but we expect to have him back soon and he was one of our main pitchers last year. I think we can make a run at it (state championship) if we can keep everybody healthy.” Orangeburg Prep head coach Tate Jameson also talked with the HSSR after the game. “We have a packed schedule this season (26 games) and I always like to play more then we practice,” said Coach Jameson. “We have a group of veteran guys whop just love to come to the ball park and play baseball and that is what we are about.” Coach Jameson was complimentary of pitcher Hunter Judy going all seven innings for the Indians giving up 8 hits with five strike-outs and no walks. “We could have brought someone in later in the game but I wanted to give Hunter the peace of mind that I was not giving up on him. I just wish we could have hit better behind him and scratched out a run or two every inning but it didn’t happen. “We talked about not letting errors get the best of you before the game,” said Coach Jameson. “Unfortunately, errors early in the game hurt our chances for a win tonight.” The Indians have seven senior starters, including one junior ( T Riley ) and one 9 th grader ( Landon Kuck ) along with Charlie McCutchen who pitches and catches for us. Bryon Williams is a pitcher, catcher, middle infielder, Judy is a pitcher, catcher, middle infielder, and Riley is in center with Tadd Jameson in left, and Mo Burroughs is at first, and Eli Pantaleon is at short and pitches also. Kuck is our third baseman. “Tonight was a half-way night because we have now played 13 games with 13 more to go in the regular season,” said Coach Jameson. “Hopefully, we can bounce back from this game. Coach Hatfield has an excellent squad and I am glad we were able to compete against them, even though we did not quite measure up to them. I hope we learn something from this game and move on.”  LMA was led at the plate against O-P by Brenston Rembert who had two hits, three RBI’s, including a triple. Starting pitcher Ray Weston had two hits and two RBI’s while working 3.2 innings on the mound. First baseman DJ Balls had one hit and one RBI, Center fielder ZY Dennis had one hit and one RBI and catcher Cade Mooneyham had one hit in the win . The other two LMA pitchers in this game were Seth Witherspoon and Grayson Thornton who had four K’s in two innings of work. Other LMA starters against O-P included shortstop Grainger Powell , second baseman Payton Brown , right fielder Rory Carter , and left fielder Pierson Gamble . O-P was led on offense by Mason Tyler who had two hits, one RBI and two stolen bases. Riley, a gold glove center fielder who has 9 major college football offers to date, contributed one hit, while Jameson had a hit and one RBI. McCutchen, who hopes to play baseball at The Citadel , had one hit, while Williams also had one hit.

By David Shelton Senior Writer Beaufort – With good pitching and an experienced roster returning, the Beaufort High baseball Eagles have high expectations this season. Coach Adam Mullen , in his third season as head coach but with 10 years coaching in the program, says the expectations are to win the region 7-AAAA title and contend for the AAAA state championship. He realizes how competitive region seven is and it has been made tougher with the addition of Bishop England, a program with multiple state titles. “Very tough region this year,” the coach reports. “Bishop England and May River will definitely be tough this year for the region. Both teams are very well coached and have great pitching staffs. Both teams are always in the hunt every year.” Mullen is anxious to see his team compete and loves the leadership of his strong senior class. “They have been deep in the Lower State playoffs the last three years so they know how to compete,” he said. “Our pitching depth should be a strength.” One of the top leaders is senior catcher Hudson Mullen , who coach Mullen feels is among the best catchers, as well as pitchers, in the state this spring. Senior Gunner Hollingsworth will be one of the consistent arms on the mound and can fill a variety of defensive positions. He is slated to start at third base. Senior Will Herron plays second base and should be on the leading hitters. Mullen says he also has become a more vocal leader this spring. Senior Reece Mullen has developed well over the years and will work in leftfield and on the mound. He also is a big team leader. Senior Carter Womack will be a key arm on the mound and will be a designated hitter. Mullen calls Womack “very competitive who hates to lose.” Senior Dylan Rast is the shortstop who also will pitch. He is one of the best base runners with good speed. Another senior starter will be outfielder Samari Bonds . Junior Jayden Davis will be among the top pitchers. Junior Sellers Lynn is working at first base and junior Tanner Altman patrols centerfield. Mullen feels his top four pitchers will likely be Hudson Mullen, Hollingsworth, Womack and Rast but stresses the overall depth in arms as a strength. Mullen is assisted by pitching coach Scott Mullen and Al Wallace .

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Barnwell —After winning 230 games as the head softball coach at Blackville - Hilda , Mike Beasley took over the Barnwell High softball program two years ago, and his teams are 36-8 over the past two seasons and the 2025 season could be even more promising. “We had 24 players try out for the junior varsity and varsity softball teams at Barnwell this season and 10 of them were 7 th graders,” said Coach Beasley. “I currently have three 7 th graders on the varsity and two of them are starters. “For the past three seasons this 7 th grade group (Dixie Pony Tails) played for regional championships at the rec level, and last season they went down to Louisiana and won the Dixie Pony Tails world championship” said Coach Beasley. “So, these 7 th graders in our program right now have a lot of potential and the majority of them could be very special players five years from now when they are coming out of high school.” Coach Beasley said he and his staff hosted a “Community Village Meet and Greet” activity before the season began on the softball field. “We primarily wanted to recognize all the youth softball coaches from our community, who have done a fantastic job helping to develop a feeder program for our junior varsity and varsity programs,” said Coach Beasley. “Trust me, it makes your job easier as a high school coach when the majority of the players in your program are already fundamentally sound from having played rec ball and summer ball at an early age. We very much appreciate all these volunteer coaches for the work that they have done working with these young girls that we are fortunate to coach at the high school level.” The team is 2-0 in the young 2025 season with two 15-0 wins over Lake Marion .  The return of two-time HSSR all-state senior pitcher Jaidyn Devore gives the Lady Warhorses fire power in the circle. In the early signing period Devore signed with Howard University as a pitcher. As a junior Devore recorded 197 K’s in compiling a 15-3 record in the circle. She had an ERA of 1.20. “Jaidyn is a much stronger pitcher this season, and she was already a strong pitcher,’ said Coach Beasley. “Her fast ball moves from the mid to the high 60’s. Her out-pitch is her screw ball and it breaks really well. She faced only three batters in the season start against Lake Marion and she struck-out all three baters. We had scored 15 runs in the top of the first so the game was called after one inning.” The team graduated all-star catcher Bre’Anna Buckmon who hit .364. Her replacement this season is junior Brianna Croft who was the back-up catcher last season. Senior first baseman Tierra Arnold has signed with Johnson C. Smith and she has been in the program since the 7 th grade. Arnold batted .288 with 18 RBI’s including five triples. Arnold is also a back-up pitcher and she was 2-0 as a junior with 14 K’s in 8 innings of work. Sophomore Molly Wilson returns for her second season starting at second base. Senior Brooklyn Gordan will return at third base after hitting .305 last season with seven RBI’s and a home run. The shortstop position is being held down by 7 th grader Shalayah Badger who is also a pitcher and catcher. “Shalayah can play just about anywhere,” said Coach Beasley. :She is the true definition of a utility player.” Kinsley Terrapin is a 7 th grader who will share time at shortstop, and she is a promising pitcher who pitched a perfect game against Lake Marion in the second game of the season. The other 7 th grade starter is Genesis Walker who will be the team’s designated hitter. Walker will also see action at first and behind the plate. Sophomore Laney Grubbs begins her third season on the varsity and she will start in left field. Grubbs batted .305 with 10 RBI’s last season. In the circle she was 3-1 and had 20 K’s in 13 innings of work. Junior starting right fielder Abigail Crosby is a returning all-region player who batted .370 with 14 RBI’s and three triples. Sophomore Kendall O’Berry returns to once again start in center field. “We call Kendall the ESPN player on the team because of a shoe string catch she made in a game last year that would have made one of the Top 10 ESPN plays if they could have seen it,” said Coach Beasley. “She has a great glove and runs really well also.” Some key reserve players include returning junior Layla Bishop who will see some action in left field along with junior Shaylyn Badger who will back up first and third base. Barnwell will play a full 26-game schedule in 2025. “We have a strong group of 8 non-region opponents,” said Coach Beasley. “They include Saluda , South Aiken , Bamberg - Ehrhardt , Woodland , Colleton County , Branchville , Wagener - Salley , and Silver Bluff,” said Coach Beasley . ” All three of our teams at Barnwell have been pretty equal but this is the team that has the best blend of talent in all grades. “Our goals are to seek to improve every day in practice while staying focused on winning a region title,” said Coach Beasley. “We hope to advance out of the district in the play-offs, and this has been an issue the past two seasons. Hopefully, we can compete for a state title this season.”

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – There’s a lot to be said for team chemistry when it comes to winning on the playing field and the Ashley Hall soccer team seems to have plenty of chemistry this spring. Former assistants Kelly Rogers and Allison Andrews have taken over the direction of the program as co-head coaches. Rogers is in her sixth season as coach while Andrews has five years of experience. They are attacking this season with enthusiasm and like the way the team is working to prepare for the season. “Our focus this year is to get better every day we step out on the field. Whether it's practice or a game, our goal is to find a way to find success -- in every way we can,” Rogers says. “That way, by the time playoffs come around, we are in top shape to compete. “We have a strong core group returning this year with a focus on building up play through the midfield. Our team is tight knit and versatile -- with a lot of athletic players who can help us find success from different areas of the field.” Rogers feels the entire roster is capable of contributing to success. But, every team has a core group of leaders that set the tone for the rest of the team. Rogers feels the 2025 Panthers have solid leadership. “Our leaders come in many forms: some show by doing and some show with mentality,” she explains. “Seniors Kate Farr and Dia Timko are the leaders who embody our team's values -- they show up every day with the mentality that they are going to get better and help the team do so along the way. “ Kate Coker and Gates McCants (both seniors) reliably put the energy in this team. I know when they step on the field they are playing their hearts out and that shows through how they hold themselves. “The core players that we always find ourselves relying on are freshman Lynden Taylor and junior Catherine Clark. When these two girls have the ball, there is a sense of calm with the rest of the team. They will defend until they win the ball and distribute out to their teammates consistently to get us out of trouble.” All of the above mentioned players work in the starting lineup. Other starters include senior Iris Stiegman , sophomore Molly Mettler , senior Caroline Rivers , junior Britton Zollweg , freshmen Bea Anderson and Bryn Wildstein , and sophomore Kamya Howard . Rounding out the roster this spring are Bailey Burke, Emily Kaye, Evie Cowan and Gemma Williams. “ This year our sights are set on a successful season to place into the state tournament,” Rogers says. “With two additional teams in our region, but the same amount of spots available, the competition will be higher but we are ready to hold our ground as one of the top schools in our region.”

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.

By WORTHY EVANS Contributing Writer Columbia - The Chapin baseball team got the season started with a bang. The Eagles won the IP Classic in Georgetown that played out March 6-9, beating James Island 10-5, Laurens 10-0, T.L. Hanna 8-4, and then beating Daniel 8-6 in the championship game. Senior first baseman Campbell Todd was named tournament MVP, and senior catcher Caden Reeves and senior third baseman/No.1 pitcher Ty Harper made the all-tournament team. Those three seniors lead the Eagles who finished 23-7 last year and look to finish with a run in the playoffs that was longer than last season’s early exit in the district tournament round. “We lost pretty much most of our pitching staff and outfield, all of them signed to play college baseball,” longtime head coach Scott McLeod said. “We’re rebuilding around those three starters, but we really have a good team. We have seven seniors who are good returning guys, guys with a lot of grit and good kids who can play well and pitch. I’m feeling pretty good about the season.” Reeves recently signed to play for Troy in Alabama. “He’s not only a threat with a bat but he’s also a defensive catcher, and I’m a little prejudiced but I think he’s the best in the state,” McLeod said. Harper returns at third and is the team’s ace and Todd returns at first and bats in the middle of the lineup. “Ty was the best pitcher last year and he’s a really good third baseman,” McLeod said. “Campbell’s a big tall kid, hits for average and power.” Senior infielders Bobby Gummere at shortstop and Tillman Scheno round out the infield. “Our infield defense is as good as it’s been, but we’re still putting some pieces together in the outfield,” McLeod said. Pitching is not a worry. Behind Harper on the mound is sophomore lefthander Mac Berry , junior Reese Jolly , junior Griff Harper , sophomore Cooper Derrick and junior Charlie Mejia . “Mac throws really well, as does Griff Harper, who’s a year behind his brother,” McLeod said. “He’s a very solid pitcher who threw well in the classic, along with Cooper and Charlie.” Senior Tyler Graham is the team’s closer. Among others, sophomore Brewer Haggard threw in all four Classic games. “Pitching isn’t an issue, and our infield defense is pretty good, and we can swing it good,” McLeod said. “We’ve just got to figure out the outfield.” The Eagles will find out how they fit in Region 4-5A pretty soon. State champion Lexington looks to return to the final series, while Dutch Fork and White Knoll break in new coaches— Darren Jones for the Silver Foxes and Dolan Crolley for the Timberwolves—look to revitalize those programs. Three teams—Dutch Fork, River Bluff , and the Wildcats—have won state championships since 2019. “Lexington is solid. Brian Hucks always has a good team. They’re always the team to beat in the region, but White Knoll is much improved, and River Bluff and Dutch Fork are good, and Irmo is off to a good start.”

By Billy G. Baker Publisher  Hemingway —Coming out of the gates at 0-2 ,to start the 2025 regular baseball season, was not the plan in the mind of Carvers Bay head coach Shawn Patrick but he is optimistic his team will rebound and find success. “I am convinced that if we start playing up to our potential, we can beat the majority of the teams on our schedule,” said Coach Patrick. “However, now that we are 0-2, we have some catching up to do. “It was a bit unfortunate that we had to start the season against two region opponents,” said Coach Patrick. “We had scheduled three scrimmages to get ready for the season, and then two of them got cancelled due to bad weather so that in itself was a little bit of bad luck. “Errors have been killing our chances for success also and our pitchers are walking too many batters,” said Coach Patrick. “When you walk batters, not only are you giving the opposing team free base runners, you are driving up the pitch counts of your pitchers. We need to start pounding the strike zone.” The Bears began the season with a 7-1 loss to Johnsonville. Then in the second game of the regular season they lost a highly competitive game to Green Sea-Floyds 5-4. “I was very proud of junior pitcher Clark Jones who came into game against Green Sea-Floyds in the middle of the first inning and he pitched 6 2/3 of innings with 14 strike-outs and I was very proud of his efforts on the mound,” said Coach Patrick. C. Jones has 23 K’s in 14 innings pitched so far this season. Clark Jones, (L-R) is also leading the team at the plate with .278 average and he bats in the third slot in the order. He starts at shortstop when he is not on the mound. “Clark is also playing very well on defense, but his pitching has been outstanding,” said Coach Patrick. The lead-off batter for the Bears is senor starting second baseman Kimbell Edwards. Junior Brantley Jones is batting in the two- hole and starting mostly as a catcher but he can also play third or shortstop. “Brantley is starting off the season a little slow at the plate but I expect his bat to get hot any day now and he is one of the best contact hitters on our team,” said Coach Patrick. Sophomore first baseman Myles Matthews bats clean-up. “He can really barrel up the ball well,” said Coach Patrick. “He has great potential to be a good long ball hitter.” Junior center fielder Carson Thompson bats in the five- slot. Thompson leads the team with four stolen bases and he has good wheels in the outfield. Junior Kendall Moore bats in the 6 th hole and he has had some great catches since being recently moved to left- field. Sophomore Bryant Garman bats in the 7th slot in the order and he has caught the Bear’s last two games. “He is displaying solid defense behind the plate,” said Coach Patrick. Sophomore Carson Lewis, batting in the 8th slot, has pitched some this season, and he mainly plays third base. Freshman Landon Marsh starts in right field and bats in the 9th slot. Marsh had a double against Green Sea-Floyds. “We have had a little sickness amongst our players this season and because of this our line-up often varies from game-to-game,” said Coach Patrick. “For example, Edwards got sick right before the Johnsonville game and 8 th grader Nolan Williams went in to play second base and under the circumstances he did a good job.” Sophomore Haden Cooper was recently moved up from the junior varsity and he is providing depth at several positions. First year freshman varsity player Trevion Parrott is a reserve utility player along with junior outfielder/designated hitter reserve Javion Palmer , a junior. “Miles Matthews is filling well at several positions and getting an inning on the mound here and there,” said Coach Patrick. “Also, sophomore Clarkson Lewis has been effective on the mound coming in in relief.” Coach Patrick summed up his feelings about the 0-2 start like this, “I know this team has great potential and while none of us are pleased to be 0-2 right now, we are not in a panic mode either.” Coach Patrick is assisted by Garrett Howard and Rick Smith .

By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR  Andrews – The last two years head coach Richie Poston has watched his young squad capture back-to-back region 8 AA titles as they have matured so with a veteran group returning the Yellowjackets have an eye on a third straight region title despite moving into a new region, 6 AA. Last season the Yellowjackets used their region championship to spring board them into the Class AA playoffs where they captured the district 8 title to advance to the lower state final four. The Yellowjackets have five returning All- Region selections in seniors Sloan Harper and Khalil Dorsey , juniors Jaxon Baker and Riley Jordan and sophomore Brycen Cannon. Jordan was named All Region in 2023 after his freshman season where he hit .439 with 24 RBI’s and a team high 8 doubles. He was injured during the 2023 football season and sat out last baseball season doing rehab. He has picked up where he left off as he leads the team in hitting with a .375 average in the early season. Harper and Doresy have had outstanding careers for Andrews. Harper’s All Regions selection was his third in as many seasons. He has a career batting average of .380 after leading the team in hitting the past two years. Last season he had a team high 9 doubles. He has gotten off to a slow this year but expect him to hit up as the weather warms. He also has an .857 career fielding percentage from shortstop. Dorsey will be playing at the next level but it won’t be in baseball despite making All Region last season. He is a two-time AA All State selection at tight end. He was second on the team in batting last season at .326. He has also gotten off to a slow start this spring. Baker does it all for the Yellowjackets since he stepped on campus. He hit .340 as a freshmen and has a career average right at .300. In the field he has over a .900 fielding percentage. On the hill he has a career 2.79 career era and this year he has been better with 1.24 era. He has 89 career strikeouts in 72.2 innings pitched. The team’s top returning pitcher is Cannon. He went 5-2 last season with a 3.38 era. At the plate he is a career .300 hitter but like his teammates he has struggled at the plate in the early going. Seniors Maddox Cooper and Aden Cooper along with Levi Marlowe , Colby Marlowe , Reece Barrineau, Wyatt Bass, Carter Casselman, Caiden Thomas, Avery Durham and Jackson Parmly round out the roster. Barrineau has the team’s lone win this season and has stuck out 10 in 9 innings. “We have to be a solid defensive team and pitch well to keep other teams off the scoreboard, but for us to contend we have to hit the ball more consistently and we have struggled in the early part of the year,” said coach Poston.