Saluda girls basketball team undefeated in Region 2-AA

Saluda – That the Saluda High School girls basketball team is having another successful season isn’t a surprise based on history. Tigers head coach Jeannette Wilder has had only two losing seasons in her 17 years as head coach, winning a AA state title in 2020.

SHS is 12-3 on the season and 6-0 in Region 2-AA. With just one senior in the starting lineup though and just two in the rotation, has this group been more successful than Wilder expected.

“I am excited about the progress we have made so far,” Wilder said. “It hasn't always been pretty wins, but we have been able to find a way so far.”

Saluda is being led by freshman guard Ceddiianna Springs. A returning starter, Springs was averaging 22.3 points per game through the first nine games. She was also averaging 8.3 rebounds and 4.8 steals.

"Ceddrianna is the motor on our team,” Wilder said. “She leads the offense and has quick hands on defense.”

Senior Tamia Daniels and sophomore Jabria Brunson are the other returning starters. Daniels was averaging 9.4 points and 2.1 steals, while Brunson was averaging 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 steals.

The Tigers have four games left with the big one coming on February 11 at home against Strom Thurmond. SHS beat the Rebels, who are 5-1 in the region, 29-22 last month.

“We have to continue to commit to playing solid defense to have a chance to win the region,” Wilder said.

SALUDA BOYS IN 4-WAY TIE FOR FIRST

Talk about your logjam at the top.

The Saluda boys basketball team is one of four in the region with 4-2 records. The other teams are Strom Thurmond, Batesburg-Leesville and Pelion.

         Tigers head coach Jimmy Kinard is happy with where his team is with four region games remaining. SHS can set its destiny as it has games left with the other three teams. It beat Pelion and Batesburg-Leesville and lost to Strom Thurmond.

“We like our chances of making the playoffs and are still in contention for the region championship,” he said. “I have been pleased with the progress the team is making, particularly having so many young players on the squad.”

Kinard said he is still using a variety of lineups depending upon the opponent. However, some players have stepped to the forefront.

“Junior CJ Springs has embraced a leadership role,” Kinard said. “Sophomore Ja'miyias Myers has stepped up his play on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.”

Whoever is on the floor for the Tigers, Kinard is happy with their defensive effort. They are allowing just over 41 points a game while averaging over 53.

STEWART YOUNG TAKES LEXINGTON FOOTBALL JOB

Saluda is looking for a new football head coach for the first time in 11 years. Stewart Young has accepted the same position at AAAAA Lexington.

Young was 93-37 as the SHS head coach, having only one losing season, that being his first. He led the Tigers to the 2019 AA state championship.

Young, who was on the Saluda football staff for 21 years, posted a heartfelt message to the Saluda fan base on Facebook.

Saluda family,

Over the past two decades I have had the absolute privilege to coach football at Saluda High School. The emotions I have felt, memories I have made, and moments I have been a part of will not and can not be replaced. I truly love this high school and this community. I want everyone to know that as my family and I embark on this new adventure, a huge piece of my heart will always be #oneteamonefamilyonetiger.