State championship matchups set for SCISA AAAA boys, AAAA girls

Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • February 20, 2025

Augusta Christian, Porter-Gaud to meet for boy title; First Baptist takes on Trinity Collegiatte for girls crown

         Sumter – Porter-Gaud will be meeting Augusta Christian School for the SCISA AAAA boys basketball state title, while Trinity Collegiate will face off with First Baptist for the AAAA girls crown.

 

       That’s because P-G defeated Hammond 49-45 and ACS took down Pinewood Prep 82-71 in overtime in the boys semifinal games on Wednesday at Sumter County Civic Center. The girls semis saw First Baptist score on a basket at the buzzer by junior Ellie Blitch to defeat defending state champion Heathwood Hall 54-52, while Trinity topped Northwood Academy 49-41.

 

       The championship games will be played on Friday at Sumter County Civic Center. After Curtis Baptist takes on Wardlaw Academy for the Class A girls title at 4 p.m., First Baptist and Trinity Collegiate will do battle for the AAAA girls crown beginning at 6 p.m. The boys game will follow, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

       The semifinals for AAA boys and girls will be played on Thursday at the civic center, while the AA boys and girls semis and the Class A boys semis will take place at Wilson Hall’s Nash Student Center in Sumter on Thursday.

 

       The AAA girls will have Pee Dee Academy taking on Spartanburg Christian at 3:30 p.m., while Orangeburg Prep and Hilton Head Prep will tangle at 6:30 p.m. On the boys ledger, Pee Dee will take on Spartanburg Day at 5 p.m. while OP and HHP will tangle in the boys game as well beginning at 8 p.m.

 

       In AA boys, defending state champion Cathedral Academy will take on Thomas Heyward at 7:30 p.m. in Gym B, while Bethesda Academy will take on Andrew Jackson Academy at 7 p.m. in Gym A.

 

       The AA girls will see Dorchester Academy meeting Laurens Academy at 6 p.m. in Gym B, while Cross Schools will take on Lee Academy at 5:30 p.m. in Gym A.

 

       The Class A boys semis will see Ragin Prep meeting Marlboro Academy at 4 p.m. in Gym A, and defending state champion Curtis Baptist facing Richard Winn Academy in Gym B starting at 4:30 p.m.

 

        The state championship games for each of those five classes will be played on Saturday at Sumter County Civic Center. The first game will be the Class A boys starting at 11 a.m. That will be followed by the AA girls at 1 p.m. and the 2A boys at 2:30 p.m. The AAA girls contest is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with the AAA boys contest set for a 6:30 p.m. start.

 

       GIRLS

       First Baptist 54

       Heathwood Hall 52

 

       While it may not have necessarily looked like it, Hurricanes head coach Presley Singleton said it was a designed play that saw sophomore Gabby Moore get the ball to Blitch, who put it in the basket as time expired for the victory.

 

       “What we drew up was we’re going to hold it for one,” said Singleton, whose team improved to 27-2 on the season and will be playing its first championship game since winning a title in 1980. “She had been getting by her man pretty much at will tonight. I said if a guard steps over find your shooter, if your post steps over hit your opposite block. Post stepped over to help, she trusted the sixth man on our team and Ellie delivered.”

 

       After the Highlanders’ SaBraya Monsanto missed two free throws in a 52-52 tie with 25 seconds remaining in the game, Trinity grabbed the rebound and called a timeout with 19 seconds left once it got across halfcourt. Moore dribbled the ball and didn’t start to try and penetrate until nine seconds were left. Against strong defense, Moore finally got to the basket on the right side of the lane. She drew a double team and found Blitch open underneath the basket on the left side. She put it in just before the buzzer sounded, setting off a wild celebration by the Hurricanes while many of the Heathwood players fell to the ground in despair.

 

       “I could not be any prouder of this group of girls,” said Singleton, whose team lost to Heathwood in overtime in the semis last year. “We have talked all season long about playing together, and we’re not just one-dimensional. If we move he ball, share he ball, we’ve got enough weapsons where we-re going to be hard to beat. They proved it tonight.”

 

Moore was one of three First Baptist players to score in double figures, leading the way with 18 points Ava Rush and Paige Pouyat both had 10 points. Maddy Pojani finished with seven and Blitch had four.

 

       Heathwood Hall, which finished the year with a 17-3 record, were led by senior standout Lauren Jacobs with 17 points. Monsanto, also a senior, followed with 15 points, and senior Camiliea Gore had 13.

 

       The Highlanders held a 21-12 lead after one quarter. However, First Baptist recovered in the second quarter and took a 28-27 into halftime. The Hurricanes led 46-43 entering the final stanza.

 

       Trinity Collegiate 49

       Northwood 41

 

       Trinity Collegiate rallied from a 9-point deficit in the third quarter to forge a 36-36 tie entering the fourth quarter. The Titans then outscored Northwood 13-5 in the final stanza to come away with the 8-point triumph.

 

       “I’m proud of everyone,” said TC head coach Bree Goodson, who is in her first year with the school. “They fought to the end today. They had to ight back from a 9-point deficit, but they came together and won it in the end.”

 

       Trinity, which won its 20th game of the season in 23 outings, was led by Natalie Pitts with 17 points. Autumn Kind added 13, while Makayla Leggette had seven. and Grant Correy and Saleese Kind both had six points.

 

       The Chargers, who finished with a 17-9 record, were led by Maliyah Birch with 10 points. Ava Reyes had nine followed by Alyvia Tocco with seven and Ryland Dundon and Navaeh Mathews with five apiece.

 

        BOYS

       Augusta Christian 82

       Pinewood Prep 71

 

       Augusta Christian reached its fourth consecutive state championship contest, but it took 39 points from Bryce Reynierson and outscoring Pinewood Prep 13-2 in overtime to do so.


ACS was the AAAA runner-up last year after winning the crown in 2023. It won the the AAA title in 2022.

 

       The Panthers, who finished 23-7, jumped out to a 22-12 lead after one quarter and led 36-33 at halftime. They pushed the lead back to nine at 50-41 entering the final stanza. However, the Lions outscored them 28-19 to force the overtime. They continued to pour on the points in the 4-minute overtime for the 11-point triumph.

 

      Reynierson, a 6-foot-5-inch senior, scored eight points in the overtime to lead ACS, which improved to 27-2. Ty Shine hit on five of six free throws in overtime and finished with 19 points.

 

       Uzziah Morton finished with 12, Aamore Tolbert had eight and Malachi Jones had six.

 

       Leading the way for Pinewood Prep was Jonathan Slawson Jr. with 28. Kais Parris had 19, Tre Green 13 and Jayden Alexander nine.

 

       Porter-Gaud 49

       Hammond 45

 

       Porter-Gaud reached a state championship game foor the first time since 2016 with the 4-point win in the nip-and-tuck affair with Hammond.

 

       The Cyclones will be going for their third state championship in the 19-year tenure of head coach John Pearson.

 

       “I haven’t really processed it yet,” Pearson said of getting to the title game. “It’s big. You have to beat some really good teams to get here. Once you get here, you just soak in the atmosphere and take advantage of the moment.

 

       “I thought my kids did about as good a job as they could do. We’re very fortunate to be able to win this game. I’m surprised. From the summer, we kept working and now we’re here so we’re going to ride i 

 

       P-G, which improved to 21-5, led 12-10 after one quartrer and 23-21 at halftime. It led 40-36 entering the fourth quarter and maintained that margin.

 

       John-Michael Jenkins and Griff Ferraro led Porter=Gaud with 15 points apiece. Kateaux Miller had eight, Banks Butler seven and Griff Domm four.

 

       Junior Daylin Haltiwanger led the Skyhawks, who finished 19-6, with 17 points. Senior Jaiden Haltiwanger had 15, Mehki Smith-Brown had seven, and John Stokes finished with six.

 

       TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

AAAA

Boys

First Round

Saturday, February 15

Upper Bracket

Game 1 -- Northside Christian 68, Laurence Manning 54

Game 2 -- Pinewood Prep 68, First Baptist 38

Game 3 -- Wilson Hall 69, Cardinal Newman 33

Lower Bracket

Game 4 -- Porter-Gaud 72, Hilton Head Christian 28

Game 5 -- Heathwood Hall 45, John Paul II 28

Game 6 -- Hammond 76, Northwood Academy 45

Game 7 -- Ben Lippen 64, Trinity Collegiate 52

Quarterfinals

Monday, February 17

Upper Bracket

Game 8 – Augusta Christian 94, Northside Christiani 60

Game 9 – Pinewood Prep 66, Wilson Hall 58

Game 10 – Porter-Gaud 64, Heathwood Hall 51

Game 11 – Hammond 60, Ben Lippen 41

Semifinals

Wednesday, February. 19

At Sumter County Civic Center

Upper Bracket

Game 12 – Augusta Christian 82, Pinewood Prep 71 (OT)

Lower Bracket

Game 13 – Porter-Gaud 49, Hammond 45

Championship

Friday, February 21

at Sumter County Civic Center

Game 14 – Augusta Christian vs. Porter-Gaud, 7:30 p.m.

 

AAAA

Girls

First Round

Friday, February 14

Upper Bracket

Game 1 – Heathwood Hall beat Ashley Hall by forfeit

Game 2 – Porter-Gaud 47, John Paul II 30

Game 3 – First Baptist 68, Hilton Head Christian 19

Game 4 – Augusta Christian 52, Wilson Hall 35

Lower Bracket

Game 5 – Ben Lippen 43, Palmetto Christian 31

Game 6 – Northwood 57, Carinal Newman 15

Game 7 – Northside Christian 74, Laurence Manning 41

Quarterfinals

Monday, February 17

Upper Bracket

Game 8 – Heathwood Hall 62 Porter-Gaud 22

Game 9 – First Baptist 75, Augusta Christian 48

Lower Bracket

Game 10 -- Trinity Collegiate 53, Ben Lippen 42

Game 11 – Northwood Academy 61, Northside Christian 35

Semifinals

Wednesday, February. 19

At Sumter County Civic Center

Upper Bracket

Game 12 – First Baptist 54, Heathwood Hall 52

Lower Bracket

Game 13 – Trinity Collegiate 49, Northwood Academy 41

Championship

Friday, February 21

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 14 – First Baptist vs. Trinity Collegiate, 6 p.m.

 

AAA

Boys

First Round

Saturday, February 15

Upper Bracket

Game 1 – Florence Christian 52, Spartanburg Christian 46

Game 2 – Greenwood Christian beat. St. John’s Christian

Lower Bracket

Game 3 – Spartanburg Day 76, Dillon Christian 62

Game 4 – Calhoun Academy 71, Patrick Henry 68

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, February 18

Upper Bracket

Game 5 – Hilton Head Prep 56, Florence Christian 23

Game 6 – Orangeburg Prep 73, Greenwood Christian 68

Lower Bracket

Game 7 – Spartanburg Day 52, Christian Academy 49

Game 8 – Pee Dee Academy 55, Calhoun Academy 50

Semifinals

Thursday, February 20

At Sumter County Civic Center

Upper Bracket

Game 9 – Hilton Head Prep vs. Orangeburg Prep, 8 p.m.

 Lower Bracket

Game 10 – Spartanburg Day vs. Pee Dee Academy, 5 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, February 22

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 11 -- Semifinal Winners, 6:30 p.m.

 

AAA

Girls

First Round

Friday, February 14

Upper Bracket

Game 1 – Greenwood Christian 50, Thomas Sumter 46

Game 2 – Florence Christian 36, Calhoun Academy 21

Lower Bracket

Game 4 – Patrick Henry 56, Spartanburg Day 39

Quarterfinals

Monday, February 17

Upper Bracket

Game 5 – Orangeburg Prep 47, Greenwood Christian 14

Game 6 – Hilton Head Prep 43, Florence Christian 38

Lower State.

Game 7 – Pee Dee Academy 47, First Presbyterian 27

Game 8 – Spartanburg Christian 62, Patrick Henry 48

Semifinals

Thursday, February 20

At Sumter County Civic Center

Upper Bracket

Game 9 – Orangeburg Prep vs. Hilton Head Prep, 6:30 p.m.

 Lower Bracket

Game 10 – Pee Dee Academy vs. Spartanburg Christian, 3:30 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, February 22

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 11 -- Semifinal Winners, 5 p.m.

 

AA

Boys

First Round

Saturday, February 15

Upper State

Game 1 -- Oakbrook Prep 51, Beaufort Academy 43

Game 2 -- Thomas Heyward beat Conway Christian

Game 3 -- Carolina Academy 64, Dorchester Academy 53

Lower Bracket

Game 4 – Bethesda Academy 64, Cross Schools 46

Game 5 – Charleston Collegiate 72, Our Lady of the Rosary 30

Game 6 – Andrew Jackson 57, Lee Academy 28

Game 7 – Faith Christian 57, Laurens Academy 39

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, February 18

Upper Bracket

Game 8 – Cathedral Academy 59, Oakbrook Prep 20

Game 9 – Thomas Heyward 43, Carolina Academy

Lower State

Game 10 -- Bethesda Academy 64, Charleston Collegiate 56

Game 11 – Andrew Jackson 60, Faith Christian 47

Semifinals

Thursday, February 20

Upper Bracket

At Wilson Hall Gym B

Game 12 – Cathedral Academy vs. Thomas Heyward

Lower Bracket

At Wilson Hall Gym A

Game 13 – Bethesda Academy vs. Andrew Jackson, 7 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, February 22

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 14 -- Semifinal Winners, 2:30 p.m.

 

AA

Girls

First Round

Friday, February 14

Upper Bracket

Game 1 – Oakbrook Prep 36, Carolina Academy 23

Game 2 – Our Lady of the Rosary 33, Cathedral Academy 29

Lower Bracket

Game 3 – Andrew Jackson 34, Conway Christian 33

Game 4 – Charleston Collegiate beat Holy Trinity

Quarterfinals

Monday, February 17

Upper Bracket

Game 5 – Cross Schools 62, Oakbrook Prep 24

Game 6 – Lee Academy 38, Our Lady of the Rosary 28

Lower Bracket

Game 7 – Dorchester Academy 51, Andrew Jackson 19

Game 8 – Laurens Academy 49, Charleston Collegiate 43

Semifinals

Thursday, February 20

Upper Bracket

At Wilson Hall Gym A

Game 9 – Cross Schools vs. Lee Academy, 5:30 p.m.

Lower Bracket

At Wilson Hall Gym B

Game 10 – Dorchester Academy vs. Laurens Academy, 6 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, February 22

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 11 -- Semifinal Winners, 1 p.m.

 

Class A

Boys

First Round

Saturday, February 15

Upper Bracket

Game 1 – Mead Hall 54, Wardlaw Academy 33

Game 2 – Marlboro Academy 53, Cambridge 33

Lower Bracket

Game 3 -- Holly Hill Academy 57, Anderson Christian 45

Game 4 – Newberry Academy 65, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 13

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, February 18

Upper Bracket

Game 5 – Ragin Prep 52, Mead Hall 37

Game 6 – Marlboro Academy 54, Jefferson Davis 44

Lower Bracket

Game 7 – Curtis Baptist 81, Holly Hill Academy 59

Game 8 – Richard Winn 33, Newberry Academy, 19

Semifinals

Thursday, February 20

Upper Bracket

at Wilson Hall Gym A

Game 9 – Ragin Prep vs. Marlboro Academy, 4 p.m.

Lower Bracket

at Wilson Hall Gym B

Game 10 – Curtis Baptist vs. Richard Winn, 4:30 p.m.

Championship

Saturday, February 22

At Sumter County Civic Center

Game 11 -- Semifinal Winners, 11 a.m.

 

Class A

Girls

Quarterfinals

Friday, February 14

Game 1 – Holly Hill Academy 40, Jefferson Davis 27

Game 2 – Richard Winn 56, Mead Hall 21

Semifinals

Tuesday, February 18

Game 3 -- Curtis Baptist 62, Holly Hill Academy 33

At Wilson Hall Gym B

Game 4 -- Wardlaw 33, Richard Winn 22

Championship

Friday, February 21

at Sumter County Civic Center

Game 5 -- Curtis Baptist vs. Wardlaw, 4 p.m.

Goose Creek Gators preparing for home stretch in track and field

By Rob Gantt • April 17, 2025
Goose Creek's Julian Whitfield , who finished first in the long jump with a mark of 6.84 meters.

Hampton County girls track and field young but talented

By Neill Kirkpatrick • April 17, 2025
Hampton County girls track and field young but talented By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Varnville – The 2024 track and field season came to an exciting end for the Hampton County girls track and field as they rode to third place finishes and a fourth place in the relay races to finish in the top ten at sixth in the state AA meet. “We had a great finish last year at the State Meet but lost 12 Seniors who were all strong competitors. With a solid core returning, we want to keep improving and building back what we graduated,” said head coach Myrriah Hanna. “We have depth and numbers on our team. I am confident we will do well because of that.” Coach continued, “I feel like we are pretty steady across all events, but the area that has improved the most is the throws. The Hurricanes have depth as coach pointed out but they also return key runners in the sprints, middle distance and distance which will help develop the younger girls Junior Areyana Allen is back after finishing sixth in the 100 meters at the AA state meet last season when she set a new personal best of 12.56. She has already lowered her PR this year to 12.23 at the Iron Horse Stampede where she placed first. She is also the anchor of the 4x100 and runs the 200 with a personal best of 26.44. Taryn Hanna has been going to the state meet since she was an eighth grader in the 3200. The junior has become more of a middle-distance runner, running 800 and 1600 meters. She has also lowered her previous PR’s in both events; 5:44 in the 1600 and 2:34 in the 800. Freshman Chandler Gordon has been working hard since the 7 th grade to improve her 100-meter and 400-meter hurdle times and like her teammates has sent new PR’s in both events. In field events, sophomore Kya McQuire has been dominating shotput and has qualified for the Coaches Classic at Spring Valley with a put of 35.59 feet. She is also strong in disc with a toss of 101.60. A'Brionna Johnson is a sophomore, who is new this year and is one of the Hurricanes fastest girls on the team. She is running the 100-meter hurdles and has posted a time of 18.50 and runs the third leg on the 4x100. Two other newcomers are 7 th grader Mikah Taylor and 8th grader A'riyona Sanders. They have added depth in the sprinting events. Taylor runs the 100-meter hurdles and Sanders runs the 100 meters. “I have a very young team, with only five seniors graduating. These girls want to get better and always willing to step up and run an event for the team. They have been a very easy and hardworking group to coach,” said coach Hanna.

Johnsonville softball looking to peak at end

By David Shelton • April 17, 2025
Johnsonville softball looking to peak at end By David Shelton Senior Writer Johnsonville – Sports is not so much about how you start but more about how you finish. Teams can slug along for most of the season, get hot at the end, and win a championship. The goal of every coach is for their team to be peaking when the games matter most. Johnsonville softball coach Walter Clark is no different. As of April 13, the Flashes were 6-8 overall but seemingly playing better each time out, according to Clark. “We’re doing pretty good, competing very well,” the coach said. “Sometimes its hard to gauge because of how good our region is. We literally could finish anywhere from second to sixth. Any of the six teams can beat another team on a given night. That’s a good thing because I think this region prepares you for the playoffs. We see good pitching every night and the teams are so well-coached. “We were in a different region last year and made the final four bracket of the Lower State. The other three teams were from this region and now we’re in it as well.” The region consists of Latta, Hannah-Pamplico, Lake View, Carver’s Bay and Green Sea Floyds. The Flashes have a win over Hannah-Pamplico and lost to region leader Latta by a run. After some experimenting, Clark feels he has settled on a lineup and that has helped the team perform better. He says defensive improvement has been a key as well. “Playing better defense has been a key of late,” the coach said. Junior Natalee Taylor is back as the team’s No. 1 pitcher and Clark says she has been more consistent this season. Senior Blair Coker is behind the plate and is a two-time all-state selection for Class A. Coker is one of the offensive leaders as well. She delivered a walk-off grand slam in a win over Green Sea Floyds earlier this season. Sophomore Mallory Prosser is playing first base and junior Allison Eaddy plays second base. Eighth-grader Claire Cook is playing shortstop and hitting leadoff while sophomore Payton Wall plays third base and has provided home run power this spring. The team’s other senior, Sadie Stone , starts in right field. She is joined by junior Brianna Lawrimore in center and junior Charley Tippett in left. Junior CJ Smith also has seen action in the outfield. “Our goal is to just keep improving and staying consistent,” Clark said. “We have a competitive group of girls and we just want to be peaking at the right time. I think this team can play with any team in the Lower State.” The baseball team also has sights set on a strong finish and extended playoff run. Second-year head coach Carson Carroll feels the Flashes are in a good place. “I think this team has gelled a little better. We have great leadership and it’s a competitive group. I really believe these guys enjoy each other and they are working hard for the same thing. Having talent is important but I don’t think you can underestimate chemistry.”  The Flashes were 10-4 overall and 7-2 in region 6-A play as of April 13. The Flashes are in the mix for a region title but teams like Latta and Lake View have proven to be strong as well. Senior Landyn Cribb and sophomore Jackson Eaddy have been among the top hitters in the state early on. Eaddy hit .655with 14 RBI early while Cribb is at .654 with seven RBIs. Sophomore Larkin Powell is hitting .464 and senior Cole Dennis is hitting .444 with nine RBIs. Junior Caden Jackson is hitting .346 with 10 RBIs and sophomore Gavin Marlowe is hitting .386 and is the No. 1 starter on the mound.

NMB softball competing well under new coach

By David Shelton • April 17, 2025
NMB softball competing well under new coach By David Shelton Senior Writer Little River – Though it has been a little bit of a roller coaster ride, the 2025 North Myrtle Beach High softball team is competing pretty well overall under new head coach Krystal Mante .  Entering play on April 14, the Lady Chiefs were 9-8 overall and 6-5 in region 6-AAAAA. They will be headed to the Class AAAAA Division II state playoffs in early May but have seven games remaining in the regular season. Mante likes the effort her team has given this spring and says the transition to a new coach has gone well. The coach has a handful of seniors that she relies on for team leadership, but also has a solid group of underclassmen that can build the foundation for the future. One of the key seniors is centerfielder Kiera Olson , who is hitting .395 with nine runs batted in this spring. Senior Nealy Lockner is one of two primary pitchers, posting a 1.91 earned run average over her first 40 innings. Two other seniors are outfielder Taylor Alberti and backup pitcher Kirali Altena . The other primary pitcher is junior Sierra Bendik , who has a 2.86 earned run average in 44 innings inside the circle. Also an outfielder, Bendik has 12 runs batted in. Junior shortstop Hadley Leonhardt is hitting .273 with eight RBIs and junior third baseman Izzy Bruno is hitting .325 this season. Behind the plate is junior Sadie Olson , who is hitting .393 with six RBIs through 17 games. Junior first baseman Lilly Carney is hitting .333 with a team-high 12 RBIs. Other juniors getting work in the outfield include Emma Bellamy and Chloe Butler , who also catches. Freshmen infielders Malread Olson and Katy Beth Currie round out the roster. The baseball team sits in good position to win a region title. As of April 13, the Chiefs are 12-4 overall and 9-2 in region 6-AAAAA. They hold a one-game lead on Carolina Forest and split two games with the Panthers. Despite losing four quality pitchers from last year, pitching has again been a strength this spring. Junior Gabriel Priest has a 1.04 earned run average in 32 innings of work. He has recorded five wins. Priest also has contributed at the plate with 13 RBIs. Junior shortstop Sawyer Smith has logged 24 innings on the mound, posting a 0.24 earned run average. “Both can pitch and pitch well,” coach Brian Alderson said. “We didn’t them as much last year but we need them to produce for us.” Jake Finch and Fisher Nichols also have been productive as pitchers. Offensively, senior catcher CJ Oxendine started slow but has picked up the pace of late. He is hitting .425 with 11 RBIs after 16 games. Second baseman Asa Board is hitting .318 and outfielder Brown Reaves is hitting .310 with a team-leading 16 RBIs. Kaden Lank is hitting .357 and Porter Anglin has eight RBIs. Sophomore Payton Gallup mans third base. Working in the outfield are Gabe Kuznik and Carter Helmicki. Other team members who will fill various roles include Fisher Nichols, Luke Breeden, Nate O’Connor, Noah Nance, Campbell Kingston, Trevor Mitchell, Andrew Muncy and Espen Thomas.

Abbeville comes off spring break focused on postseason

By David Shelton • April 17, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Abbeville – A spring break trip to Myrtle Beach helped the Abbeville High baseball team take a break from the regular season with plenty of sun and baseball. The Panthers used the trip to see different competition, from out-of-state, winning one of four games but competing well. Now it’s back to work in the regular season and the Panthers are looking forward to being a factor in the Class A state playoffs later this month. Abbeville sports an 11-4 overall record coming out of spring break, this after a 7-0 start. “Expectations are high,” coach Daniel Little said. “We have a chance to be in the hunt. This team will be good enough to compete with any team on the schedule, if we bring our best effort and attitude. We will face some major competition, especially in the playoffs, so we hope to be at our best in the end.” Many of this year’s starters are third-year starters and several are having a good season offensively through 15 games. One of the top returning leaders is catcher Ben Overholt , back for his third season in the lineup. He hit .324 with 11 RBI in the first 15 contests. Senior outfielder Lohen Nickles is setting the pace offensively, hitting .452 with 14 runs batted in. S enior leftfielder Dayne Botts is hitting .344 with nine RBI. Junior Grady Overholt is hitting .400 and senior Adam Beiler is hitting .355 with 16 RBI. Beiler also is one of the top pitchers with a 1.67 earned run average in 29 innings. Overholt also rates as one of the top pitchers. Trey Deason also has been solid on the mound while hitting .300 with 11 RBI. Staten Rice is hitting .308 with nine RBI and Easton Townsend is hitting .290 with 13 RBI. Jake Clemmons has posted a .312 batting average through 15 games. Abbeville’s softball team began the 2025 season with seven consecutive losses, then rebounded to win seven straight games heading into spring break. The Panthers will be headed for the state playoffs but where they finish in the region standings is yet to be determined. Handling most of the pitching this spring is Maddie Beiler , who also plays at third base. Mayson Ashley and Reese Jones also have been in the circle. Kaylee Bundrick has played shortstop and catcher this season with Audrey Graham also seeing time at both positions.  Bella Evans plays second base and Jocelyn Foster is at first base. Working in the outfield are Ella Atkins , Nadia Kimsey , Ny Jackson and Lillie Stone. Rylee Tiller is a utility player. The boys soccer team went 4-6 in their first 10 contests, winning two of their first six region matches. Senior Cameron Allen t allied 20 goals and four assists in those first 10 games. Junior Parker Henderson had six goals and seven assists while freshman Carter Oberholzer had six early goals. Sophomore Yenqui Ortiz chipped in four goals early on.

Third Ranked Barnwell Baseball Clinches Region 5-AA Title With Perfect 10-0 Record

By Staff Reports • April 17, 2025
Third Ranked Barnwell Baseball Clinches Region 5-AA Title With Perfect 10-0 Record From Staff Reports Barnwell —The third ranked Barnwell Warhorse baseball team (17-2, 10-0) has clinched the Region 5-AA baseball title with a perfect 10-0 record and now the team will spend the final two weeks of the regular season getting ready for the AA play-offs. Head coach Cody McCollum is a Barnwell graduate and he himself was once an outstanding player at the school. Barnwell has seven non-region games in a tune-up for post-season play. They are at Batesburg - Leesville on April, 14, host Saluda on the 16 th , travel to Bamberg - Ehrhardt on the 22 nd , before hosting Batesburg-Leesville on April. 23. The remaining games are against South Aiken away on the 28 th and then at home with South Aiken on the 30 th . The team concludes the regular season on May, 1 with a home game against Woodland. After 19 games, USC Aiken commit, and senior leader Cameron Austin is batting .476 with six home runs and 23 RBI’s along with 23 stolen bases. On the mound Austin is 4-1 with 28 and 2/3 innings of work. He is 4-1 with two saves with a .997 ERA and 46-K’s. Hayden Pierce is 5-0 on the hill with 32 K’s and a 2.75 ERA. Trey Boleman is 4-1 on the mound with 22 K’s and a 2.58 ERA. Freshman Case Davis has been used primarily as a closer and he is 1-0 with three saves with 24K’s a 1-0 ERA. Senior Bradley Richardson has been good on the mound also and he is 2-0 with one save and a 1.20 ERA. Other top hitters on the team include Davis who is at .458 with 25 runs scored and 22 stolen bases. Joe Huggins is at .435 and recently had a five-hit game at Edisto. Senior gold glove catcher Kaleb McCormack is bating .324 with 15 RBI’s, and Boleman is at .298 with 22 runs scored and 11 stolen bases.  Barnwell will certainly enjoy home field advantage when the play-offs start in early May and they appear to have hit, pitching, and good defense that often leads to state championships

Gaffney Baseball Facing Uphill Challenge To arn A Spot In AAAAA baseball Playoffs

By Staff Reports • April 17, 2025
Gaffney Baseball Facing Uphill Challenge To arn A Spot In AAAAA baseball Playoffs From Staff Reports Gaffney -—The Gaffney Indians baseball team went Spring break at 6-10 and 3-9 in the region and head coach Jef Mages is hoping the Indians can finish strong over the next two weeks and possibly earn a play-off berth. Entering the break the top hitters were Sylas Gilfillan at .353 with 9 RBI’s including three doubles and two home runs. Sam Smith was at .318 with five doubles. Jace Bradbury is at .296 with 8 RBI’s and two doubles. Ethan Harvey went into the break at .286 and Sam Carroll was at .273 with seven RBI’s and a double. N the mound Scout Gilfillain has been the work horse with 25.1 innings of date with 39 K’s. He has a very good 1.11 ERA. Sam Carroll is 2-2 on the hill with 20.1 innings of mound duty with 18-K’s. The third Gaffney pitcher of note is Brody Bright who in 22 innings of work has 25 K’s. In a big win over Spartanburg back on April, 1 Sam Caroll worked five innings on the mound giving up only two hits and striking out four to earn the win. Sylas Griffith earned a save in the win. At the plate against the Vikings, Sylas Gilfillan went 2-for3 and scored a run. Jace Bradbury was 2-for-four with an RBI. Veteran senior Braden Beattie had a double in the game. Sam Smith added a hit and one RBI and Sam Carroll had an RBI. Brady Smith had a hit and one RBI against the Vikings and Brody Bright collected a hit in the victory. In addition to their win over Spartanburg the Indians have victories over Chesnee (4-0), Blacksburg (13-2), York (8-1), Wade Hampton (5-3) and a huge win over Byrnes (12-2) on March, 19.  They begin a three game region series against Dorman on April, 14. A week later they start a three game region series with Boiling Springs before closing out he regular season with a three games series against Riverside starting on April, 28.

Lake View softball working on peaking in playoffs

By David Shelton • April 17, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Lake View – All six of the schools that play softball in region 6-A will qualify for the Class A Lower State playoffs. Seeding out of the final region standings will be important in terms of who each team competes with in district play but knowing you are in the postseason means coaches can focus on being at their best come playoff time. Region 6-A is easily the most competitive and balanced region in the state. After realignment by the South Carolina High School League for this season, the final four teams in the Lower State last season are now in region six. The region now is comprised of Hannah-Pamplico, Latta, Johnsonville, Lake View, Carver’s Bay and Green Sea Floyds . Lake View won the state title in 2021 and Hannah-Pamplico won the state title in 2023. Latta is also one of top programs in Class A. Lake View’s softball program has been a perennial contender in the Lower State and coach Brandy Huggins has a team this spring that should continue that trend. Despite losing two key seniors to graduation and a starting centerfielder to a knee injury in basketball, the 2025 team has enough talent and experience to be among the teams that have a chance in the Lower State. Lake View entered spring break with a 6-3 regular season record and a 2-3 record in region games. Depending on how they close out the season, Lake View could finish anywhere from second to sixth in the region standings. Lake View has region games remaining with Latta (Apr.23), Hannah-Pamplico (Apr. 29) and Carver’s Bay (May 1). They also play Dillon (Apr. 21) and Dillon Christian (Apr. 25) in non-region games. Huggins is in her 14 season as head coach and has led the program to 212 wins. While the lineup has several underclassmen, those players have experience. The two senior leaders this spring are pitcher Hollie Scott and outfielder Kaylynn Turner . Junior third baseman Kaleigh Blackmon has been a starter since the seventh-grade, along with Scott. “Hollie Scott and Kaleigh Blackmon both have been starters since the seventh-grade and having the most game experience on the team. Both girls have done a great job so far being leaders with our team and young players. Hollie will be in the circle most of the time, while Kaleigh will be still playing third. “We have a lot of leadership returning on the team this year. We are just working to get better each day at practice and each game we play. We are still trying to figure out what works for us this year due to graduating our seniors and losing one of starters to a knee injury.” Sophomore Chloe Cox is making the move from behind the plate to shortstop, but also could play centerfield. Freshman Hanna Coburn is assuming duties at catcher. Freshman Sarah Price and junior Haley Miller are getting some work inside the circle, though Scott gets most of the innings. Price will play some at second and in the outfield while Miller will play some at first and also as the designated player. Sophomore Maddison Strickland also plays first and DP while freshman Carleigh Matthews is working in the outfield. Madison Hunt and eighth-grader Sophia Rogers are getting work in the outfield. Seventh-grader Callie Smith is playing shortstop and seventh-grader Paisley Alford will play second and in the outfield. “We are still trying to figure out what works for us especially with using multiple pitchers. We have a lot of girls who can play multiple positions, so hopefully the more we are able to scrimmage and play we can figure out what works best behind each pitcher.” Rounding out the roster are seventh-graders Summer Hilburn (OF/C), Emalee Miller (2B), and Lilly Hatcher (3B); eighth-grader Brilee Schirra (OF) and sophomore Katina Genwright (1B/OF). Baseball Update Lake View’s baseball team opened the 2025 season with seven wins in their first eight outings and will once again be in the hunt for a region title. The Wild Gators have been led offensively by senior shortstop Kason Herlong , who hit .489 with a .566 on base average, five doubles, a homer, a triple and nine rims batted in. He also has scored 17 runs. Herlong has been solid on the mound as well, posting four early wins and two saves. He struck out 44 hitters and walked just four, posting a 0.78 earned run average. Braden Borders is hitting .372 and Seth Deese is at .333. Chris McGill is hitting .316 with 10 RBI, two homers and 12 walks. Senior Ian Capps is hitting ,314 with 12 RBI and Bryce King is hitting .288. Chase Price also has been effective on the mound, posting a 1.25 ERA with 44 strikeouts to only three walks.

SCISA BASEBALL TEAMS PREPARE FOR PLAYOFFS

By Gerald Doolittle • April 16, 2025
SCISA BASEBALL TEAMS PREPARE FOR PLAYOFFS By: Gerald Doolittle Goose Creek, S.C. – With spring break over for most SCISA schools the 2025 baseball season heads into the sprint for playoff seedings. Can Augusta Christian (4A), Hilton Head Christian (3A), Dorchester Academy (2A) and Richard Winn Academy (1A) defend their 2024 Titles? Can Cardinal Newman (4A), Pee Dee Academy (3A), Calhoun Academy (2A) and Holly Hill Academy (1A) make the finals again? At this writing the leading contenders for Class 4A are Pinewood Prep (16-2), First Baptist (12-4-1), Ben Lippen (7-2), Laurence Manning (6-1) and Hammond (6-2). The top five contenders in Class 3A are Hilton Head Prep (19-2), Orangeburg Prep (16-2), Oakbrook Prep (15-1 ), Calhoun Academy (15-6) and Pee Dee Academy (11-3). The top two contenders in Class 2A are King’s Academy (10-2) and Andrew Jackson Academy (9-5). Do not count Dorchester Academy and Thomas Heyward Academy out. Class 1A will be a battle between Jefferson Davis Academy (8-7), Holly Hill Academy (4-3), Richard Winn Academy (4-3), W.W. King Academy (5-5) and Wardlaw Academy (3-9). Some of the Class 4A offensive leaders are Luke Bohnsack of Northside Christian batting .538, Grady Fuller of Pinewood Prep batting .532, Matthew Bishop of Ben Lippen batting .529, Finley Taylor of Pinewood Prep batting .511. Other Class 4A leaders are Mason O’Cain of Ben Lippen batting .476, Grayson Crim of Northside Christian batting .455, Will Spotts of Northside Christian batting .435 and Sean Lee of Ben Lippen batting .400. Class 3A offensive leaders are Matty Lyle of Spartanburg Day batting .556, Sam Hatcher of Oakbrook Prep batting .514, Lavonte Henders of Spartanburg Day batting .471, Dallas Collins of Oakbrook Prep batting .438, Sumter Moorer of St. Johns Christian batting .425 and Sims Brunson of Patrick Henry batting .421. Other 3A leaders are Bryce Kinard of Colleton Prep batting .390, Brycen Moore of Greenwood Christian batting .390, Leland Reed of Greenwood Christian batting .381, Bryton Peeples of Patrick Henry batting .355, Greyson Martin of Colleton Prep batting .341 and Rylin Brunson of Patrick Henry batting .341. Class 2A and 1A offensive leaders are Colton Young of Thomas Heyward batting .571, Jack Walling of Andrew Jackson batting .489, Kaiden Kinard of Andrew Jackson batting .488, Colson Loadholt of Jefferson Davis batting .480, Hayden McClung of Andrew Jackson batting .417, Casen Buzhardt of W.W. King batting .400 and Charlie Bonds of Richard Winn batting .400.  Other 2A and 1A leaders are Greyson Rikard of W.W. King batting .389, Joshua Oswald of W.W. King batting .370, Bennett Nicholson of Richard Winn batting .360, Keeler Dineen of Beaufort Academy batting .350, Turner Burchell of Richard Winn Academy batting .333, Channing Terry of Andrew Jackson batting .333 and Dalten Martin of Thomas Heyward batting .333.

Barnwell Track Teams Busy Preparing For Upcoming Region Championship Meet

By Billy Baker • April 16, 2025
Barnwell Track Teams Busy Preparing For Upcoming Region Championship Meet By Billy G. Baker Publisher Barnwell —As the Barnwell boy’s and girl’s track team prepares for the upcoming region track meet 14- year coaching veteran Thomas Davis is focused on getting both teams ready for their best performances of the season. The region meet will be hosted at Whale Branch High on April, 30. “I've been the head track coach at Barnwell for the past 14 years, and it's been a rewarding experience watching our athletes grow and succeed,” said Coach Thomas. “Regarding the upcoming region meet, we are a young team, and while it will be challenging to win a region title, we are hopeful and will give it our best effort.” Some of the better times and performances turned in from Barnwell’s better track athletes this season include: Tavion Johnson has run a 21.75 in the 200 meters and he has jumped 22-5 in the long jump. . Kazeer Wesley has jumped over 20 feet in the long jump.  Damaijah Devoe , a football prospect at defensive back, has jumped over 21 feet in the broad jump. Ashley Barret has jumped over 15 feet in the long jump from the girl’s team. Johnson is the lone returning All-region champion from Barnwell last year. Johnson is a strong contender to place first in the region in both the 200 and the long jump events. The Barnwell boy’s 4x100 meter relay team has been clocked a time of 44.1. They have a chance to place at region and are represented by Wesley, Jayden Peoples , Jordan Peoples , and Johnson. The girls' 4x100 relay team has run a 52.4 and will be represented at the region meet by . Danasia Smoaks , Madeline Brown , Zachariah Devoe , and Zaniya Williams and they have a chance to finish at the top of the region in this event. Coach Thomas is pleased to have 38 girls and 33 boys as members of the 2025 track program at Barnwell High. “We have competed in meets at Calhoun County , Edisto , and Bamberg-Ehrhardt this season ,” said Coach Thomas . “ Our top three performers at these meets have been Tavion Johnson , Jordan Peoples , and Madeline Brown. “While no school records have been established this season so far, every time you enter competition the opportunity to establish new records at your school exists,” said Coach Thomas. Coach Thomas is assisted by Rokeem Williams .
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