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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.

Cougars to rely on leadership this spring

By David Shelton • March 28, 2025
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.

Laurence Manning Defeats Orangeburg Prep 8-2 In SCISA Baseball Action

By Billy Baker • March 28, 2025
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.

Beaufort baseball aiming for big season

By David Shelton • March 28, 2025
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 .

Barnwell Softball Focused On Deep Play-off Run In 2025 With A Good Blend of Talent

By Billy Baker • March 28, 2025
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.”

Chemistry, leadership strong with Ashley Hall soccer

By David Shelton • March 27, 2025
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.”

Chesterfield softball set to contend once again

By David Shelton • March 27, 2025
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.

Chapin baseball reloads

By Worthy Evans • March 27, 2025
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.”

Carvers Bay Starts Baseball Regular Season 0-2, But Coach Says They Have Good Potential Moving Forward

By Billy Baker • March 27, 2025
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 .

Andrews Nine Looking to Continue Success

By Neill Kirkpatrick • March 26, 2025
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.

The Andrew Jackson Academy Softball Team Focused On Winning

By Billy Baker • March 26, 2025
By Billy G. Baker Publisher Ehrhardt —The Andrew Jackson Academy girls’ softball team is headed up by first-year mentor Denise Duncan this season, and after four games of the 2025 season, the Lady Warriors are 2-2 with a focus on daily improvement. “After four games we have two games where we hit the ball well, and two games where we didn’t hit well,” said Coach Duncan. “We are still moving players around, and many positions are still being contested. “Our number one goal is to win,” said Coach Duncan. “Then we want our players to have good attitudes, with good team spirit, and show support for each other. We also want to have good sportsmanship at all times.” The team finished 4-14 a year ago but with the top three hitters all back this season the team should exceed the success of last year’s team. Their other win came over Orangeburg Christian . Their two losses were against Holly Hill Academy and Jefferson Davis Academy . In a recent 22-4 win over Thomas Heyward these three players paced the hitting attack. Sophomore all-region center fielder Carrigan Moore (played catcher as a freshman) had an inside the park home run and a double against the Rebels. Sophomore returning all-region performer McKinnley Beard had two triples against the Rebel’s and she also pitched well with three K’s. Senior right fielder Riley Roe , the team’s clean-up batter, also had several key hits against Thomas Heyward.” Carrigan, McKinnley and Riley are definitely our top three hitters thus far in the season,” said Coach Duncan. “McKinnley is our main pitcher and she can play in center when she is not in the circle,” Coach Duncan. “Carrigan is very fast in the outfield and she is our lead-off batter,” said Coach Duncan. “Last year she was all-region and she was also chosen to play in the all-star game after the season, but I think the bad weather cancelled the event,” said Coach Duncan. “Riley is a solid contact hitter who hits the ball very well.” Senior Sydney Crosby is a returner who starts at second base. Freshman shortstop Harlo Sease is back from last season and she rotates between shortstop and first base with sophomore Braelyn Hall . Senior catcher Ryleigh Trivette has been moved from first base to catching duties for her senior season. Sophomore Mary Grace Hiers is currently starting at third base. Senior Sam Stephens is a first-year starter in left field. Junior Alexandra Johnson is starting in left field. Sophomore Mariya Hiott can play numerous positions in the infield and outfields and junior reserve CJ Ulmer is mainly a right fielder. “It is hard to say what the strength of the team is right now,” said Coach Duncan. “Hopefully, our hitting that we experienced against Thomas Heyward will continue.” Coach Duncan is assisted by Monica Beard , Carmen Mixson and Bill Johnson .
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