Thomas Heyward volleyball aims for strong finish

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Ridgeland – Nearing the end of her second season as head coach, Thomas Heyward Academy volleyball coach Alicia Crosby has her 2024 team in a good place.

As the regular season winds down, the focus will turn to the upcoming SCISA state playoffs and the Rebels hope to make a postseason splash. As of Oct. 4, Thomas Heyward was 11-3 on the season.

“We look forward to a good showing at state,” Crosby says. “This team has a lot of fight and have worked hard in the offseason in the weightroom. We are faster and stronger.”

The volleyball program struggled to field a competitive varsity in recent years but it is rebuilding with good numbers from the middle school program to the varsity. Crosby oversees the middle school and junior varsity teams as well.

This year’s varsity roster has only two seniors – captains Brooke Smith and Natalie Amerson. Smith is a key middle blocker while Amerson is an outside hitter.

Sophomore Errolyn Smith also works in the middle and is a key performer, while junior Cayleigh Smith is an outside hitter.

Working at setter are sophomores Olivia Meador and Abaigail Kidwell. Junior Presley Ballagh is the Libero.

Rounding out the 2024 squad are junior Abby Rowell, junior Abigail Hansen, sophomore Cadence Graham, and sophomore Cayden Keiffer.

Football Update

Another team aiming for a strong playoff run in the football team. The Rebels won four of their first five games, losing only to Williamsburg Academy by two points.

The running game continues to excel offensively. Quarterback Tony O’banner has 681 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He averages 10.8 yards per carry. Colton Young has added nearly 200 yards and Nicholas Robinson is closing in on 300 yards after five games.

Eli McLemore is the team’s leading receiver with nine catches.

Linebacker Beau Pinckney leads a strong defensive team effort with 43 tackles and six tackles for loss. Angus Crider has tallied 32 tackles and Mitchell White has 36 total hits.

           Dawson Drew, Kelan Fripp and Josh Gibson also rate as key defensive performers.