Will the 2026 Football Recruiting Class In SC Exceed The 40 Major College Signees From the 2025 Class Signed Last Year?

Billy Baker • March 11, 2025

Thomas Heyward junior and multi sport athlete, Tony O'Banner.


  HSSR SC 2026 Rising Senior Top 50 List

(Nominate A Player: hsreport@aol.com) 


1. Desmond Green-Timberland-OL-6-5,333-

2. Tony O’Banner-Thomas Heyward- RB-Ath-6-1,215

3. Jayvon Gilmore-Gaffney—QB-6-5,200 Arkansas

4. Zyon Guiles-Carvers Bay-OL-6-4,295-4-star

5. Jaylen McGill-Mountain View Prep RB-5-11,190

6. J’Zavien Currence-South Pointe-DB-6-3, 205-SC

7. Carnell Warren-Bluffton-6-4,200-Va, Tech  

8. Julian Walker-Dutch Fork-DE-6-6,235-

8. Zay Robertson-Dillon-WR-6-0,165,4.4

10. Anthony Baxter-South Pointe-OL-6-3,330-SC

11. Scotland Dover-Gaffney-OL 6-5,305=App State 

12. Jaiden McDowell-Gaffney-RB-5-10,165

13. Tamarion Watkins-FS-Northwestern-6-3, 200

14. Jeremiah Favorite-Boiling Springs-CB-5-10,170

15. Caden Ramsey-Cross-WR-FS-6-5,200

16. Jamel Howze-Newberry-TE-6-3,215-SC

17. Tre Aiken-Clinton-OL-6-4,265

18. Tilden Tiley-Orangeburg Prep-TE-6-5,203

19. Jude Hall-Christ Church-WR-6-3,185-Duke

20. Kentavion Anderson-Dorman-FS-6-2,187-

21. Malcolm Gaston-North Augusta-OL-6-5,335

22.  Michael Boulware-Gray Collegaite-MLB-6-2, 205  

23. Amiri Acker-Crescent-WR-6-2,185

24. Jordan Avinger-Orangeburg-Wilkinson-LB-6-3,222

25. Terry Radford-Chester-DE-6-1, 230

26. Dallas Dotson-Dixie-QB-FS-6-3,175

27. Erhan Offing-Dutch Fork-QB-5-11,182

28. Amandre Wooden-Batesburg-Leesville-RB

29. Trevor Kalisz-Ashley Ridge-QB-5-11,215

30. Domanick Felton-Dillon-RB-5-8,170

31. Jeremiah Brown-Barnwell-RB-FS-5-11,170

32. Jachin Davis-Stratford-QB-6-1,185

33. Cam McMillon-South Pointe-QB-6-2,187  

34. Daniel Capeheart-Dillon-OLB-RB-6-1, 200

35. Terry Gordon-South Florence-ILB-5-11,225

36. Jordan Sullivan-JL Mann-LT-6-4,270

37. Kemori DeWeese-Summerville-WR-5-11,185

38. JT Williams-Summerville-OLB-6-0,195

39. Marcus Cann-Bamberg-Ehrhardt-DB-6-2,180

40. Cody Peterson-Ashley Ridge-OL-6-5,315

41. Kamyron Jones-Abbeville-OL-6-2, 275

42. Zyon Ratchford-Fqaffney-LB-6-4,200

43. Kaleb Simpkins-Strom Thurmond-DB-6-0,170

44 Quin Mahoney-Bishop England-QB-6-3,190

45.Jaylen Baylor-Abbeville-FS-DB-6-1,170

46. Lucas Tankersley-Travelers Rest-MLB-6-1, 205

47. Jordan Roseborough-Dutch Fork-OL-5-11, 215

48. Zach Balog-Bishop England-WR-6-0,170

49. Tylin Drakeford-Camden-5-9,165

50. Kenshon Speaks-Beaufort-OL-6-3, 295

51. Ryan Campbell-Fort Dorchester-RB-5-8,170

52. Brayden Williams-Saluda-RB-5-11,175

53. Jaylon Davis-Union County-OL-6-0,290

54. Harris Stone-Wando-QB-6-2,280

55. Jordan Strong-Lewisville-DB-5-8,160 

(45 more to be added in early summer)




Will the 2026 Football Recruiting Class In SC Exceed The 40 Major College Signees From the 2025 Class Signed Last Year?


By Billy G. Baker

Publisher


Moncks Corner—With the college football off-campus evaluation period starting in mid- April, and going through the end of May, it is a great time to look into the depth of the 2026 rising senior football class in the state of South Carolina and to also share some strong opinions about a bias (or lack of true knowledge) that continues to exist from out-of-state recruiting services putting out names of  young men in our state who need to be evaluated for potential scholarship opportunities.


First and foremost, we also pause to thank Mark Grainger and the fine folks who work at Modern Turf in Irmo and Rembert for sponsoring this recruiting page each month.


A year ago, about this same time, the HSSR, (nor anyone else) would have predicted that the state of South Carolina would have 40 prep football players in the Class of 2025 sign on with one of the 134 major colleges (FBS) playing football.


With the popularity of the transfer portal now working against high school seniors, it was quite impressive to see the state produce 40 major football prospects from one class. Could it happen again in 2026? We hope so, but we are cautiously optimistic.


With this issue the HSSR is releasing our “Top 50 SC HSSR 2026 Football Prospect List” (as of March, 15th) for the state of South Carolina.  Could 40 of these players be destined to major college football like they were a year ago? Please know that all 134 major football colleges across the nation are mailed a copy of this publication, in care of their football recruiting coordinators every month! We know this because we pay the postage to get this information to them.


Why are we cautiously optimistic? Well, we maintain that many national recruiting services are under valuing the talent level of prep football in the Palmetto State and we would like to know why? Despite the state producing 40 major college signees a year ago, and despite the fact the state of South Carolina has consistently produced an average of five home grown players being picked in the NFL draft each, year since the HSSR began keeping records in 1987 we maintain a bias exists and we will explain our argument with the facts.


If you google the 247 Sports recruiting web site right now and type in 247 Sports South Carolina 2026 football prospects you will see just 19 players listed for evaluation! If you do the same google search for the state of North Carolina you will find 44 players listed! (As of March, 15th). This trend also allows a greater number of North Carolina prep players to show up on Top 300 football lists put out by organizations like ESPN. The HSSR has long maintained that since we average at least five players selected in the NFL’s seven round draft from the state of South Carolina every year that any service putting out a Top 300 (there are between 260 and 265 college players selected in the NFL draft each year) we should have five Palmetto State 2026 players on this list but it rarely happens!


Let’s talk about one player in particular rated as the number two over-all player in the 2026 class in South Carolina, who is not on the 247 list (currently) or any national Top 300 list. Tony O’Banner (6-1, 211, & 4.59) is versatile athlete/RB/OLB at Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland, SC.  O’Banner came out of his junior season with 5,882 career rushing yards. averaging 10.6 yards a carry, and he has scored 85 touchdowns with one year left to play!


O’Banner, has been observed in action at least 10 different games by the HSSR since he “burst” on the scene literally, as an 8th grader. His two touchdowns “burst” of 52 and 48 yards against Williamsburg Academy in the state title game this past November documented a sub 4.6 forty. On one touchdown run he was virtually not touched wth11 players keyed on him at the snap of the ball. He made a “cut on a dime” at the line of scrimmage that was very difficult to make, and he ran straight down the field reminding me of the way George Rogers use to leave defenders behind when he won the Heisman at South Carolina back in the early 1980’s.  


In a recent face-to-face conversation with his adopted mother Alicia Crosby (head volleyball coach and respected teacher at the Thomas Heyward Academy) this information was shared with this reporter: “What I really like about Shane Beamer at South Carolina is that on the many occasions we have attended games at South Carolina he always greets Tony, and myself, by our names and he seems to have a sincere interest in Tony as a football player and a person,” said Ms. Crosby recently. “We have been to Clemson games and Tony is very familiar with the Clemson coaching staff also and they seem to have a sincere interest in Tony as well. We have also visited Wake Forest and they keep in touch with Tony also.


“If I had to guess which two major colleges are close to actually making an official offer to Tony it would be either Liberty or Duke and we have visited both schools a lot,” said Ms. Crosby. “Tony has a 3.5 GPA and academics are very important to him. His school work is our total focus, on most nights, during the school year. We appreciate very much the interest that both Liberty and Duke have shown in him, as well as the interest from Clemson, South Carolina and Wake Forest.”


Imagine how shocked I was, after talking with Ms. Crosby, to once again google Tony O’Banner and see that 247 Sports only listed Liberty as the only college showing interest in O’Banner! At the very least it should say South Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest, Liberty and Duke. (Agree or not?)


It will be a shame if O’Banner’s accomplishments on a football field the past four seasons does not earn him a spot on the 247 SC List for May evaluation. It makes me question just where they get their information from. It should make everyone in SC prep football circles concerned if this hard-working young man is not shown more respect in the recruiting process. O’Banner has great family support, and great support from his coaches and teammates. He has made a small community of Ridgeland S.C. very proud.


A young man from Orangeburg Prep name T. Riley (6-5, 205, 4,6) has really caught the attention of college football recruiters since the 2024 football season. This writer met T., and his father, at a baseball game at Orangeburg Prep last April.


Riley is a three-sport star at O-P playing football, basketball and baseball at a very high level.


Currently Riley has seven major college offers, and he is being recruited as a flex tight end. He holds current offers from Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Virginia, East Carolina, South Florida, Florida Atlantic and Liberty.


In basketball this past season he was the MVO of his region tournament. For the season he averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks a game. He joined the 1,000-point club with 10 game left in the season. By next season he will also join the 1,000-career rebound club. 


In baseball, T has started for OP in center field since the 8th grade and is also a left-handed pitcher. He batted .455 last yr with four home runs, 31 RBI’s, 8 doubles, and 4 triples.


In the class room T. Riley is a 4.0 student and he is the President of the junior class at his high school. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.


The HSSR has four Gaffney rising seniors in the HSSR 2026 Top 50 list. They are quarterback Jayvon Gilmore (6-5,200) who threw for 2,500 yards last year, Gilmore is a firm commitment to Arkansas. Scotland Dover (6-3, 300), an offensive tackle, has been committed to Appalachian State but with a coaching change Dover might be open to listening to other schools.


Then running back Jaiden McDowell (5-11, 185) is a top running back returning prospect who battled through injures his junior season. He returned for the play-offs and performed really well last season. The fourth member of the HSSR rising senior Top 50 list is linebacker Zyon Ratchford (6-4,200) and he was recently offered by Virginia Tech.


Then in the sophomore class you have big time Gaffney CB/WR Zion Dawkins (5-11, 180) getting interest from schools like Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and South Florida among others. 


Carvers Bay big time offensive lineman Zyon Guiles (6-4, 295) has scheduled a news conference at his school for Friday March, 21st to announce his choice of colleges. He is reportedly is down to a top five of South Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, Georgia and Florida.

Prior to the 2024 football season in SC Guiles attended the annual HSSR media day held at the University of South Carolina. At that time on his prospect form, he listed his top five as South Carolina, Tennessee, Clem son, NC State and Georgia.


Guiles has a direct blood line to the Geathers family in the Carvers Bay area ad he is big, fast, and can move the pile in front of him

While it is too early to forecast just how many Palmetto state 2026 players will sign on with one of the 134 major college football programs, after the 2025 season concludes, one thing for sure is that the HSSR top 10 group could all be destined for the NFL.


They are top rated Desmond Green, an offensive lineman from Timberland, the aforementioned O’Banner along with Gilmore of Gaffney.


The other seven include: 5. Jaylen McGill-Mountain View Prep RB-5-11,190, 6. J’Zavien Currence-South Pointe-DB-6-3, 205-SC, 7. Carnell Warren-Bluffton-6-4,200-Va, Tech, 8. Julian Walker-Dutch Fork-DE-6-6,235-, 9. Zay Robertson-Dillon-WR-6-0,165,4.4, and 10. Anthony Baxter-South Pointe-OL-6-3,330-SC.


Recruiting remains an inexact science but one fact is that you have to be evaluated before you can be offered, Let the evaluations begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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 .

SCISA SOFTBALL TEAMS SEEKING PLAYOFF SPOTS

By Gerald Doolittle • April 16, 2025
SCISA SOFTBALL TEAMS SEEKING PLAYOFF SPOTS  By: Gerald Doolittle Goose Creek, S.C. - With most schools returning from spring break SCISA softball teams will be working hard to clinch playoff spots for the 2025 season. Will Laurence Manning (4A), Pee Dee Academy (3A), Clarendon Hall (2A) and Jefferson Davis Academy (1A) defend their 2024 titles? Can Hammond (4A), Orangeburg Prep (3A), Colleton Prep (2A) and Cross Schools (1A) make another run for the title? At this writing the top contenders in Class 4A are Laurence Manning (14-2), First Baptist (5-1), Augusta Christian (6-4) and Hammond (6-3). The top contenders in Class 3A are Pee Dee Academy (13-1), Dillon Christian (12-4), Calhoun Academy (8-0), Orangeburg Prep (8-5) and Clarendon Hall (5-2). The top contenders in Class 2A are Dorchester Academy (9-1), Carolina Academy (4-1), Marlboro Academy (6-5) and King’s Academy (3-2). The top contenders in Class 1A are W.W. King Academy (6-0), Holly Hill Academy (8-2), Cross Schools (7-4), Richard Winn Academy (4-5) and Jefferson Davis Academy (4-6). Class 4A offensive leaders are Bailey Brown of Augusta Christian batting .778, Mckenzie Krebs of Augusta Christian batting .556, Claire Hamm and Avery Schwarz of Augusta Christian batting .500 and Lyra Pricklemeyer of Laurence Manning batting .500 . Other 4A leaders are Laini Kosinski and Marlee Black of Laurence Manning batting .479, Ava Miller of Hammond batting .476 and Gabby Heathcott and Ellie Heathcott of John Paul ll batting .462. Emory Glass of Augusta Christian is batting .429 and Kaylee Parmenter Avins of Laurence Manning batting .417 . Class 3A offensive leaders are Prestan Schurlknight of Orangeburg Prep batting .750, Anslea Aaron of Calhoun Academy batting .667, Hannah Iambrecht of Orangeburg Prep batting .619, Coker Carson of Calhoun Academy batting .619, Adalynne Fallaw of Calhoun Academy batting .577. Other 3A leaders are Mandy Wells of Clarendon Hall batting .571, Maggie Harrington of Clarendon Hall batting .500, Cailin Shirer of Calhoun Academy batting .478, Molly Andrews of Dillon Christian batting .463, Addison Nivens of Orangeburg Prep batting .444, Lauren Ballew of Orangeburg Prep batting .435, Lilli Shooter of Dillon Christian batting .429, Sherrilynn Shannon of Calhoun Academy and Brynli Brewer of Clarendon Hall batting .429. Class 2A and 1A leaders are Madelyn Roscoe of Marlboro Academy batting .667, Ryan Mayers of Cross Schools batting .667, Alaysia Hollings of Cross Schools batting .629, Ansley Nesbit of Lee Academy batting .553, Emery McClure of Dorchester Academy batting .543, Braylee Burke of Laurens Academy batting .517, Sydney Hollings of Cross Schools batting .516, Jameson Collins of Lee Academy batting .500 and Kate Leslie of Marlboro academy batting .500. Other 2A and 1A leaders are Lyla Owens of Dorchester Academy batting .483, Alyssa Grooms of Dorchester Academy batting .469, Lily Canady of Dorchester Academy batting .462, Savannah Hollings of Cross Schools batting .462, MacKenzie Runyans of Laurens Academy batting .448 and Morgan Bolding of Laurens Academy batting .421.

Spring sports hit final phase for Myrtle Beach athletes

By David Shelton • April 16, 2025
Spring sports hit final phase for Myrtle Beach athletes By David Shelton Senior Writer Myrtle Beach – With state playoff competition looming at the end of the month, the spring sports teams at Myrtle Beach High are aiming for a strong regular season finish. Myrtle Beach has entered the final phase of the region 6-AAAAA schedule and it is likely every team will have a postseason opportunity. Myrtle Beach is classified as a Division II team in AAAAA and will participate in those brackets if they qualify. The baseball team has lacked consistency in the regular season but has shown they can compete. The region is very strong with teams like St. James, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest and Conway. The Seahawks entered play on April 7 with a 6-10 overall record and a 3-6 mark in region play. Some of the top performers through16 games include sophomore Rand Thomas , who batted .351 with six runs batted in during that stretch. Junior Sinclair Bolick batted .306 in the first 16 games while senior Jacob Edwards hit .308 with six RBI. Senior Julian Neagles hit .296 with six RBI while senior Gibson Goodroe and sophomore Garrett Mays each had seven RBI early on. Bolick and senior Andy Wells have done most of the heavy lifting on the mound. Bolick has a 3.79 earned run average in 29 innings while Wells has a 1.62 ERA in 22 innings of work. Neagles also gets time on the mound with a 2.15 ERA in 15 innings of work. The softball team won four of its first 13 games with a 2-8 start in region play. Lilly Langway is pacing the team at the plate with a .486 average and eight RBI. Shianne Neagle is hitting .361 with seven RBI, and Trinity King batted .286 with six RBI through the first 12 games, Madison Ashmore is hitting ,306 with six RBI as well. The boys soccer team went 6-7 overall and 3-3 in region play heading into spring break. Senior Juan Rivera has been a key offensive player with 10 goals. Sophomore Yarin Bouskila scored three goals early and senior Matt Moreira had three assists. The girls soccer team has had some tough luck this season, losing four contests by one goal. The team was 2-7-1 overall and 1-4 in region play midway through the schedule.  Senior Hannah Weidner has been a leader this spring with four goals while postig 64 saves as the keeper. Senior Tia Boatwright leads the team in goals with six tallies while freshman Brooke Bary has five goals.

Andrew Jackson Academy Clinches Region Baseball Title With Win Over Beaufort Academy

By Billy Baker • April 16, 2025
Andrew Jackson Academy Clinches Region Baseball Title With Win Over Beaufort Academy By Billy G. Baker Publisher Ehrhardt —With their 10-0 win over Beaufort Academy at home on April, 10 the Andrew Jackson Academy Warriors baseball team earned a region championship while improving their record to 11-5, 4-0 on the season. Head coach Jason Mathys has seen vast improvement in the AJA baseball team that had not won a region game in the past two seasons, coming into the 2025 season. AJA did win a SCISA Class A baseball state title in 2022, with a win over Richard Winn in the finals when Mathys was an assistant coach. The play of a pair of 8 th graders, Channing Terry and Kaiden Kinard has helped the team have a successful 2025 season, along with the consistent play of senior leader Jack Walling. Channing Terry has worked 30 innings on the mound and he has 33 K’s with an ERA of 2.10 At the plate he has batted .321 with four RBI’s. Kinard, a first baseman, bats in the two-hole and he is currently hitting .467 with 19 RBI’s including five doubles and two triples.  Walling, a shortstop batting third, has been a very consistent hitter over the past three seasons and he leads the Warriors in hitting at .468 including 23 RBI’s, 9 doubles and a home run. “Walling can get hits when no one else can,” said Coach Mathys. “He is a very dedicated baseball player.” Walling has also seen 24 innings of mound duty with 27 K’s to his credit. Another key player has been senior lead-off batter Hayden McClung who started out the season as a catcher, but has recently moved to center field. McClung is batting.442 with 13 RBI’s. “Hayden is not afraid to play anywhere we need him,” said Coach Mathys. “He can play about anywhere on a baseball field. “He even came in the last inning to pitch against Beaufort Academy earlier in the season with our team up by one run when we had made three straight errors to help them load the bases. He had not pitched in three years and he got the batter to pop up for the third out, and get us out of a jam.” Junior Walker Terry is the DH who is hitting .292 with 13 RBI’s in the clean-up slot. Terry has also contributed on the mound with 15 K’s in 17 innings of work. Hall Sease is a solid glove at second base. Sophomore outfielder Eli Mathys bats in the 6 th hole, and he has 8 RBI’s along with one double. Hunter Tucker is a freshman who starts at catcher when Channing Terry pitches. Freshman Jaxson Brandt is having a very good season as an infielder and he is currently batting 333. Landon Johnson bats in the 5 th spot and in 11 innings on the mound he has 24 K’s. Other key reserves include senior pitcher/outfielder Hunter Zorn, senior spot starter Tim Willimas who has seen action in both left and right field, along with base running specialist Grayson Hays. Junior third baseman Conner Mount Brad Hightower round out the 16- member team. “One of my concerns is that we only have two non-region games left against Patrick Henry and Dorchester Academy in the regular season, and then we also have a very late Spring break that starts on April, 21,” said Coach Mathys. “I am concerned about how much quality practice time we can get in with our school on Spring break and many of our players, and their families, already having made Spring break plans before the season started. “We will have some voluntary practices but getting ready for the play-offs is a concern of mine,” said Coach Mathys. Coach Mathis is assisted by Kevin Kinard and Kip Terry .

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