Senior trio leads Holly Hill Academy girls into playoffs
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Holly Hill – Though she has tried to prepare for the coming day, Holly Hill Academy girls basketball coach Faye Hutson admits the final game in the career of seniors Morgan Cantley, Raven Hutson and Tressa Hutto will be an emotional event.
The trio have been a major part of the basketball program since the seventh-grade and together have started more games than anyone cares to count.
“It will definitely be an emotional time when they walk off the court for the final time here, for them and for me,” said Hutson. “Obviously with Raven being my daughter, it will be a tough time, but the other two are just like my daughters. The three have spent so much time together on and off the court. They are a close group of girls and they really have enjoyed playing together here.”
The leadership and production from the three has led Holly Hill Academy to a 16-1 record overall. The Lady Raiders have clinched the region championship, winning the first nine games with a game to play.
Cantley, a forward, and Hutto, a guard, lead the team in scoring at about 13 points per game each. Cantley also pulls down about 10 rebounds per game.
Hutson is the team’s point guard and floor leader, anchoring the defensive effort up top and distributing the ball offensively.
Holly Hill’s fourth senior starter is forward Brantley Easterling, who is in her second year with the program.
Junior Marissa Becker is the fifth starter and plays on the wing.
Hutson is working now to get the team into playoff mode as the state tournament begins in two weeks.
“We’re playing pretty well overall,” admits Hutson. “We hit a little lull a few weeks ago and we have ups and downs. Mentally I think we’re in the right frame of mind. Being in the playoffs is nothing new for this group but last year we got knocked out in the second round. This team is capable of doing better if we play to our potential.
“We had high expectations coming into the season. We felt good about our talent and experience. So far we have done a pretty good job of staying consistent and playing with intensity.”
The season has not been without plenty of adversity. Holly Hill has lost three players for the season to injury – two with torn ACL’s in the knee.
Junior Abby Winquest was a starting guard when she got hurt during a holiday tournament. Sophomore forward Hanna Easterling injured her knee before Christmas, and junior Emily Watkins suffered a broken nose and will not return.
Holly Hill is down to eight players.
“I’m a little concerned with the depth right now but we seem to have overcome the injuries now and have it figured out,” said Hutson. “We had to adjust some there for a while and I’d like to have a little more depth, but it is what it is. We can’t use that as an excuse.”
Contributing the minutes off the bench are junior guard Mayna Cason, sophomore guard Tressa Lawson and sophomore post Kayla Crider.
