Mullins basketball teams preparing for playoff run
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Mullins – Both of the Mullins High basketball teams are gearing up for what they hope will be extended runs in the class AA state playoffs but each has some unfinished business to take care of first.
There is no question that both the boys’ and girls’ teams from Mullins will be a part of the playoffs. The lone question that remains for both teams is what seed. Both will be able to decide their own fate on February 8th when they play region 8-AA foes Marion for the region title.
Mullins’ boys’ team has just one region loss this season, that coming two weeks ago to Marion, 50-45. The Auctioneers were ranked second in class AA at the time and that remains the only blemish to Mullins’ season, which includes 19 victories.
The veteran team is getting outstanding play from senior wing Darnell Coleman, who is making a strong bid for AA all-state honors this season. The 6-3 Coleman is averaging 17.8 points per game on the season, connecting on 29 three-pointers and converting 73-of-94 free throw opportunities.
Senior point guard Chris Harley is averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Senior Jonathan Jenkins contributes 8.8 points per game while sophomore Alex Brown adds 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest.
Another senior, 6-4 post Ty’re Constant, is scoring nearly seven points per game while grabbing 7.1 boards per contest.
The other seniors on this year’s team include Joseph Ceo, Rembert Timmons and Keivonte Walters.
Juniors include Darian Ceo, Earnell Legette, Tavon Swinton and Kameron Graham.
Rounding out the roster are freshman Kenny Fields, eighth-grader Bernard Jones and seventh-grader Jaleek Hamilton.
The Mullins girls’ team is 11-7 overall and 6-1 in region play. Their lone region loss came to Marion, 64-56. Mullins’ other six losses came to ranked teams Marlboro County (twice), Lake City (twice) and Myrtle Beach (twice).
Senior post Britaney Rowell is putting up huge numbers again, averaging 20.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game.
Junior forward Niesha Godfrey is averaging eight points, four boards and 2.7 steals per game while freshman guard Jaleah Lasane is averaging 7.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest.
Other seniors on the team include Janelle Brantley and Anisa Gilcrist. Juniors include Schawanna Page, Asha Brunson, Jaqueshia Wright and Precious White.
Rounding out the varsity roster are sophomores Kendra Legette and Tayla Strickland, freshmen Brianna Brantley, Kierra Platt and Cassie Phillips, and seventh-grader Britani McDonald.
