Indians play host to Pee Dee on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Manning - Laurence Manning hosted Hilton Head Christian in the SCISA baseball playoffs. Enjoy this sample of images, follow this link for the full gallery.

Elimination games in AAAA, AAA on Wednesday; Lee, Andrew Jackson, Jefferson Davis win series

Jackson Richardson's 3-run double leads to 4-run ninth

Powdersville senior pitcher Landon Fowler

Barnwell senior pitcher Jaidyn Devore

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Moncks Corner —With thanks to the web site “High School Football America’s Draft Tracker” the HSSR is very proud of the 8 young men who played high school football in the state of South Carolina who had their names called in the recent NFL draft, held in Green Bay Wisconsin. While we already knew the majority of these athletes drafted, based on watching the draft in real time, this wonderful “High School Football America’s Draft Tracker” allows us to verify which states had the most players drafted, and share our own feelings about how the state of South Carolina stacks up against the rest of the nation based on sheer population numbers among other factors. In the recent draft the top 10 states in players drafted from high schools in each state included: Texas (36), Florida (24), Georgia (22), California (15), Virginia (10), with Michigan , Alabama , and North Carolina next with 9 each, while South Carolina and Maryland closed out the nation’s top 10 states at 8 each. As someone who has followed the NFL draft closely for the past 40 years, this reporter was a bit surprised at some of the NFL numbers produced by states who use to average more drafted high school players, than they produced in the 2025 draft. For example, the state of Ohio, with a population of 11.88 million people had just seven home grown players drafted in 2025. Pennsylvania, with a population of 13.8 million people had just five former high school players drafted! The 8 players from South Carolina include three from the Gamecocks. They include former Irmo FS Nick Emmanwori , (pick 35 by Seatle), former Marion star DL T.J. Sanders (pick 41 by Buffalo), and former Conway stand-out Tonka Hemingway (pick 135 by Las Vegas). Former Hammond five-star rated DL Jordan Burch , who spent the past two seasons at Oregon, after starting his career with South Carolina was pick 78 by Arizona. Former Clover High WR and Virgina Tech player Jaylin Lane went to Washington with the 128 th pick. Louisville’s Quincey Riley, a CB who played at AC Flora was drafted by New Orleans with pick 131. Former Gaffney stud and Georgia DL Tyrion Ingram - Dawkins was chosen by Minnesota with pick 139. The 8 th and final player drafted from the state of South Carolina was former Rock Hill and current Alabama tight end Robbie Ouzts. Based on a per capita formula, factored mainly on population and number of high schools in each state fielding a varsity football team, the state of South Carolina must be considered one of the top states in the nation for producing NFL talent year-end and year-out. Let’s compare the bordering states of North and South Carolina to document real data. The state of North Carolina produced 9 NFL signees in the recent draft, one more than South Carolina. They have a population of 11 million people, with nearly 525 high school varsity football programs. (Both public and private schools) The state of South Carolina has a population of 5.4 million people with around 252 public and private varsity football programs in the Palmetto State. On this per capita formula one would have to give the edge to South Carolina is the actual production of NFL talent based on the criteria used. The aforementioned information is a key reason the HSSR continues to complain about the accuracy of national recruiting services, who put out lists, in advance of the upcoming May Evaluation football recruiting period. As of April, 27 th 247 Sports listed 15 2026 players from the state of North Carolina in their national Top 247 Player list while only listing three players from the state of South Carolina! If this does not confirm a bias towards the state of South Carolina we hardly know what would! The facts are the facts. Going back 40 years there has only been an average difference of around two players a year difference between the two states in prep players going on to be drafted in the NFL despite the fact the state of North Carolina has twice the population and twice the number of high schools playing football. If you currently have 15 players in their Top 247 from North Carolina, the state of South Carolina should have at least 12 players in the current 2026 class on their list based on real data over time! The three prep players listed from South Carolina include South Pointe FS J’Zavien Currence , committed to South Carolina and Dorman FS Kentavious Anderson , a hard lean-to Clemson, along with Dutch Fork DE Julian Walker who is uncommitted. Numerous players in South Carolina, with 10 or more major college offers did not make the national 247 list headed up by Timberland OL Desmond Green who will come into the May recruiting period with 21 major college offers. Finally, there are only 20 players from South Carolina currently listed on the 247 state-by-state list, despite the fact the Palmetto State had 40 players sign on with major college football programs in 2025! At the same time, 247 Sports lists 54 players on the North Carolina state-by-state list for May evaluation. Does this seem fair? Three months ago, the HSSR pointed out that six of the 80 players invited to participate in the Next Level Under Armour All-American game, for rising freshmen were from the state of South Carolina. This all-star game was played in Orlando, Florida and witnessed by numerous national scouting services, If the 2030 football class from South Carolina does not have five or six players on All National Top 300 list we should all throw up our hands and wonder who is behind a bias that is not properly promoting the talent level of high school football in South Carolina.

State championship series for each of the four classes set for May 12, 13, 15

Patriots will play host to Spartanburg Christian on Monday in AAA playoff opener

Both teams 9-1 heading into final region series of the year

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Golden Eagles play host to St. John's Christian in AAA playoff opener on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Holly Andrews leading the way for the Warriors

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Bamberg —The Class AA HSSR third ranked Barnwell Warhorses and the Class A Bamberg - Ehrhardt Raider baseball teams have both already won region titles, and they will both host four-team district play-offs in early May, so they met in a play-off tune-up game on Tuesday night with Barnwell winning 12-1. The two teams also met on April, 9 with Barnwell prevailing 3-0 in that game. Barnwell senior ace pitcher Cameron Austin, a five time all-region and four-time all-state honoree , improved his record to 5-2 on the season working five innings against the Raiders. Austin had six K’s and allowed only four hits. On the season, Austin has worked 39.1 innings with 58 K’s with a 1.23 ERA. The top hitters for Barnwell in the win were outfielder Tommy Reid with two hits, while Austin collected three RBI’s and scored two runs. Three players, Hayden Pierce, senior catcher Kaleb McCormack, and third baseman Trey Boleman , each had one hit and one RBI respectively . Carl Hines added a hit also. Bamberg was hampered by giving up 10 walks and four errors during the game. The Raiders were led at the plate by left-fielder Weston Stokes who went 2-of- three. He also saw late action on the mound. The team’s other two hits came from second baseman Dakota Black and center fielder Brent Amaker . The starting pitcher for B-E was Cooper Sandifer who worked 4.2 innings, giving up three hits with six K’s. After the game, Barnwell head coach Cody McCollum shared some thoughts with the HSSR. “We always have a good chance of winning with Cameron on the mound, especially when he is throwing strikes, and the guys are playing good defense behind him; and we are swinging the bats well,” said Coach McCollum, who played baseball at Barnwell where he graduated in 2012. “They walked a lot of guys tonight and that helped us too. “Winning the region was something I talked about with the boys at the beginning of the season because I felt like this team was good enough to go undefeated in the region,” said Coach McCollum. “We fell a little short last year, losing a region game to Edisto, and that stuck in the back of our heads, and this year our expectation was to go 10-0 in the region. “Our other internal goal is to win at least 20 games before the playoffs start and we are 18-4 right now, with four games left,” said Coach McCollum. “We need to win at least two more. We play Batesburg - Leesville tomorrow, (April, 23), South Aiken twice next week, and Woodland one more time. We are going to try hard to get two more wins.” Coach McCollum said that Austin, batting .468 with 26 RBI’s and six home runs, has played more third base, when not pitching this season. “Before I came back to Barnwell last year, I was at Hampton, and I had to coach against him, and I glad he is now on my team. He’s a very good player.” Coach McCollum said Barnwell has relied on Austin, and three other seniors for most of the load this season. “We have a sophomore and a freshman starting in the middle, and we have two sophomore starters in the outfield, and a junior started in center field tonight,” said Coach McCollum. “We are kind of young and old at the same time. “The other seniors are Kaleb McCormack , our catcher, who has improved his hitting this season along with and Trey Boleman who started at third tonight and Hayden Pierce was at first tonight, and he hit a double off the wall. Kaleb is a very good on defense behind the plate and we feel good about him, behind the plate, regardless of who is pitching.” Case Davis is a freshman starting shortstop with a .411 batting average. Pierce is at .390 and McCormick is at .289 with 16 RBI’s and a .999 fielding percentage. Joe Huggins is the DH and he is hitting .367. Sophomore Dakota Black starts at second. Tommy Reid is a junior center fielder currently batting .333.  Vincent Gibson is a sophomore in the outfield for Barnwell. Jax Mead is a sophomore starting at second base. Caiden Roland is the sophomore starting right fielder. Some additional Barnwell pitching depth has come from, Pierce (5-0, 35 K’s, ERA 2.54), along with Bradley Richardson (2-0, 9 K’s), Boleman (26-K’s) and Davis (24 K’s with a 1.07 ERA). After the game, Bamberg Ehrhardt (8-6) head coach Gene Schwarting told the HSSR, “We have three 8 graders who start for us, two 9 th graders, one sophomore, a junior and two seniors so for the most part we are a young team,” said Coach Schwarting. “Our two seniors, Weston Stokes and Brent Amaker are co-captains” Stokes is the team’s number one pitcher. Stokes started in left against Barnwell and batted lead-off. Amaker started in center and batted third. Nasi Singleton, an 8 th grader , will typically start in the outfield and Garrett Wade usually starts at third base. Chip Brewer, or Stokes, will start at short and Dakota Black is at second while 8 th grader Chase Collins holds down first. Asiel Graham is usually the starting B-E catcher, backed up by Davis Ehrhardt . Singleton is the top hitter for the Raider at .477 and 8 RBI’s. Stokes is at .410 and 12 RBI’s. Black is third on the hit index at .333 and 15 RBI’s. Other top hitters include: Amaker (.317 with 17 RBI’s & a HR), Wade (.306 & 10 RBI’s) along with Cooper Sandifer (.300 & five RBI’s). Stokes has 26 innings pitched with 48 K’s. Sandifer has worked 22.1 innings on the mound with 38 K’s, and Brewer has 14 innings pitched to date with 25 K’s. “In terms of our pitching this season, it has been pretty good, but at times it has also been like a roller- coaster,” said Coach Schwarting. “We will pitch well one game, and not so well the next game. We also need to improve on our timely hitting before we start the play-offs also. “The other night we lost to Orangeburg Prep 6-3, and we left the bases loaded in the second, third, fourth and 5 th innings,” said Coach Schwarting. “”We have to get stronger in our hitting, up and down the line-up, one through nine. “Our pitching has been outstanding, our defense has been solid, and we just need to do a much better job getting hits with runners on base,” said Coach Schwarting, a Bamberg-Ehrhardt graduate now in his 7 th season as the Raiders head coach.

These players are some of the best talent South Carolina has on the softball diamond. Since the switch to fast pitch ball, student athletes playing softball are stepping up to the next level play. We salute these ladies and wish them all the best in the future. (Coaches please Nominate your Players at hsreport@aol.com ) HSSR 2025 SC Senor Softball Prospects 1. Ainsley Bennett-Summerville-P- SC (2 Time Gatorade POY) 2. Maddie Johnson-Aynor-RHP-67 MPH-CLEMSON 3. Sarah Rocheleau-Catawba Ridge-OF-(All-State) CLEMSON 4. Mandy Wells-Clarendon Hall-SS (35 Career HR/.531 career) 5. Melanie Edwards-Summerville-1B- (All-State) UNC-C 6. Ellanie Yarrell-Byrnes-P-C-(’24 R-POY) SC State 7. Abby Driscoll-Summerville-C-(All-State) C of C 8. Jaidyn Devore-Barnwell-P-(538 Career K’s)-HOWARD 9. Maddie Wiant-Byrnes-P-(Mid 60’s)-Winthrop 10. Addison Miller-Oceanside Collegiate-3B—(.468, 30-RBI) TOWSON 11. Maddie Berry-Latta-P-(All-State-65 MPH) Wofford 12. Cierra Grice-Dillon -3B/C-(3X All-State)-PC 13. Kaylee Hannon-Byrnes-P-1B-(5 Yr. Starter) Winthrop 14. Sydney Rollins-Lewisville-CF 15. Larosia Sanders-Colleton County-P/SS-SC State 16. Maddox Long-Gray Collegiate-P/3rd- 17. Peyton Perry-South Florence-P-COKER 18. Laila Landrum-Woodmont-CF/P-USC Upstate 19. Cassidy Neves-Woodmont-OF-(L-L)-USC Aiken 20. Lauren Childress-Woodmont-1B-SMC 21. Kara Davis-Byrnes-CF (L-L) (2X All-Region) Anderson 22. Brooklyn Amble-Byrnes-LF-(All-Region) North Greenville 23. Madison Thieke-Riverside-OF-(.442)-Wofford 24, Ella Sheorn-Lugoff-Elgin-1B-OF- 25. Calli Yount-Clarendon Hall-P 26. Ariana Evans-Sumter-CF- 27. Grace Terry-Oceanside Collegiate-UTIL-(.382/35RBI)COKER 28 Allie Simpson-Dixie-1B-(22 RBI) 29. Grace Terry-Oceanside Collegiate-C-(.382/35 RBI) COKER 30. Carter Shumate-Hartsville-1B-(Academics-SC) .584/24 RBI 31. Laila Landrum-Woodmont-RHP-OF- 32. Jenna Cecere-Mauldin-OF 33. Jaysha McCullough-Hartsville-OF-(current/.622) 34. Jaylin McGee-Easley-RHP 35. Hannah Andrews-Fox Creek-CF (.459,25 RBI) Columbia 36. Blair Elliott-GSF-C- 37. Maggie Harrington-Clarendon Hall-CF 38. Jasmine Grant-Fox Creek-1B-(.351) Lander 39. Hannah Andrews-Fox Creek-CF- (.459/25RBI) 40. 34. Addyson Snellings-Fox Creek-RHP 41. Sydney Rhodes-Sumter-RF- .451 42. Jordyn Miller-Lewisville-C-(.425/4 HR) 43, Alainia Brown-Aynor-SS-LANDERR 44. Ruby Powell-Ridge-Spring-Monetta-C-(.431/18 RBI) 45. Dacey Phillips-Gaffney-1B/3B-North Greenville 46. Claire Eskridge-Pee Dee Academy—OF- 47. Hollie Scott-Lake View-1B-(.403-All-Region) 48. Jaden Jones-Hannah-Pamplico-SS- 49. Riley Rabon-Aynor-C-ERSKINE 50. Hannah Lewis-Aynor-C-ERSKINE Best Of The Rest In 2025 SC Softball Class (No Particular Order) Caroline Gaskins-Aynor-OF-BELMONT ABBEY Savannah Gerald-Aynor-1B-Columbia Inter. Allie Bailey-Hartsville-P-(12-4/2.51/ERA) Brooklyn Moon-Berkeley-C-Chatt St. Reese Watson-Berkeley P— Madison House-Spartanburg-Utiity Lillian Fowler-Dorman-SS Holly Carnes-Branchville-P Janiyah Squire-Ninety-Six-P Emma Timmons-Buford-SS/2B Caroline Plyer-Buford-/B/P (8th grade) Maya Van Zyl-Blythewood-C Emma Timmons-Buford-SS/2B Maya Van Zyl-Blythewood-C HSSR SC Class of 2026 Softball Prospects (Jr.) 1. Caroline Davis-Union County-3B (467 9 HR) 2. Katie Guilliam-Summerville-SS- (.463, 5 HR) MISSOURI 3. Olivia Miller-Indian Land-P-SC (12-4,88-K’s) 4. Myah Harvey-Hartsville-SS-(.583/5/HR) WOFFORD 5. Prestan Schurlknight-Orangeburg-Prep-SS (.756/9HR) Lander 6. Alivia Hess-Aynor-P-(10-1/.48 ERA) Tenn Martin 7. Daphne Frady-Summerville-2B/3B-(.442/14 RBI) 8 Memory Melton-Byrnes-RF-(L-R) Strong Arm 9 Sarah Owens-Lewisville-P-(195 K’s, 1.64 ERA) 10. Korbyn Lydia-Gaffney-SS- (All-State)-USC Upstate 11. Kadence Poston-Hannah-Pamplico-P-WESTERN Car. 12.. Maddie Coward-Pee Dee Academy-P- Wofford 13. Maddie Hutto-Bamberg-Ehrhardt-P-(62-plus) 14. Logan Thomas-Indian Land-C-USC Aiken (.378/4HR) 15. Maliyah Campbell-Woodmont-P/DP-SC State 16. Frances Laughlin-Heathwood Hall-IF/OF-WOFFORD 17. Hailey Carguile-Woodmont-C-USC Union 18. Brooklyn Holmes-Colleton County-IF/CF (.651) 19. Natalie Regan-Riverside-OF-Western Carolina 20. Allie Royer-White Knoll-CF-North Greenville 21. Levi Warran-Lexington-OF- (.500-plus) 22. Emily Geddes-North Augusta-2B-SS-(.357/4HR) 23. Emerson Riddle-Dixie-C-(.630/27RBI) 24. Ariana Evans-Sumter-CF-2024-All-State 25. Addison Price-Dixie-SS-(.448/24 RBI) 26. Hannah Lambrecht-Orangeburg Prep – C 27. Garner Lanford-AC Flora-P/OF-(.463) 28. Hanah Lambrecht-Orangeburg Prep-INF-(.619/14RBI) 29. MaKenzie McElrath-Dixie-P –(All-State) 30. Maliyah Campbell-Woodmont-RHP (10-4) 31. Kylie Wilson-TL Hanna-Catcher 32. Dallas LaChance-Woodland-SS- 33. Saddie Parris-C-Boiling Springs HSSR 2026 Junior Class Best Of The Rest (No Certain Order) Maria Sialmas-Hillcrest-Catcher Kylee Hooker-Wagner-Salley-Pitcher Jadin Dandy-Travelers Rest-CF-All-State Elle Lockhard-Dreher-C (.469) Elena Mathys-Colleton Prep-P-(All-State) Hope Fowler-Greenville-Utility Kinley West-C-Byrnes Mackenzie Bradley-White Knoll-C- Kenzie McCoy-Loris-OF Mia Roseburg-Oceanside- P/SS Annie Storm-AC Flora-CF-(.372) Eryn Wright-Spring Valley-OF/SS-(2027) HSSR Class of 2027 Softball Prospects (Sophomores) 1. Aspen Boulware-Gray Collegiate-INF-(.651 / 40 RBI) 2. Kensley Vicars-Powdersville-INF- (.444 / 27 RBI) 3. Ayla Holmes-North Augusta-C-3B-1B-(.486 / 19 RBI) 4. Addy Waters-Byrnes-2B/SS-2 Yr. Starter 5. Emma Williams-TL Hanna- P-OF 6. Lillie Ivey-Sumter-P-(8-3,1,79ERA) 7. Maddie Loftis-TL Hanna-OF 8. Bailey Ardis-Sumter-C/OF- 9. Key-Lee Jennings-Union County-CF-(.382 / 15 RBI) 10. Summer Knight-Summerville-OF- 11. Taylor Wright-Holly Hill Academy- P (.531 / 20 RBI) 12. Madalyn Tigert-North Augusta 13. Laney Grubbs-Barnwell-P- 14. Mackenzie Melton-North Central-P 15. Kenleigh Epps-Whitmire-P 16. Riley Murphy-Indian Land-OF 17. Brynley Gaa-Legion Collegiate-P-1B 18. Brylie Harpe-Chesterfield-2B- 19. Addison Skipper-Marlboro County-SS-3B top 3 20. Azeleigh Arnette-Pee Dee Academy-2B- HSSR Class of 2028 Softball Prospects (Freshmen) includes Classes of 2029 -2030 (Note: If grade not noted they are 9 th ) 1. Addison Sharp-TL Hanna-RHP-246 K’s, 1.92 ERA 2. Maeven Morino-Summerville-2B-(.447/16RBI) 3. Kinsley Terrapin-Barnwell-SS/P-(.577) 7 th Grade 4. Maeven Moreno-Summerville-Utility- 5. Anna Grace Lee-Union County-RHP-17-3, 220 K’s 6. Tori Smith-Andrew-SS/P (.524) 7. Hanna Davis-TL Hanna-1B- 8. Addison Woodward-Fox Creek-Catcher 9. Garrison Aiken-Byrnes-SS/C/2B - 7th Grade 10. Wren Gaines-Byrnes-C- 8th Grade 11. Shalayah Badger-Barnwell-SS/P/C-(.500) 7th Grade 12. Mindy Veler-White Knoll-OF - 8 th Grade 13. Hanna Coburn-Lake View-2B-(.338/9 RBI) 14. Peyton Summers-Dixie-2B-(.486) 15. Stella Eichhorn-Ware Shoals-P-SS-(.619/16RBI) 16. McKenzi Pearson-Sumter-C-(arm) 17. Pressli Reynolds-AC Flora-P/SS-(.404,6-1) 18. Reece Yelton-Williston-Elko-OF 19. Addison Hasty-Pee Dee Academy-SS- 8th Grade 20. Cayden Crawford-May River-P-(51-K,5-1) 21. Bre Gerad-Colleton County-P/3B- 8th Grade 22. Gracyn Waiksnis-Indian Land-2B-(.395/9SB) 23. Kylie Powell-Powdersville-P-(R-R) 24. Calee Hartzog - Orangeburg Prep - 8th Grade (IF) 25. Josie Mitchum-Woodland-Util.-(.500)

Joshua Smith, Fra'Jon Bennett, Jernee Ford have had strong performances

Lady Saints going after fourth straight state title

Lady Generals have had to do battle with Calhoun, Clarendon Hall and Orangeburg Prep

Bulldogs, Lancaster, York all within 1 1/2 games of each other

Lady Barons have just one senior and one junior on the roster

Bears 11-9 on the season and 5-4 in Region 1-AAA

Raiders being led by senior Colson Loadholt

Indians has won 22 of first 25 games

Monarchs have earned berth in state playoffs

Teams hoping to make playoff runs in May

By: Gerald Doolittle Contributing Writer Johnston, S.C.- Going into spring break the Wardlaw Academy Lady Patriots coached by Mark Rodgers are still in the running for SCISA Region 3 -A regular season softball title. After the break the Lady Patriots still have two games against the undefeated W.W. King Academy Lady Knights . A sweep of these two games would give the Lady Patriots a 3-1 record in region games. That would give Wardlaw the regular season region title. The Lady Patriots overall record is 4-7. Brianna McNeill (jr) and Taylor Hill (jr) are the top two offensive players. McNeill is batting .500 with 14 RBIs, 20 hits, 17 runs scored, 1 home run and 4 stolen bases. Hill is batting .425 with 12 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Kya McCormick (sr), Bailey Sturkie (jr) and Gracie Kelley (jr) is the next tier of offensive leaders. McCormick is batting .353 with 12 RBIs, 12 hits and 12 runs scored. Sturkie is batting .351 with 8 RBIs, 13 hits and 5 runs scored. Kelley is batting .320 with 10 RBIs, 8 hits and 4 runs scored. Rounding out the remaining Lady Patriots roster are Hailey Holmes (sr), Rese Pruett (sr), Olyvia Wall (so), Katherine Trotter (jr), Brilee Brazell, Trinity Santiago (fr), Hannah Kelley (fr), Ellie Yonce (7 th ) and Liz Parks (sr). This group has a combined 40 hits, 43 runs scored, 21 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.  Coach Rodgers is working hard in getting the Lady Patriots ready for a good seed in the playoffs.

HSSR 2025 - South Carolina's Top Softball Prospects. After the paper went to press on April 14th, we got 30 nomination forms. This list reflects the latest updates and numersous players have been added. (Coaches Are Asked To Nominate Players at hsreport@aol.com ) HSSR Class of 2025 - Senior Softball Prospects 1. Ainsley Bennett-Summerville-P- SC (2 Time Gatorade POY) 2. Maddie Johnson-Aynor-RHP-67 MPH-CLEMSON 3. Sarah Rocheleau-Catawba Ridge-OF-(All-State) CLEMSON 4. Mandy Wells-Clarendon Hall-SS (35 Career HR/.531 career) 5. Melanie Edwards-Summerville-1B- (All-State) UNC-C 6. Ellanie Yarrell-Byrnes-P-C-(’24 R-POY) SC State 7. Abby Driscoll-Summerville-C-(All-State) C of C 8. Jaidyn Devore-Barnwell-P-(538 Career K’s)-HOWARD 9. Maddie Wiant-Byrnes-P-(Mid 60’s)-Winthrop 10. Addison Miller-Oceanside Collegiate-3B—(.468, 30-RBI) TOWSON 11. Maddie Berry-Latta-P-(All-State-65 MPH) Wofford 12. Cierra Grice-Dillon -3B/C-(3X All-State)-PC 13. Kaylee Hannon-Byrnes-P-1B-(5 Yr. Starter) Winthrop 14. Jordyn Miller-Lewisville-C-(.425/25RBI)-LIMESTONE 15. Larosia Sanders-Colleton County-P/SS-SC State 16. Maddox Long-Gray Collegiate-P/3rd- 17. Laini Kosinski-Laurence Manning-P (5-0,1.97 ERA) FRANCES MARION 18. Peyton Perry-South Florence-P-COKER 19. Kaylee Parmenter-Avins-Laurence Manning-P-(7-1,1.79 ERA) 20. Laila Landrum-Woodmont-CF/P-USC Upstate 21. Cassidy Neves-Woodmont-OF-(L-L)-USC Aiken 22. Lauren Childress-Woodmont-1B-SMC 23. Kara Davis-Byrnes-CF (L-L) (2X All-Region) Anderson 24. Brooklyn Amble-Byrnes-LF-(All-Region) North Greenville 25. Madison Thieke-Riverside-OF-(.442)-Wofford 26. Ella Sheorn-Lugoff-Elgin-1B-OF- 27. Calli Yount-Clarendon Hall-P 28. Ariana Evans-Sumter-CF- 29. Grace Terry-Oceanside Collegiate-UTIL-(.382/35RBI)COKER 30.Allie Simpson-Dixie-1B-(22 RBI) 31. Grace Terry-Oceanside Collegiate-C-(.382/35 RBI) COKER 32. Carter Shumate-Hartsville-1B-(Academics-SC) .584/24 RBI 33. Laila Landrum-Woodmont-RHP-OF- 34. Jenna Cecere-Mauldin-OF- 35. Jaysha McCullough-Hartsville-OF-(current/.622) 36. Jaylin McGee-Easley-RHP - 37. Hannah Andrews-Fox Creek-CF (.459,25 RBI) Columbia 38. Blair Elliott-GSF-C- 39. Maggie Harrington-Clarendon Hall-CF 40. Addyson Snellings-Fox Creek-RHP (10 wins) 41. Jasmine Grant-Fox Creek-1B-(.351) Lander 42. Hannah Andrews-Fox Creek-CF- (.459/25RBI) 43. Caroline Gaskins-Aynor-OF-(.419)-Belmont Abbey 44. Ashton Giet-Fort Dorchester-C/1B-(.550/5HR) 45. Alainia Brown-Aynor-SS-(.330/12RBI)-Lander 46. Remy Sheriff-Crescent-OF-(.587/32RBI) 47. Dacey Phillips-Gaffney-1B/3B-North Greenville 48. Addyson Carlisle-Laurens-OF-(.448, 10 RBI) 49. Sydney Rhodes-Sumter-RF- .451 50. Abby McManus-Lamar-P-(78IP-132 K’s) 51. Alainia Brown-Aynor-SS-LANDERR 52. Ruby Powell-Ridge-Spring-Monetta-C-(.431/18 RBI) 53. Tiera Arnold-Barnwell-1B-JOHNSON C SMITH 54. Claire Eskridge-Pee Dee Academy—OF- 55. Hollie Scott-Lake View-1B-(.403-All-Region) 56. Olivia Huck-Laurens Academy-P-(.469/125-K) 57. Jaden Jones-Hannah-Pamplico-SS- 58. Riley Rabon-Aynor-C-ERSKINE 59. Emma Evans-BHP-SS- 60. Hannah Lewis-Aynor-C-ERSKINE 61. Riley Rabon-Aynor-2B-Erskine Best Of The Rest In 2025 SC Softball Class - (No Particular Order) Caroline Gaskins-Aynor-OF-BELMONT ABBEY Savannah Gerald-Aynor-1B-Columbia Inter. Allie Bailey-Hartsville-P-(12-4/2.51/ERA) Brooklyn Moon-Berkeley-C-Chatt St. Reese Watson-Berkeley P— Laken Lewis-Union County-C- (.343/130 Innings) Madison House-Spartanburg-Utiity Lillian Fowler-Dorman-SS Holly Carnes-Branchville-P Janiyah Squire-Ninety-Six-P Emma Timmons-Buford-SS/2B Caroline Plyer-Buford-/B/P Maya Van Zyl-Blythewood-C Emma Timmons-Buford-SS/2B Maya Van Zyl-Blythewood-C Lily Beasley-McBee-SS HSSR SC 2026 Softball Prospects (Jr.) 2026. 1. Caroline Davis-Union County-3B (467 9 HR) 2. Katie Guilliam-Summerville-SS- (.463, 5 HR) MISSOURI 3. Olivia Miller-Indian Land-P-SC (12-4,88-K’s) 4. Myah Harvey-Hartsville-SS-(.583/5/HR) WOFFORD 5. Prestan Schurlknight-Orangeburg-Prep-SS (.756/9HR) Lander 6. Lyza Pricklemeyer-Laurence Manning-CF/1B-(.500/15RBI) 7. Maddie Coward-Pee Dee Academy-P- Wofford 8. Alivia Hess-Aynor-P-(10-1/.48 ERA) Tenn Martin 9. Daphne Frady-Summerville-2B/3B-(.442/14 RBI) 10. Memory Melton-Byrnes-RF-(L-R) Strong Arm 11. Sarah Owens-Lewisville-P-(195 K’s, 1.64 ERA)-WINTHORP 12. Korbyn Lydia-Gaffney-SS- (All-State)-USC Upstate 13. Kadence Poston-Hannah-Pamplico-P-WESTERN Car. 14. Maddie Hutto-Bamberg-Ehrhardt-P-(62-plus) 15. Logan Thomas-Indian Land-C-USC Aiken (.378/4HR) 16. Maliyah Campbell-Woodmont-P/DP-SC State 17. Frances Laughlin-Heathwood Hall-IF/OF-WOFFORD 18. Hailey Carguile-Woodmont-C-USC Union 19. Brooklyn Holmes-Colleton County-IF/CF (.651) 20. Natalie Regan-Riverside-OF-Western Carolina 21. Allie Royer-White Knoll-CF-North Greenville 22. Levi Warran-Lexington-OF- (.500-plus) 23. Emily Geddes-North Augusta-2B-SS-(.357/4HR) 24. Emerson Riddle-Dixie-C-(.630/27RBI) 25. Ariana Evans-Sumter-CF-2024-All-State 26. Ashley Rae Hodge-Laurence Manning-SS-(.383/ 18 RBI) 27. Addison Price-Dixie-SS-(.448/24 RBI) 28. Topenga Ethridge-Crescent-C-(.510/15SB) 29. Hannah Lambrecht-Orangeburg Prep – C(.619/14RBI) 30. Garner Lanford-AC Flora-P/OF-(.463) 31. Marlee Black-Laurence Manning-OF-(.479/9 RBI) 32. MaKenzie McElrath-Dixie-P –(All-State) 33. Maliyah Campbell-Woodmont-RHP (10-4) 34. Kylie Wilson-TL Hanna-Catcher 35. Dallas LaChance-Woodland-SS- 36. Mia Roseburg-Oceanside- P/SS-(1.8 ERA) 37. Saddie Parris-C-Boiling Springs 38. Leah Nettles-Pee Dee Academy-C- 39. Nadio Lorenzano-Ft. Dorchester-SS-(.419) HSSR 2026 Junior Best Of The Rest - (No Certain Order) Maria Sialmas-Hillcrest-Catcher Kylee Hooker-Wagner-Salley-Pitcher Jadin Dandy-Travelers Rest-CF-All-State Elle Lockhard-Dreher-C (.469) Elena Mathys-Colleton Prep-P-(All-State) Hope Fowler-Greenville-Utility Kinley West-C-Byrnes Mackenzie Bradley-White Knoll-C- Kenzie McCoy-Loris-OF Annie Storm-AC Flora-CF-(.372) Eryn Wright-Spring Valley-OF/SS HSSR 2027 Softball Prospects (Soph) 1. Aspen Boulware-Gray Collegiate-INF-(.651/40 RBI) 2. Kensley Vicars-Powdersville-INF- (.444/27 RBI) 3. Ayla Holmes-North Augusta-C-3B-1B-(.486/19 RBI) 4.Addy Waters-Byrnes-2B/SS-2 Yr. Starter 5. Emma Williams-TL Hanna- P-OF 6. Lillie Ivey-Sumter-P-(8-3,1,79ERA) 7. Maddie Loftis-TL Hanna-OF 8. Bailey Ardis-Sumter-C/OF- 9. Key-Lee Jennings-Union County-CF-(.382 15 SB) 10. Summer Knight-Summerville-OF- 11. Lillie Ivey-Sumter-P (2.31 ERA) 12. Madalyn Tigert-North Augusta 13. Laney Grubbs-Barnwell-P- 14. Mackenzie Melton-North Central-P 15. Addison Trevino-Laurens-C-(543) 16. Olivia Lieb-M-INF-Fountian Inn-(.529) 17. Kayleigh Rouse-Crescent-CF- (.578) 18. Kenleigh Epps-Whitmire-P 19. Riley Murphy-Indian Land-OF 20. Brynley Gaa-Legion Collegiate-P-1B 21. MaKenzie McElrath-Dixie-P-(L-L) 22. Brylie Harpe-Chesterfield-2B- 23. .Emerson Riddle-Dixie-C- 24. Addison Skipper-Marlboro County-SS-3B top 3 25. Azeleigh Arnette-Pee Dee Academy-2B- 26. Laney Lambert-Lewisville-CF- 27. Kendall Bas-Oceanside Collegiate-InF.-(left side speed) 28. Kayleigh Rouse-Crescent-CH-(.578) 29. Caroline Gerald-Aynor-)F- HSSR 2028 Softball Prospects (Freshmen) Class of 2028 -2030 - (Note: If grade not noted they are 9 th ) 1. Addison Sharp-TL Hanna-RHP-246 K’s, 1.92 ERA 2. Maeven Morino-Summerville-2B-(.447/16RBI) 3. Kinsley Terrapin-Barnwell-SS/P-(.577) (7th Grade) 4. Maeven Moreno-Summerville-Utility- 5. Anna Grace Lee-Union County-RHP-(17-3, 220 K’s) 6. Tori Smith-Andrew-SS/P (.524) 7. Rynn Sanders-Westside-C/OF-(.537/28RBI) (7th Grade) 8. Hanna Davis-TL Hanna-1B- 9. Addison Woodward-Fox Creek-Catcher 10. Garrison Aiken-Byrnes-SS/C/2B - (7th Grade) 11. Aliyah Smith-Hartsville-3B-(.390/30RBI) 12. Wren Gaines-Byrnes-C- (8 th Grade) 13. Shalayah Badger-Barnwell-SS/P/C-(.500) (7th Grade) 14. Lily Brinson-Fort Dorchester-P-1B-(.511, 25K) 15. Shelby Compton-Westside-C-OF-(.455) 16. Mindy Veler-White Knoll-OF (8 th Grade) 17. Hanna Coburn-Lake View-2B-(.338/9 RBI) (8th Grade) 18. Peyton Summers-Dixie-2B-(.486) 19. Maggie Welch-Laurence Manning Academy-OF (.368/ 6 RBI) 20. Stella Eichhorn-Ware Shoals-P-SS-(.619/16RBI) 21. McKenzi Pearson-Sumter-C-(arm) 22. Blakely Stoddard-Fountain Inn-IMF-(.440) 23. Pressli Reynolds-AC Flora-P/SS-(.404,6-1) 24. Reece Yelton-Williston-Elko-OF 25. Addison Hasty-Pee Dee Academy-SS- (8th Grade) 26. Cayden Swofford-May River-P-(51-K,5-1) 27. Bre Gerad-Colleton County-P/3B- (8th Grade) 28. Gracyn Waiksnis-Indian Land-2B-(.395/9SB) 29.Kylie Powell-Powdersville-P-(R-R) 30. Calee Hartzog - Orangeburg Prep - 8th Grade (IF) 31. Josie Mitchum-Woodland-Util.-(.500) 32. Chole Cox-Lake View-C-(.322/10 RBI)- 33. Genesis Walker-Barnwell-3B-(.417) (7th Grade) 34. Morgan Bolding-Laurens Academy-DP-(.378) 35. Alexia Miller-Oceanside Collegiate-C 36. Kali Clark-May River-C-(.432)

Hananhan's Hudson Sprovero who blasted a three run homer rounds the bases.

By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Moncks Corner – St. John’s Christian Academy has gotten off to a solid start to the season at 8-5/4-2 and sits comfortably in playoff position as they head into their final three games of the season with two of the games against teams they could meet once the SCISA playoffs start in Orangeburg Prep and Williamsburg Academy . The third is against SCISA class A perennial power Holly Hill Academy . Fortunately Head coach Stewart Pierce has a veteran group that understands what it takes to be successful to make a deep run in the playoffs. “This a veteran group with seven seniors that have played a lot of baseball,” said coach Pierce. “We have worked hard to correct the little mistakes and we are playing our best baseball at the right time.” Seniors Mason Ritter , Tyler Black and Sumpter Moorer have been the leaders of the team this season at the plate, in the field and on the bump. Moore leads the team in hits with 19, runs scored with 13, RBI’s with 8 and has hit for the cycle with three doubles, two triples and the teams lone round tripper. He also has stolen six bases. He has been just as impressive when he has taken the hill. He is 1-0 with a 1.14 era in eight appearance (team high) and leads the Cavs with three saves. Black and Ritter are tied for the team lead in wins with three each. Black has a 1.68 era and leads the team with 45 strikeouts in 33 innings of work. He is hitting .300 with five RBI’s. Ritter is 3-3 with a 2.17 era to go with 36 strikeouts in 26.2 innings of work. Teams have a .236 on base percentage against him. Senior Landon Chipman is second on the team in most offensive categories. He is currently hitting .317 with 13 hits on the year. He is also second in stolen bases with eight. He has been solid at second base with a .951 fielding percentage and only two errors in 41 chances. Lucas Morrison leads the team in stolen bases with 9. He continues to improve in other aspects of the game and is playing his best baseball as the playoffs near. Junior catcher Jacob Glover has been outstanding behind the plate this season. He has two errors in a 111 chances for a .982 fielding percentage but his biggest value is how he has handles the pitchers.

By David Shelton Senior Writer Hilton Head – The casual high school soccer fan may have taken strong notice when the Hilton Head Prep girls soccer team opened the 2025 season with three straight losses against a highly competitive early schedule. Veteran coach Risa McMillan , however, has felt her team is capable of winning a third consecutive SCISA Class AAA state championship. As of April 7, the Dolphins had won four of their last five games to even their record at 4-4. All is well. McMillan, in her 12 th season at Prep and her 23 rd in coaching overall, feels she has a team with the right makeup to make another run at the title. While there are a lot of underclassmen playing key roles, the talent and playing experience is evident. “This team has experience and great chemistry,” the coach said. “A lot of these girls have been playing together for many years, both at club level and at Prep. We have great cohesiveness. We should definitely contend for the state title again.” Senior leadership is another strength of the 2025 team. Leading the way this spring are three veteran seniors – Courtney Campbell, Callah Dando and Layla Esquivel . “They are very vocal and they help with the less-experienced players on the team,” McMillan said, Dando, who has signed to play at Furman, is one of the program’s all-time leading scorers. She tallied seven goals with three assists in the first eight contests. Dando scored 34 goals with 29 assists last season and tallied 25 goals with 18 assists as a sophomore.  Campbell, a fourth-year varsity performer and an all-state volleyball and basketball player, scored six goals with six assists early on while Esquivel scored five goals with two assists. Sophomore Brooke Heins starts in goal and is one of the best keepers in SCISA. Defenders in the back include freshman Alexa Pallazo, sophomore Ava Zeolli , freshman Marisa Moira and freshman Zoe Hays. Joining Campbell in the midfield are juniors Riley Wilbert, Helen Kerkow and Sophia Schlieman. Kerkow and Wilbert have scored three goals early on. Millie Pulliam , the teams fourth senior, comes off the bench. Other juniors on the roster include Madeline Schlieman, Ellie Lorenz, Mabry Sutton and Samantha Rehling . Rounding out the team roster are freshmen Giovanna Franco, Katie Deweerd and Lysa Brattin.

By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Hemingway – Class A sports are always tricky when it comes to team numbers no matter what sport is in season especially at schools like Hemingway where it is a challenge sometime to field a team and in track and field the issues usually how many events will your team be able to compete in at each meet. The Tigers track and field team is small in numbers but they have some very competitive athletes that work hard every day to get better. They are also young and hungry for success with all them being underclassmen. Leading the girls team is do everything junior Elisha Singletary. In her career she has thrown the Javelin, long jumped, ran the 100, 100 hurdles and the 200 for the Tigers. She is also an all-region volleyball and basketball player. Junior Shakiya Cooper is the Tigers top sprinter. She recently placed second at Carvers Bay meet in the 100 meter. She also runs the 200 and the 400. Kennedi Hayward and Leanna Washington are freshmen and Jaela Lewis is a seventh grader who run the 100, 200 and 400 meters The hurdles (100 and 400) are in good hands with eighth grader Honesty Anderson who also runs the open 400. Junior Zaniya Woods, junior Terriana Turne r and eighth graders Shaesha Turner and Jasmir Taylor handle the throwing events and continue to improve each meet. Two juniors lead the boys team in Akiem Holman and Alexander Timmons. Holman runs the 400 meters and long jumps for the Tigers while Timmons is the top 100-meter man. Deandre Cooper and Daveon Gamble are eighth graders that are making an impact in the 100 and 200. Cooper just posted another personal best at the Hannah Pamlico meet with a time 12.94.  Cayden Hannah is a sixth grader that has shown he can compete at the varsity level already and if he continues to improve he will be a youngster to watch in the coming years.

By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Denmark – The Vikings are coming off back-to-back region 4A championships and second round playoff appearances but since the end of last season there have been a couple changes in Denmark; one they have a new coach in Xzavier Goldsmith and they have moved to the lower state in realignment but their goals have not. Coach Goldsmith has a veteran squad returning with some of the top athletes at Denmark-Olar at his disposal so his expectations are to continue to build Vikings soccer. “My expectations coming into my first year as the new head soccer coach at Denmark Olar is to build a team first organization and to build off the success of the previous outstanding years..” said Goldsmith. “I feel that we can compete well in the region if play fundamental soccer and compete to the whistle blows. We play some great teams and accomplish programs so we are ready for the challenge.” The Vikings are definitely holding their own as they are 5-4 overall and 2-3 in region 4A play. They have shut outs on the year and are solid position to earn another trip to the play offs. They have three region contest left and a match with another play off bound A team in region 3A Horse Creek Academy. The Vikings are led by seniors in Terence Hinton, Robert Bovain, Tykeem Ross, Reginald Youmans, Carlos Johnson, Charleston Brown, and Amari Keller . Bovain, a striker, is the top returning scorer for the Vikings. He tallied nine goals and seven assists for a total of 25 points. He was named all region last season and recently hoisted the class A State Basketball championship trophy. Hinton missed last season with an injury. “Agent Zero” as he is known as on the football field was the Vikings top scorer as a sophomore while earning all-region honors. He looks to pick up where he left. He was recently named All State in basketball by the HSSR and the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. Keller and Johnson showed they could put the ball in the back of the net last season. Keller scored five goals and had 11 points on the year while Johnson scored three goals. Ross and Brown are imposing figures on the pitch as both weigh over 220lbs a rarity in the beautiful game. They have been solid on the pitch. Ross joined Hinton on the HSSR class A all state basketball team after being named all state in football in the fall. Youmans is the teams keeper. Last season he stopped 116 shots on goal and has three shutouts. He has had three shutouts so far this season. The rest of the Vikings starting lineup are Kenneth Hanberry, Josh Tackett, Geontae Staley, and Nyheeem Brimfield. Brimfield could the next star athlete at Denmark Olar. He started at QB and played a significant role on the basketball as a freshmen.

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Spartanburg —The Spartanburg Day Griffins golf team, under the direction of head coach Travis Linder, are heavily favored to win their SCISA region tournament to be held on April 21 st at the Village Green Golf Course, and one week later, the Griffins are expected to compete very well at the SCISA AAA Golf State Championships to be held once again on the Hackler Course in Myrtle Beach. “We had only two head-to-head matches this Spring because we mainly competed in big tournaments involving larger public schools,” said Coach Linder. “Our best showing so far was in the Spartanburg County Invitational where we competed very well against 14 other teams, including schools like Dorman , Spartanburg , and Gaffney . In the Spartanburg County event, junior Matthew Roff , playing in the number one slot for the Griffins, placed fourth over-all with a round of 75, earning him a spot on the All-tournament team. Eighth grade golfer Kingston Linder was 11 th over-all at the Spartanburg County event when he fired a 77 and just missed earning a spot on the all-tournament team. In most golf matches, or tournaments, a team enters five golfers and the top four scores count. The team’s lone senior is Carter Boyd and he shot a 78 at the Spartanburg County event. Other participants in the county event included 7 th grade golfer Will Miller and freshman Ben Brown . Brown usually shoots in the mid-80’s and he has been on the team for three seasons. Reid Hines is a talented 7 th grader who is the on the varsity team also. The team also participated in the Rebel Invitational hosted by Byrnes High earlier this Spring. The Griffins finished 14th over-all in that event. The top four scorers in that event included Will Miller (82), Kingston Linder (83), Ben Brown (85) and AK Milner (87). The focus now is the upcoming region championship match against region foes First Presbyterian Academy and Spartanburg Christian, scheduled for the Village Green Golf course on April, 21 st . “We will start ramping up our practices to include two 18-hole rounds a week, when at the start of the season we played a lot of 9-hole practice rounds,” said Coach Linder. “These two 18-hole rounds help us determine player seedings for both the region tournament, and if we win the region, we go to state so these matches during the week help us place the players one through for five based on how they are playing at the time. “We are favored to win the region and I was not the head coach last year but I think the team placed third in the SCISA AAA state finals last year,” said Coach Linder. “I think that Matthew Roff’s father told me his son will be playing on the Hackler Course for the 5 th straight year, so being a senior, he will likely play at number one, if we advance to the finals after region as we expect to.” Last year the Griffins shot a team composite of 581 to finish third behind first place Hilton Head Prep (581) and second place Hilton Head Christian (588). Five golfers represent each team and they play two back-to-back 18-hole rounds on consecutive days with the top four lowest scores counting in the team totals. Two golfers return this year to the Griffins who played in the state finals last year. Roff shot 76-80-156 and Boyd shot 78-81-159 last year in the state finals. “In the state finals in May it is usually hot weather, so we start working on our stamina by playing more 18-hole practice rounds later in the season,” said Coach Linder. “Those last six holes on a hot day can be difficult if you do not prepare for them. “I feel like if this young group of golfers stick together, we have the foundation to compete for state championships in the near future,” said Coach Linder. Coach Linder also wanted to cite the talents of two up and coming junior varsity golfers in the Spartanburg Day program. They are 7 th grader Jack Langley and 8 th grader Tab Connor .

Timberland's Kevin Snwoden on the track.

By David Shelton Senior Writer Cross – With the Class A state track and field meet just a month away, the athletes at Cross High are working hard to be at their peak when the most important meet of the year arrives. Cross has put in a lot of work this spring, competing in several large meets against bigger schools. The hope is that the competition is helping the Trojans improve and see what it takes to be a champion. Cross competed in the Berkeley County track meet, meets at Cane Bay and Timberland, and will have a meet at Woodland on April 23. A lot can happen over the final month of the regular season but it would appear that several athletes will qualify for the state meet. A true state championship contender is Caden Ramsey , a junior three-sport star at the school. Ramsey has earned all-state honors in football and basketball and would like add a gold medal in track. Ramsey’s best event is the 400 meter run where he finished third overall in a highly-competitive Berkeley County track meet. Jonathan Bradley also runs the 400 while William Grant is the top sprinter in the 100 and 200. Corinthian Wilson and Ashton Geathers also work in the sprints. Micah Dukes has been running the 800 and competing in the long jump. Bernard Middleton and Jerry Sweatman are working in the hurdles while Que Taylor and Jeremiah Grant are running the 1600. Jailyn Broughton and Marquis Pringle are tops in the discus while David Wigfall and Dakari President have been best in the shot put. Lavell Joyner has competed well on the long jump and Preston Fuller was fourth in the county meet in the pole vault. Throwing the javelin are Andrew Black and Martrell Forbes . On the girls team, working in the sprints are T aLancia Fuller, Michayla Bennett and Talea Small . Running in the 400 is Aaliyah Davis . In the throws, Caylee Bradley and Abigail Ingram are working the discus and shot put while Tamia McCray is throwing the shot put as well. Competing in the javelin are Milan Davis and Laura Campbell . Davis also has been throwing the discus.

By David Shelton Senior Writer James Island – With the SCISA state playoffs just around the corner, now is the time for athletes and teams to hit their peak level of performance. That’s the goal for the spring sports athletes at First Baptist School as several teams look forward to a postseason opportunity. Both of the First Baptist varsity soccer teams have posted winning seasons to date. The regular season will conclude in less than two weeks. The boys team is in position to claim a region championship if they can finish strong. As of April 13, the Hurricanes were 8-2 overall with a 3-1 record in region play. That lone defeat came to rival Porter-Gaud, 2-1, and the Hurricanes get a rematch on April 22. First Baptist also has two key region contests remaining with Pinewood Prep on April 15 and April 24. Most of the 2025 roster is comprised of underclassmen. In fact, 10 of the rostered players are either sophomores or freshmen. The team has solid senior leadership, however, and those seniors are key factors. The seniors include goalkeeper Thomas Sanders , defenders Parker Thomas and Joshua McClain , and midfielders MacLain Luke and Camp Oliver . The girls soccer team won seven of their first 12 matches and appear headed for a third-place finish in the very competitive region that is controlled by Porter-Gaud and three-time defending state champion Pinewood Prep. Senior Fynn Domrese is the team’s leading goal scorer with 12 tallies, including a hat trick in a win over Northwood Academy. Sophomore Reese Tipton has seven goals and six assists while sophomore Britton Lempesis has a pair of goals. Like the boys team, the girls roster is very young with Domrese the only senior. She and junior midfielder Wells Griffin are the team captains. First Baptist recently restarted the softball program. The program was a dominant winner in the 1990’s but faded as the game changed to fast pitch. The program has a rebirth under coach Katelyn Powell , a former all-state player at Northwood Academy. There were teams dating to 2000-01 but not every season. Interest appears high as the school is fielding a b-team and a junior varsity team this spring. First Baptist has experienced some success with four victories early on. Some of the key players this season include Trissa Medlin, Addison Townsend, Bailey Millemad, Lulu Mayo and Izzie Tracy. The boys golf team is preparing for the SCISA state tournament in late April. Members of that team include sophomore Graham Edwards , junior Bates Walpole , freshmen Jack Finuca n, Slate Shope , William Askins , Elijah Crawford and Banks Cordray ; eighth-grader Tucker Mappus and sixth-grader Will Mappus . The baseball team sits in second-place in the region standings, posting a 12-6-1 overall record as of April 14. The Hurricanes have three region losses, all to Pinewood Prep, with a key three-game series with Porter-Gaud at the end of the regular season.

Lady 'Cats gearing up for another run at SCISA AAAA state title

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Greenwood — Emerald head baseball coach Mack Hite knew if he could ever get talented freshman Beau Hite back on the mound that his confidence would be restored and positive things would emerge. Hite has been able to bat all season, but an injury prevented him from pitching until recently. “Beau has been able to throw an inning here and there recently, and he had a big strike out against a highly regarded prospect at Laurens who is going to Georgia. Big moments like that have helped him get his confidence back,” said Coach Hite. “It has also helped him increase his hitting average at the plate also.” Hite is now batting .438 with 9 RBI’s, including five doubles and a triple. Hite also has 8 stolen bases. He is a three-sport athlete at Emerald where excels in football and basketball also. One bit of recent bad news for the team was losing the pitching services of LHP and PC commitment Tucker Meredith . “He is still able to play a position and bat, so not all is loss,” said Coach Hite. Other top hitters to date for the Vikings include freshman Ethan Metts at .375 along with sophomore Eli Swancey who is at .400 with five TBI’s including an excellent .978 fielding percentage. Finn Howard is at ,367 with four RBI’s while junior Aaron Polly is hitting .351 with 9 RBI’s. Freshman Coleman Marino is at .360 with six RBI’s. With Meredith off the rubber, Hite, Howard, Marino, and Swancey have all stepped up to share pitching duties. Howard has become the work horse and he is 2-1 with 32 K’s in 28.2 innings of work. As of April, 11 the Vikings were in 5 th place in the region. “I think as competitive as our region has been this season, with so many good teams, that we should have a good case to possibly qualify for an at-large play-off berth,” said Coach Hite. “In the mean time we just need to keep playing with grit and toughness and win as many games as we can. “We have been hitting well is spurts, but we can’t seem to get a timely hit with runners in scoring position,” said Coach Hite. “Hopefully our luck will change as we enter a crucial part of our schedule.” The team had seven games left as of April, 14 when they played at Ware Shoals . Hey have region games against Westside on April 15 and 17. They next play region games against Laurens on April 22 and 24 before hosting Abbeville on the 30 th . They close out the season at home against Ware Shoals on May, 1. Emerald Softball Very Young This Season  Tiaria Agnew is in her fourth season as the Emerald High girls’ softball coach and her team is very young and rebuilding this season. The Lady Vikings are made up of one 7 th grader, three 8 th graders, two freshmen, one sophomore, three juniors and just two seniors so a youth movement has certainly hit the program. The team was 5-3, 2-6 entering the final two weeks of the season. They recently had two confidence wins over Southside (16-1, 20-0). The young team is being led by senior LHP Bria Jones, sophomore Paydyn Stafford and freshman utility athlete Caitlyn Hackett.