A season of memories for the Swamp Foxes
By Roger Lee
Contributing Writer
Summerville – Ashley Ridge’s soccer season was going great until the Swamp Foxes ran into an undefeated J.L. Mann squad.
The Ashley Ridge Boys won the Mill Town Invitational tournament to jump out to a 6-3 start this season. The team had wins over Rock Hill, Eastside, Catawba Ridge, May River and Stratford, the team that defeated the Swamp Foxes in the 2024 5A Lower State Championship Game.
During its stretch to start the 2025 season, Ashley Ridge’s losses came to Bluffton, Cardinal Newman and Wando.
“These kids always leave everything on the field and they train hard so I can’t ask for anything more,” coach Nate Harris said. “I like the fight we have. They all believe in themselves and they don’t make excuses.”
The Swamp Foxes only lost one more game the entire season, but it cost them a state championship.
After sweeping its region to claim the crown, Ashley Ridge opened the 5A, Division 1 Playoffs May 10 with a 4-1 victory over Stratford. The Swamp Foxes then defeated Fort Dorchester 2-1 and James Island 5-3 to advance to the state finals.
J.L. Mann (26-0), ranked third nationally and the top team in the state, held off Ashley Ridge (22-4) May 23 during the 5A, Division 1 Boys Soccer Championship. The Patriots capped the season with a 5-3 win over the Swamp Foxes at Memorial Stadium in Columbia to secure the division State Championship.
“We are a family whether we win or lose and the 2025 team is a unique team,” Harris said. “These players are very special and they will have memories. While at first it was painful, over time they will remember this fantastic season and the friendships we’ve had. I am so thankful for the crowd we had all season and the support our principal and entire athletic department gave us.”
This season four-year starter and team captain Beckham Harris, the coach’s son, became the first player in school history to win 34 straight region matches. His brother, Nathaniel Harris, won 32 straight during his four seasons at Ashley Ridge before graduating in 2024. Neither has ever lost a region match.
Beckham Harris, a midfielder who has signed with William and Mary, is one of only 18 players in the state selected for the Clash of the Carolinas All-Star Game. He scored 15 goals his senior season and had 10 assists. He also made 27 steals while helping Ashley Ridge to the Lower State Championship and Region 8 Championship. He was the team leader for goals and assists and was second in steals. Junior Austin Butts was the leader in steals and had 12 goals and eight assists.
Senior captain Bennett Boomershine was one of only 18 players selected for the North-South Classic Boys All-Star Team. Seniors Jett Buelna, Zion Spivey, Abdullah Shehab and Ashton Bice were also key to AR’s success this season.
Other members of the team are Austin Fuller, Josh DeSouza, Aaron Mata Vera, Keith McCune, Charlie Smith, Brennan Awtry, Luis Landaeta, Abdullah Shehab, Nickolai Kunitsa, Landon Shabeldeen, Elijah Dunkerley and Brycen McCoy.
Other post-season honors
Brooke Price was selected for the South Carolina Girls All-star Team for the Clash of the Carolinas. Price, who has signed with Newberry College, is a midfielder who helped the Lady Swamp Foxes advance to the second round of the state playoffs.
Ashley Ridge midfielder Kierstyn Davenport was named to the South All-Stars team for the North-South Soccer Classic.
Ashley Ridge pitcher Noah Seguer was selected for the 2025 North-South Baseball All-star Series.
