Latta can clinch Class A baseball state title with win over McBee at home on Tuesday

Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • May 25, 2026

James Island after third straight state title as it travels to Dorman in AAAAA Division I opener Tuesday

 

    Sumter – The Latta High School baseball team will be going for the Class A state championship on Tuesday, while four of the other best-of-3 state title series will be getting underway.   

 

    Latta will play host to McBee at 7 p.m. with a chance to sweep the series. The lower state champion Vikings improved to 26-9 on the season by traveling to McBee and winning 11-1 in six innings on Saturday.

 

    The series starting on Tuesday will have James Island playing at Dorman beginning at 7 p.m. for the AAAAA Division I crown, Chapin visiting T.L. Hanna beginning at 6:30 p.m. in AAAAA Division II, Airport making the drive across the Columbia metropolitan area for a 7 p.m. game at A.C. Flora in AAAA, and Southside Christian School playing at Oceanside Collegiate Academy beginning at 6 p.m. in the AAA series.

 

    Game 1 of the AA title series between Clinton and Atlantic Collegiate Academy was scheduled for Monday at 5p.m. in Clinton. The second game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Conway.

 

    In the Class A opener, Latta and the upper state champion Panthers, who fell to 21-12-1, were tied 1-1 after three innings. However, the Vikings broke the game open with five runs in the top of the fourth before adding one in the fifth and four in the sixth to win by the 10-run mercy rule.

 

    Leading the way for LHS’ 10-hit attack was Zach Lane, who was 3-for-4 with a double, two runs batted in and two runs scored. Caden Hyatt was 2-for-2 with a double, three RBI and a run.

 

    Mason Weatherford had a home run, two RBI and a run, Logan Byrd had a double and a run, Fischer Richardson had a hit and two RBI, Bryson Berry had a hit, two runs and an RBI, and BW Berry had a hit.

 

    BW Berry went the distance on the mound to get the win. He allowed four hits while walking four and striking out seven. The run was unearned.

 

    If a third game is needed, it will be played on Saturday at a neutral site.

 

    In the AAAAA Division I series, James Island will be going for a third straight state title. The lower state champion Trojans are 29-2, the same record at upper state winner Dorman.

 

    Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Charleston beginning at 6:30 p.m. If a third game is needed it will be played on Saturday at a neutral site.

 

    In AAAAA Division II, upper state champion T.L. Hanna will take an 18-16 record into the opener. The lower state champion Eagles are 20-9.

 

    The second game is set for Thursday in Chapin with a 6:30 p.m. start. A third game would be played at a neutral site on Saturday.

 

    Upper state champion A.C. Flora will take a 27-5 record into the AAAA series against lower state champion Airport, which is 24-6. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in West Columbia beginning at 7 p.m.

 

    If a third game is necessary it will be played on Saturday at A.C. Flora beginning at 1 p.m.

 

    The AAA series between upper state champion Southside Christian (24-8-1) and lower state winner Oceanside Collegiate (24-9) was set to begin on Saturday but was postponed.

 

    Game 2 is to be played on Thursday in Simpsonville beginning at 6 p.m. with a deciding game on Saturday at a neutral site.

 

    The AA series was also set to begin on Saturday as well before the opener was postponed. Upper state winner Clinton was 28-3 heading into the opening game while the lower state Armada was 29-3.

 

    If a third game is needed, it will be played on Saturday at Lugoff-Elgin at a time to be determined.

Whitimire scores on walk-off strikeout in bottom of seventh to beat Lewsville 2-1 and win Class A softball upper state title

By Billy G. Baker Publisher • May 26, 2026
Wolverines begin play in first ever state championship series on Tuesday at Hannah-Pamplico at 6 p.m.

Summerville-Byrnes rematch for AAAAA Division I softball state title begins Monday in Duncan

By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • May 25, 2026
AAAAA Division II series begins as well while AA and Class A upper state tourneys conclude

James Island beats River Bluff 3-1 to win AAAAA Division I baseball lower state title

By Billy G. Baker Publisher • May 24, 2026
Trojans after third straight state title beginning on Tuesday on the road against Dorman

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By Worthy Evans Special Contributor • May 24, 2026
Tigers' Erik Martinez scores two second-half goals to spur victory

Hanahan beats Aynor in if game to claim AAA Lower State softball title

By Rob Gantt Special to HSSR • May 23, 2026
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Just Might Be Time To Write A Memoir Book After 40 Years Of Fun & Hard Work

By Billy Baker • May 23, 2026
Billy Baker's been on a 40-year pursuit to discover the South Carolina’s best high school athletes and recognize their achievements in this unique statewide prep sports only publication. 

Could South Carolina Have Two Prep Baseball Players Both Go In The First Round? (Highly Likely)

By Billy Baker • May 23, 2026
Christ Church's senior SS/3B Bo Lowrance (6-5,200) with a 6.6 time in the sixty and he can move left or right with same dexterity plus he is currently batting .433 with 39 RBI’s, including 12 home runs and three triples.

Dillon Christian School’s Lila English Named “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month

By Larry Gamble • May 23, 2026
Bennettsville — Lila English is a rising senior student athlete at Dillon Christian School, where she has been a cheerleader since the sixth grade. English has also been playing volleyball since the seventh grade, basketball since the grade, and plans to play again in her senior season. Not to mention that she is a sport over achiever, when she started playing soccer as a junior. She plans to enjoy her upcoming senior year, being a multiple sport athlete, while continuing to take NETC online classes to help prepare for college. English said her childhood dream was being a varsity cheerleader. Being a multiple sport athlete just adds to her enjoyment of her school experience. With all the demands of sports, high school academics and the NETC online courses, English says her “time management skills” improved by having to balance preparation for multiple classes, with practices and games each week. After high school, English plans to focus on her studies instead of playing sports at the next level. Currently, she is weighing her options of either attending Clemson University’s Agricultural Mechanization and Business Program , but she is also considering attending the Darla Moore Business School at USC. In the classroom, she carries a 4.2438 GPA and says the NETC courses, “Have opened doors to provide me college level work academic learning experiences that have given me a glimpse of what to expect in the future, when I am actually at college,” she said. For all her athletic and academic accomplishments, English has been chosen the “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month.” This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges, after a student’s high school graduation. The NETC is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2025-26 school year to students in the three counties they serve. Currently, English is enrolled in dual credit online courses offered by NETC. She started taking classes during her junior year and she completing classes that will fulfill basic requirements for her freshman year at college. She has taken US History, World History, and Medical Terminology to date. English looks forward to going to college and preparing for a career. When asked about the NETC experience, English said “NETC has been great,” she said. “I was worried about starting these courses because I had never done anything like it, but the layout is easy to understand, and my professors were always flexible, and willing to help when I needed it.” Considering she only has two semesters of classes completed, English commented “I haven't taken many classes yet, that could reduce my course load in college, but plan on taking some online courses this summer and again during my senior year.” As a high school student, playing sports year-round, and taking NETC online classes, English had this to say about that challenge. “I have to plan, so there is a balance in everything between school, sports, and life,” she said. “I put together a schedule that enables me to get all the course work completed, so I don’t have to give up on doing other things.  When asked if all this can be stressful, English summed it up this way: “Time management can be hard with multiple games, or assignments due, but pacing myself has always helped,” she said. “I try not to load myself down, and I try to space my work out throughout the week to avoid stressing myself out.” English reflected on favorite memories as a student athlete, “Some of my favorite sports memories happened at practices,” she said. “The hard work behind the scenes with all the fun, smiles, and laughs can’t be beat. A different type of bond is formed within a team where you are pushing others, and yourself to be better while also having fun doing it.”

Dillon Christian School’s Reese Bracey Named “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month

By Larry Gamble • May 23, 2026
Bennettsville — Reese Bracey is a senior three-sport athlete at the Dillon Christian School, where he participates in the sports of football, basketball and soccer. He readily admits that football is his favorite sport among the three. He started playing football in the fifth grade, and he has played multiple positions as a receiver, tight end, running back, and also at linebacker. In the eighth grade, he started playing basketball as a small forward. In the ninth grade, he started playing soccer. During his prep school career, he twice earned All-Region honors as a running back in football with over 1,000 all-purpose yards achieved. He has also earned All-Region honors in soccer. Bracey closes his high school athletics having played all three sports in his senior year. He says one lesson being a multi-sport athlete taught him is to be on time. “If you are late to practice, you will have some type of punishment,” he said. “This translates well to schoolwork, when it comes to scheduling, doing, and turning in assignments on time.” In the classroom, he carries a 5.2 GPA, while maintaining his online course load, and participating in sports. After graduation, he plans to attend USC and pursue a career in the medical field. For all his athletic and academic accomplishments, Reese Bracey has been chosen the “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month.”  This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges after a student’s high school graduation. The NETC is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2025-26 school year to students in the three counties they serve. Bracey is currently enrolled in dual credit courses offered by NETC. He has completed classes in Psychology, Public Speaking, English 101 and 102, plus History 101 and 102. By taking the online courses through the NETC, Bracey says, this, “Helps prepare me for the workload and schedule I can expect with college work once I get to college,” he said. It has taught me always to use any free time to complete assignments. I apply this lesson, whether that be at home, or at school.” When asked about a memorable moment in his sports career, Bracey said, “That was involved a play that I will never forget,” he said. “We made the football playoffs and with our first snap of the game, we scored a touchdown!”

Bamberg Ehrhardt and Calhoun County go back-to-back at Class A state track meet

By Neill Kirkpatrick • May 23, 2026
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR  Columbia – Bamberg-Ehrhardt high school and Calhoun County high school are 33.9 miles apart on US-601 with a lot in common as they are two of the top Class A athletic programs in the state and now they share back-to-back class A track and field state championships. The Red Raiders beat the Governor’s School to capture the girls title while Calhoun County defeated Blackville-Hilda to win the boy’s title. “I felt if we did what we are capable of doing today we had a good chance to repeat,” said BE head coach Travis Wilson . “I want to make sure we to get the race, do our job and focus. Coach Wilson continued, “Motivation was a big thing coming into the year. Winning last year put us in the hunted role and so we tried to stress it is harder to repeat. The girls started picking it up at the region and lower state meets.” Calhoun County head coach Wayne Farmer is no stranger to back-to-back state championship as this is the third school that he has led to back-to-back class A state championships, the others being Allendale Fairfax and Scott’s Branch. It was also the 10 th state championship in his career. “Our focus was to come back and repeat. The challenge this year was that we became the hunted instead of the hunter. The biggest thing is the kids performed with no hick ups. We scheduled a lot of big meets to learn how to compete and it paid off today,” said coach Farmer. The girls meet started off perfect for the Red Raider as their 4x100 team of Zyasia Whiley, Carmyn Folk, Keyaunjanay Corbit and Daisha Etheridge blazed around the track in a season’s best of 50.38 to win gold in the day’s first running event. The 4x800 relay team also won gold in a time of 10:56.16. Kymyhia Jamison, Jayda Sanders, Nilayah Edwards and Rashida Quattara made up the team. Sanders picked up a silver medal when she finished second in the 800 meters. Ezariah Williams won a gold and silver medal for the Red Raiders in the Discus and shot put, respectively. She threw the discus 36.73 meters for a new personal record and set another personal best in the shot put with a put of 11.39 meters. Both events earned her Silver Elite performance. She also scored in the Javelin by finishing seventh. Briaunjenai McMillian won a bronze medal in the Javelin with a toss of 32.94. She also scored in the shot put finishing eighth. There were a few individual double gold medal winners. Bethune Bowman’ s Makiyah Johnson won the 100 and 200 meters. Her winning time in the 100 of 12.17 was a silver elite performance. “It feels great to win two gold medals. I want this for a long time. Last year I came in second in both events. I put in a lot of hard work and it paid off,” said Johnson. Riverwalk Academy’s Emme Herring won gold in both the 800 and 1600 meters while Blackville Hilda’s Breyanna Williams won gold in both hurdle events as well as winning a silver medal in the 200. The Saints were led by Wofford signee Kamari Kelly. Kelly won the 400 meters in a time of 48.56 and then won the 800 meters in 2:03.55. He ran the second leg of the gold medal winning 4x800 meter relay team. He also ran the second leg on the 4x400 meter relay team which won a silver medal. “These last couple of years to see all the hard work pay off. I very grateful for coaches and family and I just want to thank God,” Kelly said. Joining Kelly on the 4x800 meter relay team were Kamron Johnson, Traveon Baker, and V’Jay Thomas while Baker, Eddie Coleman and Thomas were on the 4x400 relay team with Kelly. Jamani Canty won two golds in the discus and shot put. His toss of 49.17 in the discus was a new personal best. Also winning medals for the Saints were St. Julian Johnson won two silver medals in the shot put and the Javelin. He set personal best in both events with a toss of 45.68 in the Javelin and he put the shot 14.22. Bringing home bronze medals were Kamron Kelly (800), Eddie Coleman (400 meter hurdles), and Darren Ben (Triple Jump). Ben also scored points in the high jump (4 th ) and in the long jump (8 th ). In the 100 and 200 Da’Shaun Albany of Ridgeland Secondary School and Camari Brown of Hardeeville Jr-Sr high finished one-two in each race with Albany winning the 100 and Brown taking the 200. Hunter Willis of Riverwalk Academy won gold in the 1600 and silver in the 800. Blackville-Hilda’s Da’Montray Allen was a double gold winner as he won the 110 hurdles in a time of 14.84 and the 400 hurdles in 58.16. Jordan Strong of Lewisville won two bronze medals in the long jump and high jump while capturing a gold in the triple jump
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