Berkeley girls capture state basketball title

David Shelton • March 10, 2025

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By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Moncks Corner - In 1940, Thomas Wolfe penned a book titled “You can’t go home again.” Wolfe obviously never met Berkeley High girls basketball coach Crystal Peace.

More than two decades after completing her playing career at Berkeley, Peace, a two-time all-state selection, has delivered something that no other girls basketball coach has ever done. A state championship.

Berkeley held off Greenwood, 60-54, to win the AAAAA Division II state title, completing the best season in school history with a 24-4 record.

“It’s unbelievable to think that after all the tough times we’ve been through that we finally celebrating a state championship at Berkeley,” said Peace, who returned to Moncks Corner after her playing career at Liberty University.

The first several seasons of Peace’s tenure at Berkeley was a struggle. Year two and three netted a combined seven wins. But the coach knew that if she stuck to her plan and could find enough players who could deal with her hard coaching style, she could win. And win big.

“It has been long time coming but I felt this team had an opportunity to make history,” Peace said. “I worked them hard and I coach hard. I’m so proud of them for putting up with me and pushing through. I am so happy for them, for the school, and the community. People stuck with me.”

Berkeley used a 7-0 run early in the fourth quarter to rally from a 52-50 deficit to a five-point lead. The Stags would never trail again in what was a close, competitive game from start to finish.

Berkeley was led offensively by three double figure scorers, all underclassmen. Sophomore Amani McCray scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Junior Madison Thomas added 15 points while freshman Alaina Carter scored 13 points. Thomas and Carter hit three 3-pointers each.

“This group has a chance to do some really special things over the next few years, if they stay focused and hungry,” Peace said.

Berkeley trailed 32-31 at the half,, due in large part to 14 turnovers. The Stag cleaned up that part of the game in the second half, committing just three turnovers.

“God put me here for a reason,” Peace said.

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First Baptist Hires New AD and Football Coach

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.