Big Turn-out For 39th Annual HSSR Football Media Day HeldIn Practice Facility at USC

Roger Lee • July 26, 2025

Gray Collegiate LB, Michael Boulware at the HSSR 2025 Media Day.

Big Turn-out For 39th Annual HSSR Football Media Day HeldIn Practice Facility at USC

By Roger Lee

Special Writer

 

Columbia – Football players from across the state converged on the USC Indoor Practice Facility July, 23 for the 39th annual High School Sports Report Football Media Day.

 

“We greatly appreciate Coach Shane Beamer, the University and its Athletic Department for again opening their facility to us,” said HSSR Owner/Publisher Billy Baker. “It’s a terrific weather-proof setting for an event designed to take pictures and interview players for our football tabloid we will print in late August. I also want to thank all the players and coaches for their participation.”

 

The 2025 event brought 181 players to the facility for photos and interviews. With the season fast approaching, coaches, athletes who landed on the HSSR Top 100 List, and players ranked among the top in the state for their class by position, shared their thoughts on returning to the grid iron for practice and eventually Friday Night Lights.

 

The HSSR interviewed the majority of the head football coaches who brought players to the event and the following is much of their comments:

 

Gray Collegiate Academy

One AAAA team to look out for in 2025 is Gray Collegiate Academy.

The War Eagles ran into some High School League troubles in 2024 and missed the playoffs. However, the games the team did play helped prepare them for a tough schedule this year.

“We started the season against James Island and went to Tennessee to face one of the top teams in the country,” said De’Angelo Bryant, who is in his second season as the team’s head coach. “Then we came home and played Dutch Fork. Region play for us is kind of like the SEC of 4A, but we finished some games strong.”

 

As a program, the War Eagles are no stranger to success, and Bryant is counting on that to help.

“It has been a little bit of a challenge,” he said. “When I got to Gray there was still the same championship mentality, which is one of the reasons I wanted to go there. Getting to know the kids was a challenge, but I’m grateful to have a wonderful group of young men who were very accepting to me, my beliefs and ideas. They are morphing into the caliber of football team that we want. We are really on track and our numbers are up.”

 

He has some seasoned players to lead the way.

 

“Michael Boulware has put together an impressive resume the past two years,” he said. “It starts with him at the linebacker position.”

 

Boulware, ranked 13th on the Top 100 2026 list, made 119 tackles during last year’s 10-game season and 134 the year before.

 

QB Tyler Waller and offensive lineman Jack Armstong are three-year starters. Treyvon Williamson (6-1 214) is expected to produce at running back and Royce Williamson will likely play multiple positions.

 

“Royce makes things happen when in the ball is in his hands,” Bryant said. “We lost a lot of guys up front so he will be a catalyst for us.”

 

Dreher

Another team with big aspirations is Dreher.

Corey Jenkins, who played at USC and professionally, is back at his old high school for a fourth season as the Blue Devils’ head coach. The team is looking to win in the playoffs for the first time since 1994.

 

“The last playoff game we won was when I was the starting quarterback here,” Jenkins said. “I tease the guys about it because honestly there have been teams that probably should have won one. We did make the playoffs the past two years. The first year we lost to Camden and they played for a state championship. Last year we lost to Daniel, which made a pretty good run. Hopefully this will be the year.”

 

He now knows his players better than during his first two seasons.

 

“These seniors were all freshmen when I got here so the program is starting to go in the direction I want it to go,” he said. “I’m excited to see them play. We had a really good Summer. The kids gave all the effort they could give so I think right now the big thing is for us to be consistent. I try to not get too high or too low but stay even keel.”

 

Senior tackle Chanson Evans (6-4, 325) anchors the offensive line and Jenkins has confidence in his running backs. The Blue Devils also have some young talent. Safety Joseph Pohlmann is only a sophomore, but he started as a freshman.

 

“We have some other guys who have a chance to play at their level,” Jenkins said. “I have one little guy who is going to surprise some people. We call him Mighty Mouse because he is going to make a lot of big things happen. Defensively I’m a little concerned about our depth up front. Overall, I’m ready to get it rolling. Let’s go play ball.”

 

Midland Valley

At Midland Valley, Brent Dorn has dropped the interim tag from his title and is now officially the head coach for the team he once played for.

 

The Mustangs have made the playoffs four of the past five years so he is looking to make it five for six.

 

“I’m excited to see us take that next step,” Dorn said. “There were some games last year we lost basically because we shot ourselves in the foot with fumbles and those type things. We just need to focus on the details and hopefully finish games we should win. We are counting on some young guys.

He is expecting big things from quarterback Xavier Geter, defensive end Aaron Adams, linebacker Brytson Newton and safety CJ Richardson.

 

“Offensively we need to be a little more balanced this year,” Dorn said. “We’ve been kind of run heavy so we have worked really hard on improving our passing game.”

 

Northwood Academy

In SCISA 4A, coach Johnny Waters has Northwood Academy moving in the right direction.

Since the once First Baptist coach came out of retirement to coach the Chargers, Northwood is a different team.

 

“When I took over at Northwood they had gone 0-29 so it was a total rebuild,” he said. “The first year we went 6-5. Last year we were 10-3 and lost in the state semis. We have the majority of that team back so if we can stay healthy we think we can make a run at it.”

 

The Chargers return seven players on offense and six on defense. They also have some guys coming in who should really fill some spots.

 

“We got some guys who fit right into our scheme on both sides of the ball,” Waters said. “Receiver Aydan Hogan is our guy on offense. Drew Wolfe is committed to east Tennessee State and is a good compliment to him at receiver.”

 

Kevin Johnson joins the team after getting a lot of experience at quarterback with Fort Dorchester last season so he is the favorite to start behind center. Running back Kaven Ford returns after rushing for more than 1,500 yards last year. MJ Davis is a talented receiver and safety. The Chargers also return four offensive linemen.

 

Defensively everything starts with nose guard Hammer White. Defensive end Garrett Andy, linebacker Cody McCleary and defensive back Antwaun Henderson will also be key on that side of the ball.

 

Orangeburg-Wilkinson

In 3A, Orangeburg-Wilkinson is one of the teams that will have to deal with Oceanside Collegiate in order to make a run at a region title.

 

Chris Carter returns for his fourth season as the Bruins head coach after leading them into the second round of the playoffs and an 8-4 record in 2024.

 

“I’m excited about our kids,” he said. “We have really good senior leadership and the players are jelling. We have play makers who are also good leaders so we should be good on both sides of the ball. Oceanside does a good job so that is still the team to beat.”

 

Linebacker/running back Jordan Avinger is ranked 35th on the Top 100 2026 list and has heavy interest from colleges including Arkansas. The Bruins also have some transfers who should help.

 

Coaches expect big things from wide receiver Daylin Haltiwanger, corner back Jaylen Dash and outside linebacker Chris Glover.

 

“During the offseason, the biggest thing was to keep them in a structured environment and demand they give everything they have,” Carter said. “We also talk to them a lot about family and the importance of being together. We had a couple of different trips to camps so hopefully that has helped them care about each other and come together as a unit.”

 

Central

Central advanced to the third round of the 2A playoffs last year and finished at 10-3 so they are looking to keep a good thing going.

However, the Eagles are dealing with a tragedy as they enter their new season. Sean Davis, a rising junior who played multiple positions and on both sides of the ball, was killed by a shooting this Summer.

 

“Sean was one of our top guys and a great kid,” said coach Jonathan Eason, who is entering his second year with the team. “He had some college offers and was looking at the Airforce. He was basically just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

 

The team is dedicating its season to him and will wear his number on helmets and order patches for our jerseys.

 

“Everything we do this year will be to honor Sean,” Eason said. “He was a great kid who represented what Central football is all about so he will be with us every step of the way.”

 

From 1976-2011 Central averaged 10 wins a year, but then the number of wins dropped. Eason is looking to start a new trend.

 

“We were 10-3 last year so I’m excited about moving forward,” he said. “We returned a lot, more than 4,000 yards on offense and we have more than 20 seniors so I’m excited. We have even added in some things. It will be similar to what we did last year, just with some extra. 

 

The Eagles return their quarterback, two running backs and four offensive linemen as well as seven defensive starters.

 

Running back Ashten Wilson has more than 2,000 career rushing yards. MJ Allen returns as the leading tackler. Brandon Rollins is a three-year starter at center. Quarterback Dwayne Louallen (6-2, 210) returns as does Taveon Moore, the team’s leading receiver who also had 8 interceptions last season. Jakari Holloman transferred in after being named the defensive player of the year for his region last year.

 

“Our goal this year is to win the region and get back in a state-championship run,” Eason said.

 

Kingstree

Brandon Cantrell is entering his first season as the head coach at Kingstree.

 

His assistant coaching resume includes stops at 5A schools such as Fort Dorchester and Berkeley. He also played for Berkeley. He is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of coaching the Blazers.

 

“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “When you’ve worked hard for so long for something, to finally see it come about and get the opportunity is a dream come true. Kingstree is a place where I started my teaching and coaching career as a guy right out of college so coming back is somewhat of a dream-job situation and I’m excited.”

 

There waiting for him when he arrived was senior Tyleek Dukes, who is on the Top 100 2026 list.

 

“Tyleek is on everyone’s radar because of the season he had last year,” Cantrell said. “He will continue to play running back and will also play some defensive back for us. I knew there would be athletes. We lost a lot including several on the offensive line, but we have some senior lineman who we can count on. Our skill group seems really good.”

 

Quarterback Ramello McFadden had some playing time last year and has a good arm so he is the frontrunner behind center. Tyleek Dukes (also in the Top 100), Bryson Epps and transfer Travis Bennett are expected to combine to make the team’s running attack solid. BJ Washington, Adeigon Archie and Terrell Keels are others looking to play important roles.

 

“I’m expecting big things from those guys,” Cantrell said. “We have some pieces. This program has been good, but not consistently good over the last 20 years, but I’m excited to see what the group we have can do.”

 

The coach said the media day offered him a chance to get to know some of his athletes better.

 

“Four guys rode up here with me and it gave me a chance to ask them some questions one-on-one,” he said. “I think in the beginning there was an apprehension regarding what I’m all about. Guys heard what I said and thought ‘oh we’ve heard this before’ but I think through the summer I convinced them I’m here for them and want to see them meet all their goals. We are going to do the things that are necessary to win ball games. I think the kids we brought here today have bought into that.”

 

Denmark-Olar

In Class A, for Denmark-Olar the season may go as its battles in the trenches go.

 

William Raysor has been with the Vikings for four years, but is entering only his second season as the team’s head coach. He knows there is still work to do, but his team did advance to the second round of the playoffs last season so he is optimistic.

 

“When I came into this program it was in great hands with Jarvis Littlejohn so I’m just trying to keep up what he left,” Raysor said. “He did a great job with the kids and we have some great kids. We are young but I think these guys see everything. We are coming off a basketball state championship so that gives our guys some type of appetite. We have a lot of football players who also play basketball and run track.”

 

Lineman Nick Sapp is on the Top 100 2026 list and will anchor the defense. Last year that defense kept the Vikings in a lot of games, but this year the team is young on that side of the ball.

 

“I have three freshmen in my secondary,” Raysor said. “My D line has three sophomores and two of my linebackers are sophomores. That presents a challenge.”

 

The offense will be anchored by lineman Mari Moody (6-4, 235) who is on the Top 100 2027 list. Ends Nyheem Brimfield (6-4, 230) and Dilan Hammonds (6-5 215) will contribute on both sides of the ball and Brimfield also has experience at quarterback.

 

“We just have some kids who are hungry for the game of football,” Raysor said. “I’m looking forward to letting them pin their ears back and go. We have the best O line we’ve had in a couple of years and I think we will get a lot of things done offensively that we haven’t been able to do in prior years. We are physical and strong.”

 

Cross

Cross is a team not likely to slip up on any Class A opponents.

 

“We’ve been pretty consistent the last few years,” said coach Shaun Wright, who is entering his 16th season as the Trojans’ coach. “Also we return seven starters on both sides of the ball. Now a lot of them play both ways so we are going to have to develop some depth with our younger kids.”

 

Senior Caden Ramsey, who is ranked 21st on the Top 100 2026 list, returns at wide receiver and safety. Other key players for Cross include nose guard Michael Bennett, quarterback Tyler Harris, running back Mah’ky Green, wide receiver/db Corinthian Wilson, tight end Kerji Polite, lineman Jailyn Broughton and linebackers Khalil Levinem, William Grant and Jimmy Smith.

 

“Even if you have a lot of kids coming back, every year is different,” Wright said. “We are looking for the leadership, the kids that will get us through tough times. We know everyone will try to knock us off so we will have to play up every week.”

 

Remaining healthy is always key at the Class A level.

 

“We have guys playing both sides of the ball, so if something happens to one of them then that’s two starters down,” Wright said. “What we demand is for our kids to get after it and have awesome effort.”

 

What he isn’t worried about is a lack of effort.

 

“When a kid plays multiple sports it shows what kind of character they have,” he said. “They understand they have to eat well, get enough rest and be a good student. They have to because of the different demands the different coaches might have. They are unselfish, want to help out and want to win for others.”

 

Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School

Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School finished the 2024 football season with a losing record but isn’t planning a repeat performance.

 

“That’s not traditionally what we do so we hit the ground running in the offseason to get to where we normally are,” said coach Matthew Richard, now entering his sixth season as Carvers Bay’s head coach. “We are celebrating our 25th year of existence and our fans are excited about that. Everyone is pitching in from the parents driving the kids back and forth to the guys watching our players on social media during camps. We are proud of all the guys who have come through and excited about the ones we have now.”

 

Zyon Guiles is considered one of the top lineman in the state and is called upon for leadership. Triston Diggs, who has an offer from The Citadel, will also be important up front.

 

“Our strength will be our offensive and defensive line,” Richard said. “Having two guys on the offensive line with D1 offers is nice. We feel confident. Experience is key in high school football and we are really proud of the kid’s dedication. We probably average 50 kids during the offseason and that is really good. As a 1A coach to have that many committed you are really excited.”

SCACA Carolinas Classic Rosters

By Staff Reports • January 28, 2026
The Carolinas Classic rosters are out for both the male and female basketball teams. One classic event, two rosters, now is the time to get hyped and check out these outstanding student athletes.

SCISA Boys Basketball Region Battles Heat Up

By Gerald Doolittle • January 22, 2026
Orangeburg Prep senior Avery Ravenell is averaging 23 pts per game and on pace for another 400 point season.

SCISA Girls Basketball Races Take Shape

By Gerald Doolittle • January 22, 2026
Curtis Baptist Senior Maci Butler averaging 20 points per game and closing in on a third straight 300 point season.

Timberland Boys Basketball Team Heating Up On Hardwood As Season Enters Second Half

By Rob Gantt • January 22, 2026
By Rob Gantt Special to The HSSR St. Stephen - The Timberland High School boys basketball team seems to be heating up just as the weather turns cooler, when the games become more important. The Wolves started out 0-13 on the season but were competitive most nights during the opening stretch. They dropped seven games by single digits the first half of the campaign. However, Coach Jerome Stewart's club has won three of its last four games. All three victories came on the road. Most recently, the Wolves edged Andrews, 47-41. Junior guard Joshua Deas led the Wolves with 16 points, while sophomore forward Jordan Gorham added nine points. Sophomore wing Ellis Wiggins and senior wing Kevin Brown chipped in eight points apiece. Gorham, also one of the state's top football prospects, led around the glass with seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Wiggins also contributed five rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Timberland improved to 2-1 in Region 6-2A games heading into a road clash Tuesday, Jan. 20, at fellow Berkeley County School District program Philip Simmons. Three days earlier, Timberland also won a tight contest at Academic Magnet. The Wolves pulled out a 59-53 victory versus the Raptors. Wiggins led three Wolves in double figures with 12 points. Junior guard Joshua Brown and Kevin Brown added 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Senior forward Harold Sanders contributed nine points. Gorham and Kevin Brown tallied 10 rebounds apiece, while Gorham and Wiggins combined on five blocks. Timberland broke through for its first win of the 2025-26 season Jan. 6 at Military Magnet, getting past the Eagles by a score of 62-52. Wiggins and Kevin Brown poured in 18 points each and Sanders chipped in seven points. Wiggins also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. In between that win and the most recent back-to-back victories, the Wolves lost a competitive clash at home against Burke. Wiggins and Kevin Brown combined for 28 points.  After Philip Simmons Jan. 20, the Wolves host Woodland Jan. 23.

Lawter Has Big Plans For The Emerald Wrestling Program

By Billy Baker • January 22, 2026
By Billy G. Baker Publisher Greenwood —The passion that first year Emerald head wrestling coach Hayden Lawter has for the sport he starred in at BHP is rubbing off on the Vikings team that won seven dual matches this season for the first time in quite some time. Lawter is a recent graduate of Lander University where he earned a wrestling scholarship after an outstanding high school career at BHP where he was a three-time state qualifier in the 220-pouind class. He also finished among the top three in the state in his weight class in both his junior and senior years. Lawter also earned North-South Honors his senior year with the Bears. He was a two-time all-region champion, and he was named Anderson County Prep Wrester of the Year after he helped lead BHP to a state wrestling title in 2021 when the team went undefeated. “We have some big plans to build the wrestling program at Emerald into a Top 10 program in the state within five years,” said Coach Lawter. “I have seen it done before. This summer we are starting a Summer Take-Down club in the Greenwood area that will range from elementary school age up to high school. We are focused on growth and success. “It will be a challenge to win our region meet this year with strong teams like Westside , Fountian Inn , and Laurens competing against us,” said Coach Lawter. “We do hope to place fourth and that is a good start for us in our first year with a very young team.” The Vikings 2025-26 varsity wrestling team has 34 participants. The team has seven dual meet wins this season over Landrum , Greenwood Christian (twice), Augusta Christian , Seneca (twice), and Crescent . The Vikings will tune up for the upcoming region meet they will host, by competing against five other teams in the West Oak Round Robin Invitational on January 17. The team is led by senior tri-captains Alijah White (190), Kelsey Wright (165), and Gregory Brown (138). White is ranked 6 th in the state in his weight class by SCMAT.com. “Alijah has been on the team for four seasons, and he is a region champion contender for sure,” said Coach Lawter. Wright has also been on the team for four years and he is also a captain. Brown is a first-year senior on the team working extremely hard. Another top performer on the team is junior Caleb Jeffery (126) and he is ranked 7 th in the state by SCMAT.com in his weight class. Jeffery is also a contender for a region individual championship at the region meet late this month. Rounding out the top performers on the team is sophomore Hayden Doerflein in the 215-weight class and he is ranked 8 th in the state by SCMAT.com. He also has an excellent chance at competing for a region championship later this month. There are 14 total weight classes comprising a high school wrestling team. The Vikings have participation in every weight group but the heavy weight class that starts at 285 pounds. Freshman Izabella Ruiz starts at 106 with Izabella Souza also competing at 106. First- year freshman competitor Jacob Villicana competes at 113 and first-year senior Alex Morales represents the team at 120. Jeffery is a solid competitor at 126. First year freshman Ryelan Cubbage leads the 132-weight class. The 144-weight class is held down by junior Brandon Robertsdon. First year junior Tatum Bonaca starts at the 150-weight group.  Marley Fisher is a first-year starter at 157 while tri-captain Kelsey White is a top performer at 165. Sophomore Tristan Boggs is the top Viking performer at 175 while tri-captain Elijah White is a top performer at 190.

Carvers Bay Looking To Make Deeper Play Off Run This Season

By Neill Kirkpatrick • January 22, 2026
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Hemingway – The Carvers Bay Bears entered the 2025/26 season with high expectations as they returned their top three scorers from last season but head coach Jeff Mezzatesta felt it could take a few games to gel because the Bears football season did not end until the third round of the class A playoffs. “Our biggest challenge at the start of the season was getting our football players back after their great season. We have a lot of athletes that play both sports and we were behind in conditioning, chemistry, etc.. to start the basketball season,” said coach Mezz. Coach continued, “We probably won’t start gelling as a team until after the Holiday Break, unless our seniors can provide the leadership that is needed for early season success. If we can come together and grow we have a chance to have a very special season. We just have to weather the early season with a few football injuries to nurse and bringing the boys back together as a family.” The Bears lost in the third round of the class A playoffs to eventual state champion Denmark-Olar. They finished the year 20-9 and 12-0 in region play to win their second consecutive region championship. They entered the season on a 16-game region winning streak. The Bears are currently ranked number six in the latest HSSR class a poll. They started the season 1-2 but have gone 12-2 since including running their region winning streak to 21 after winning their first five region games. They also own a win over the HSSR’s number five team Latta 81-73 which put Latta in second place in the region race. The two teams will meet again at Latta on February 11 th in game that could decide the region title and a possible number one seed in the playoffs; however, there is a lot of basketball left to play. The strength of the Bears is in their guard play on both sides of the court as their pressure defense turns into instant offense. Senior KK Heyward and juniors Jamie Graham and Mekhi Bromell are the leaders of the team as they have each improved their game from last season. Heyward is a two-times All State selection. The senior is the unquestioned team leader and has upped his scoring average his year he has been on the team. He led the team in scoring last year at 15.7 ppg and is second this season at 16.4 ppg. He is on pace to top 1500 career points by the end of the season. On the defensive side, he leads the team in steals with 3.2 a night. Graham has taken his game to the next level as he leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. His scoring average has increased from 11.4 ppg to 18.3 ppg and he is on pace to become another 1000 career point scorer. His 5.8 rebounds per is tied for the top spot and he is dishing out 4.1 dimes a game. Also, he is a returning All Region selection. Bromell is fourth on the team in scoring at 9.7 ppg. That is almost two points more per night than last season and he pulls down 5.2 ppg. Rounding out the starting five are two newcomers in sophomore Ethan Morris and senior Kendall Moore. Morris is third in the team in scoring at 10.6 ppg and is also averaging 5.3 boards per game while Moore may be the most versatile player on the team as he plays anywhere he is needed. The Bears have a solid bench led by senior Jaden Bell . He is demon on the defensive end of the court and has been named the region 6A Defensive Player of the year the past two seasons. Also returning are seniors Tyrone Parson and Herbie Washington and they are joined by newcomers to the Bears roster in junior center Xavier Fredrick and sophomore guard Kamaris Brown . “I would hope that we can continue our success in region and make the playoffs; however, this is truly up to the commitment that our boys put into the season. We can’t become complacent on past success and have to keep our eyes on the present,” said coach Mezz.

Beaufort Girls Basketball Off To Great Start

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
By David Shelton Senior Writer Beaufort – With the non-region schedule completed, the focus for basketball teams in the state turn to region play in January. Playoff berths and seedings are determined by region finish, making region play the most important part of the regular season. To that end, the Beaufort girls basketball team is off to a great start, posting wins in their first two region 7-AAAA contests and winning 11 of their first 15 games overall this season. The team is on track to bettermg last year’s win total of 16 while contending for the region title. Among the top performers early on this season are junior Amiyah Brown , sophomore Jania Hayward , freshman Da’Leah LaBoard , and freshman Zaria Coaxum . Hayward is leading the team in scoring, averaging 19.4 points per game. She also averages nearly five rebounds and three assists per contest. Brown adds 13.7 points per game, adding 3.7 boards, while Coaxum is scoring 7.9 points per game. LaBoard is adding just over five points per game. Coming off a 1-19 season of a year ago, the boys basketball team is looking to improve but has found it to be a tough road. The Eagles managed just one win in their first 11 contests, including an 0-2 start to region play. But coach Jeremy Huff is optimistic about his team showing marked improvement in the 2025-26 season. “The sky is the limit for these young guys,” Huff says. “They have been working hard, but with our schedule and region, the competition is tough. We are expecting to be middle of the region and contend for a playoff spot.” Huff has several returning players and the playing experience gained last season, despite the record, should lead to improvement overall. As the season begins, Huff lists only one senior, guard Austin Miles , as starting. Miles is a returner from last season and is a team captain averaging 4.1 points per game. Junior guard Kobe Hernandez averages 4.0 points per game and junior guard Willis Watson is averaging 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Junior Qualeek Isnar is the starting center and averages 7.3 points per game. Freshman Keaton Layman averages 5.2 points per game. season. Sophomore forward PJ Davis rounds out the starting lineup. The wrestling season also is heavy into region competition and Beaufort has several grapplers ranked among the best in AAAA in their weight class. Colton Freeman is the second-ranked wrestler in the 215-pound weight class and Santino Communale is ranked fifth in AAAA at 120-pounds. Jaden Proctor is ranked sixth at 285 pounds and Jessob Paris is ranked seventh at 157 pounds. Another key performer is Cameron Posey in the 144-pound weight class. Among female wrestlers, Olesya Mullins is the top-ranked wrestler at 105 pounds.

Barnwell Girl’s Basketball Focused On Making AA Playoffs

By Staff Reports • January 22, 2026
Barnwell Girl’s Basketball Focused On Making AA Playoffs From Staff Reports Barnwell —With their 40-32 region win over Edisto on January, 16 the Lady Warhorses have pulled into a tie with Hampton County (2-2) for the region lead going into the home stretch of the regular season. Junior guard Savannah Rountree scored 12 points and senior guard Gabrielle Thomas added 10 points to lead the Lady Warhorses to the win. Sophomore center Bre’Yanna Bostick chipped in six points against Edisto also. Others contributing points in the Edisto game for Barnwell included freshman guard Za’Cariah Devoe (3), senior guard Aurielle Sanders (2), freshman forward Kennide Williams (2), freshman guard Zamari Williams (2), and junior wing Gracie Carter (1). “We are playing much better defense now,” said head coach William Hammonds . “We still need to find ways to score but our defense is coming along well. “Rountree is shooting the ball really well and she is getting it going on offense for us,” said Coach Hammonds. “Both Bostick and Devoe are two of most improved players since the start of the season. Bostick is our top rebounder coming off the bench.  “Gabby is starting to making better decisions on her passes from the point guard position,” said Coach Hammonds. “She is starting to make the right plays.” Coach Hammonds that with six region games to play he is hoping his team can finish strong and place at least third in the region and then go on and play well in the playoffs. “Hampton County and Lake Marion have two really good teams this year but if we continue to improve, I feel like we can place at least third in the region.” Maddie Brown is a 5-10 small forward and she is one of the team’s co-captains. Brown is a good rebounder and plays good defense in the paint. Barnwell will host Hampton County on February, 3. To date, a shooting guard, Roudtree leads the team in scoring at 14 points a game. Thomas is at 5.8 points and three rebounds a game, including 2.4 steals. Bostick is averaging 3.6 points a game and leads the team in rebounding. Devoe is averaging 1.2 steals a game. Coach Hammonds is assisted Alicia Davis and April Robinson .

Carolina Academy Basketball Enters Region Play

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
The Carolina Academy Girls Basketball Team.

Chesterfield Hoopsters Competing Well In Region

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
By David Shelton Senior Writer Chesterfield – Region play is the most important part of the regular season and ramping up the intensity and focus is paramount for any team hoping to contend for a region title and state playoff berth. To that end, a young but up and coming Chesterfield girls basketball team is competing well in the early part of their 2025-26 region 4-AA schedule. The Lady Rams won four of their first six region games and were 10-7 overall this season as of Jan. 18. The team won 11 games all of last season. “We are playing pretty well so far,” said head coach Nick Jolly earlier this season. “This is a competitive team. We’re still fairly young overall but we have some talented girls. We will make youthful mistakes but we will learn from those mistakes and work hard to correct things as we go. I definitely feel good about the potential.” Chesterfield regularly starts four sophomores and Jolly’s top two players are sophomores Reagan Rivers and Yaya Robinson . Rivers was a class AA all-state selection as a freshman, averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game. This season, she is averaging 14.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She also dishes 3.4 assists per game and has nearly three steals per contest. Robinson averaged 13.9 points last season and is at 15.9 points per game this season. Eighth-grader Le’Asia Brown is leading the team in rebounds, grabbing 9.9 boards per game while scoring 6.7 rebounds per contest this season. Sopho,ore Ki’Yonna Peurifoy is pulling down 7.0 rebounds per contest while senior Jordan Evans is adding 2.6 steals and nearly two assists per game. Sophomore Alivia Honeycutt scores about three points and pulls down 4.5 rebounds per game. She also averages close to four blocked shots per outing. Sophomore Tayler McCoy is adding six points per game. Senior Jaylen Evans , along with junior Kaylee Leonard , see considerable minutes as well. Freshman Taylee Clyburn , sophomore Ava Knight , freshman Kamari Patterson , freshman Allison Brown , and senior Jenna Kelly round out this year’s squad. Jolly says his biggest point of emphasis in the early season has been physical toughness. “With the youth, sometimes they play a little timid,” the coach said. “I keep telling them we have to play tougher. They are responding well. I’m pretty happy with where we are and I know we are going to continue to grow and improve as we play more. We will compete with most of the teams that we play.” The boys team went 1-12 against non-region competition in December but is showing solid growth in region play with an early 2-2 record. Senior leaders and team captains are Kamron Patterson, Derrick Lockhart, Ronnie Little and Josh Miller . Juniors include Amir Pickett, Jackson Dalton, Mark Moten, Josh Bittle, Jayden Johnson, Treyvon Smith and DJ Merriman. Rounding out the roster are sophomores Jamison Dalton and Holden Lowry .
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