Cavaliers hope to make noise in playoffs

Rob Gantt • February 9, 2025

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SJCA's Thomas Hester making another lay up.

By Rob Gantt

Special to The HSSR

MONCKS CORNER - St. John’s Christian’s boys basketball team may not have a sparkling record as the SCISA playoffs begin, but first-year coach Bobby Winters is optimistic the Cavaliers can string something together in the postseason.

The Cavaliers have a history of performing well in the postseason.

Winters’ squad took an 8-16 overall into its final contest of the regular season Feb. 11 at Dorchester Academy. With a 3-3 mark in region play, the Cavaliers tied for second with Patrick Henry behind region champion Hilton Head Prep.

“Personally, I think the guys are ready for the playoffs,” said Winters, who took over the program right before the regular season began. “Some night, we’re going to shoot lights out. I’ve seen it come together. We’ve been somewhat up and down, but the kids are athletic and there is good team chemistry.”

St. John’s Christian started off 0-8 this winter but has been a .500 team since. The Cavaliers have played a tough schedule, too.

“We share the ball well and make smart decisions,” Winters said. “The key for us is to not turn the ball over and play together.”

The Cavaliers are led by juniors Thomas Hester and Tradd Law, the top two scorers on the team and likely all-region selections.

Winter said the duo combines for around 40 points per game for a squad that’s not that deep. Hester and junior Jacob Glover pace the team in rebounding, combining for around 18 boards per game. Law leads in assists, followed closely by Hester. Junior Dor Reichley is a strong defender and junior post player Isiah Antley made strides around the basket as the season went on.

The lone senior on the team is guard Landen Chipman. Everybody else is able to return next winter.

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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.