Chapin girls, boys hanging in there
Chapin girls, boys hanging in there
By WORTHY EVANS
Contributing Writer
Columbia - The Chapin girls basketball team (11-13, 3-5 Region 4-5A) has been on the losing end more often than not this season, but it’s not because the Eagles haven’t been working.
“I’ll be honest, our schedule has been really tough, filled with Top 10 teams,” head coach Chad Boland said. We’ve played Camden, played (1A No.3) Denmark-Olar twice, (5A Division 1 No.2) Blythewood twice, (5A Division I No.9 ) Dorman once, and that was before a tough region schedule. As far as losses, we’ve had more than we’ve wanted, but we’ve been a little bit more competitive than we have been.”
Chapin has just two seniors on the team and a lot of young talent that has kept the Eagles afloat through a difficult schedule. Junior Reagan Haggard is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
“Reagan been our leader since eighth grade. I think she’s led us in scoring all four years she’s been here,” Boland said. “She’s an all-around player. She’s played in all five positions, but she needs to be on the wing or in the post. We’ve had her at the point so her stats are a little down, but she can play any position.”
Senior guard Brooke Holmes averages 8.7 points and four rebounds per game, and junior center Sami Stephenson, in her third year, averages 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds and has been effective at getting the ball inside. Another point guard, freshman Mary Ann Woods, has not been a big scorer but she gets the ball distributed well, Boland said.
The team’s other senior, guard Keke Wright averages 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds but is the team leader.
“Keke is the heart and soul of the team, very athletic,” Boland said. “She’s our best defensive player.”
Some up and comers include sophomore forward Ava Love, and 6-foot sophomore center Atyria Douglas. “Ava really gives us a lift. She plays small forward but she also plays everywhere,” Boland said. “Atyria has taken the biggest leap. She’s only played basketball for a few years but she’s started half our games and has come off the bench. She can move people around the court.”
Chapin looks to finish strong against Irmo Tuesday and at White Knoll Thursday, and if the Eagles finish in fourth place they may well get into the postseason. Regardless of how they finish, they have a good chance of getting better next season.
“There’s no doubt they should be a pretty good team for the next couple of years, that’s the goal,” Boland said. “Yes, they’re young, but I’m tired of saying that. We’ve lost a couple of seniors every year, and it’s not a lie that we’re young, but it’s time to pick it up.”
The Chapin boys (8-15, 1-6) had already won more games than last year (6-18) at the start of region play. Since January the Eagles have had a rough go and are currently in fifth place, playing Irmo Tuesday and White Knoll Thursday.
