First Baptist girls eyeing run at SCISA title

David Shelton • February 10, 2025

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By David Shelton

Senior Writer

James Island – With eyes set on the ultimate prize, the girls basketball team at First Baptist begins their quest for the AAAA SCISA state championship on Feb. 14.

The regular season saw the Hurricanes put together quite a run, winning 26 of 28 games overall while posting a 10-0 record in region play. First Baptist clinched the region title for the first time since coach Presley Singleton arrived as head coach. The Hurricanes have secured a No. 1 seed in one bracket AAAA after going undefeated against all SCISA competition.

Expected to be strong contenders in AAAA are two-time defending state champion Heathwood Hall and Trinity Collegiate, as well as region rival Northwood Academy.

“These girls have been on a mission this off season with their training, playing travel, early morning workouts and have really bought in to the culture that we have built here,” Singleton says of this year’s team. “This is the most balanced team with the most weapons that I’ve had since I’ve been here. We will not graduate any starters or players in our main rotation.”

The Hurricanes certainly do possess many offensive options this season. Freshman Maddie Pajani has been a huge addition to the program, leading the team in scoring at 17 points per game. Pajani is shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc and 60 percent from inside while averaging four steals per game.

“As good a shooter as I have ever coached,” Singleton said. “She’s a big-time prospect and still just a freshman.”

Junior wing Ava Rush is averaging 13 points and nine rebounds per game. She already holds several college offers.

Sophomore point guard Gabby Moore is a third-year starter, averaging 10 points,, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals per game. Junior guard Paige Pouyat adds 10 points per game and shoots 36 percent from three-point range. She recently scored her 1,000^th career point.

“Paige has won state championships at the AA level and we’re hoping her experience can lead us,” Singleton said. “Ava and Gabby have experienced playing in the Sumter Civic Center, losing to Heathwood Hall in overtime. Their experience is a strength should we advance.”

Manning the paint is 6-5 junior Dyarri Braddick, who averages eight points, eight rebounds and shoots 58 percent from the field.

Key contributions off the bench are provided by Dora Jones and Ellie Blitch. Jones is a lefty point guard who makes plays and defends very well. Blitch is a Division I track athlete who uses her speed in transition to get out and fastbreak.

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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.