Gators’ Hall has built consistent winner on Redbank Road
Blake Hall has coached the Gators since the 2012-13 season and consistently produced winning teams over the years.
By Rob Gantt
Special to the HSSR
Goose Creek – The boys basketball program at Goose Creek High School has been under the leadership of Blake Hall since the 2012-13 season and a consistent winner over the years. Opponents know they’re in a battle against Hall-coached teams.
This past winter, the Gators captured a Lower State championship for the second time in three seasons before falling to Greenville in double overtime. The Gators ended the campaign with a 25-4 record and were state runners-up for the fourth time since 2006.
The Gators under Hall are known for their tenacity and getting after opponents for four quarters or however long it takes.
“Our guys work really hard and maybe I run them a little too much, but I think you have to have that will not to give in late when you get tired,” Hall said.
The 2023-24 team was the type of squad Hall builds every winter.
“I was proud of them before the game even started,” he said after the championship loss. “… I love these guys. The result of a game doesn’t change that they’re champions in how they act and behave in the community and on campus. It’s a little disappointing, but that’s life.”
The contest was the last for several seniors, including all-state guard Shane Potts.
“They’re all great young men,” Hall said. “You don’t win at a high level without character people. They’re the epitome. I truly believe if you don’t have good people, you’re not going to win at a high level. They will be missed, but the relationship goes on. I look forward to watching them get out into the real world and do great things.”
Goose Creek brings back several key pieces from that squad for the 2025-26 season and should be in the bull’s eye again next winter. They’re still looking for their first state crown since 2009. Returning all-state guard Ja’Quell Brown will lead the way. Brown scored 27 points in the title game and forced the first overtime with an off-balance 3-pointer from the wing at the horn to tie it 58-58.
In addition to being named all-state, Brown earned the region’s player of the year honor.
Hall’s first squad on Redbank Road also capped the season in the state championship game after he guided North Charleston to its first state crown since 1997.
