Hawks soaring as end of regular season nears

Rob Gantt • April 21, 2025

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Hananhan's Hudson Sprovero who blasted a three run homer rounds the bases.

By Rob Gantt

Special to The HSSR

HANAHAN - The Hanahan Hawks have their sights set on another deep playoff run in baseball.

The Hawks, who played for the Class 3A state title two years in a row, improved to 12-5 this spring with a 10-2 victory over Philip Simmons April 10.

“We’re finding our way,” HHS coach Skylar Hunter said. “I knew how young we were going into the season. I knew the schedule early on was a gauntlet. It’s paying off for us. We’re playing our best baseball... We’re hoping to keep this train rolling. We’ve got a chance to make a little noise.”

The win over Philip Simmons was the fourth straight for the Hawks. Hanahan catcher Hudson Sprovero blasted a three-run home run and third baseman Wyatt Muirheid cranked a two-run shot for his first varsity homer. Sprovero also scored three runs and outfielder Nolyn Nickels drove in two runs.

Hanahan starter Chris Polm struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, to earn the win on the bump.

On the season, leadoff hitter Joe Furse, an outfielder, and infielder Bo Brabham have been setting the table nicely for Sprovero in the third spot.

Hanahan’s No. 1 starter Riley Ballard, a Citadel signee, has a broken finger on his non-pitching hand and could miss the remainder of the regular season. Polm has shown he can hold his own on the mound, as has eighth-grade southpaw Nickels. Nickels just beat 5A Ashley Ridge April 3, going 4.2 innings with eight strikeouts.

Muirheid, Sprovero, and Gunnar Haulbrooks are the other arms behind Ballard.

The Hawks compete in the Hanahan Invitational Tournament April 14-17 before taking on Oceanside Collegiate April 22 and April 25. The Hawks host the second game of the series, which could determine the region champion.

The Hawks cap the regular season Tuesday, April 29 at Philip Simmons and with a non-region game at home versus Academic Magnet Friday, May 2.

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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.