Hilton Head Prep Eyeing Another Championship Run

Larry Gamble

Photo Editor

Hilton Head – Getting off to a rough start is nothing new for young teams, but for the Hilton Head Prep Lady Dolphins; the team is a seasoned team just working out those early season bugs. Head Coach Phillip Hartman described the season as starting “1 and 6 then going on to win 7 of the next 8, and currently 8-7” at the end of December. “It’s been a bit of an up and down season” according to Coach Hartman.

Returning this season, the Dolphins four-year starter and captain, senior Courtney Campbell who averages 23 PPG, and 7.5 RPG this season. She’s led the team in scoring every season and recorded 1,659 career points. After this season, Campbell signed with USC Beaufort and will play for the Lady Sand Sharks and Coach Sharon Versyp.

Juniors on the team are Merritt Risher and Erin Cleary. Both are captains with Campbell. Cleary averages 9.7 PPG and 2.2 RPG. Riley Wilbert is the key to the Dolphins full court press and adds energy to the team when she takes the floor. and Helen Kerkow complete the juniors on the roster. Other underclassmen on the team are sophomores Ava Zeoli, Brooke Heins, freshmen Katie Dweerd and Sophie Moe complete the squad.  

When asked about his vision for where the team is now and looking forward, Coach Hartman sounded optimistic about his team. “The team is much better than 8-7. Getting the younger players to embrace physicality, energy and a fast pace of play; is a work in progress. The players need to do a better job and so do I. Under the leadership of Campbell, Cleary and Risher, we have the potential to make a run in the state playoffs” according to Coach Hartman.

The next challenge is Jan 10^th when the Lady Dolphins travel to St. John’s Christian Academy. 

Boys Basketball

The Hilton Head Prep Boys team started their season off strong. Led by Head Coach Richard Barron and Assistant Coach John Britschge. The Dolphins have seven returning seniors.

There are three returning senior starters are Billy Barron ( coach’s son), Connor Campbell, Brendan Moore plus one senior reserve player Luke Eanes.  According to Coach Barron, “these four were part of last year’s state championship and Billy and Connor were on the team for the past two state championships.” This season the Dolphins added transfer senior Ty Harpring who moved from Atlanta.  The other seniors are Finn Gregory and Jake Sheahan.

The two juniors are Tyler Britschge and Alston Adams, and the lone freshman is Sammy Middleton.

With seven seniors on the team, Coach Barron told the HSSR that they rotate captains.  

When you look at current stats, closing out December with a 13-3 record, one easily sees where Coach Barron gets his optimism for this team. One can argue that Ty Harpring (6-3, 195) is one of the best players in the state.  He leads the team at 22.2 PPG, has 4.7 RPG, and 55% AFG%. The next is Billy Barron (6-2, 185) with 7.3 PPG with 54% AFG%. He is an elite shooter and has a great basketball IQ.  Connor Campbell (6-0, 175) is a tough point guard and defender with 6.6 PPG and 4.1 RPG. An all-around good player, Brendan Moore (6-3, 165)is referred to as a Swiss Army Knife because he can play in the pivot or on the perimeter. He is currently at 7.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG. 

 When asked about the team dynamic with four outstanding senior, coach Barron said, “we are a very balanced team offensively and play well together and with great connectedness on defense.”  With this talent and current performance, coach Barron told the HSSR, “we hope to compete for another state championship, and we are 13-3 on the season at this point.” 

The next challenge for the Dolphins comes on Jan. 8 when Bethesda Academy travels over the border from Savannah.