Inconsistency Didn’t Stop Swamp Foxes From Reaching Finals

By Roger Lee

Contributing Writer

Summerville – For the first time in program history, the Ashley Ridge Boys Basketball team advanced to the state finals.

The Swamp Foxes hit a rough patch during region play and finished 4-6 against region opponents. However, the team then won four playoff games, eliminating Wando, Carolina Forest, James Island and Cane Bay to capture its first Lower State Championship.

Earlier in the season, Ashley Ridge lost to Cane Bay and to James Island. In fact, the Trojans defeated Ashley Ridge twice during the regular season.



“I’m really proud of our guys,” said Ashley Ridge coach Brad Dobbels. “We had some rough stretches and these guys could have packed their bags so you have to give them credit. We figured things out and started to really believe that if we work together we can get it done. That was great to see.”

Ashley Ridge then lost to Ridge View in the state-title game.

“We knew we had to play really well to come in and beat them and it wasn’t our best night,” Dobbels said. “Throughout the year, we struggled some times and when we did we tried to force things, press things and not move the ball as much especially when we start missing shots. Ridge View made us pay for that. However there are about five guys on this team who developed some toughness. They became men this year so that’s the thing I’m most proud of.”

The Swamp Foxes finished the season at 23-8. Senior Clayton Everett Jr. led the way, averaging 21.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2 blocks per game. He also led in field goal percentage and three-point percentage on his way to being selected to the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s 2026 5A Boys All-State Team.

Everett graduates as the team’s all-time leading scorer with nearly 1,400 points and as one of its Top 3 all-time rebounders.

Senior Shayne Pinckney averaged 10.7 points and junior Javion Gathers averaged 9.3. Senior AJ Ward averaged 3.5 rebounds and senior Ben Duncan averaged 2.9. Gathers, Pinckney and Everett were the assists leaders and steals leaders. Everett, Duncan and Maurquis Lee led in blocks.

Other members of the team are Evan Terry, Javari Walker, Jhi Gibbs, Nate McKee, Grant Riemer, Taylen Crutcher, Gerald Garner and Gabe Geddis.

AR Girls

The Ashley Ridge Girls also had a strong season, finishing at 16-11. The team went 9-1 in 5A Region 8 to claim the region championship.

After earning the top seed for the Lower State Playoffs, the Lady Swamp Foxes lost to Wando in the second round.

Senior Andrea Kelly led the team, averaging 16 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game. She was named to the 5A Girls All-State Team and finishes her high-school career with more than 1,300 points.

Junior Jameson Foley averaged 16 points and 8.6 rebounds. Sophomore Samiah Boatwright averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds. LaChar Lawrence, Raszy Simmons and Kelly led the team in assists while Kelly, Foley and Lawrence led in steals.

Other members of the team are Allie Miller, Katelyn Lim, Annemarie Ehritz, Aliyas Foster, Dawn West, Jeniah Hunter, Ella Reck, Hannah Jackson and Jeanne Deniel.

AR Wrestling

Several Ashley Ridge wrestlers qualified for the 5A individual wrestling state tournaments.

Ashley Ridge junior Rahiem Skyers was just a couple of moves away from claiming a state championship during the 5A Boys tournament. Skyers advanced to the championship match of the 120-pound weight class, where he lost a 9-4 decision to Eastside wrestler Drayton Johnson.

Grady Brewer placed fourth at 138. Diego Millan (157), Gabriel Jager (126), Luca Phillips (132) and Talon Campbell (175) were also state qualifiers.

During the 5A Girls tournament, Yongshan (Mondo) Tie placed third at 120. Marisa Marsar was also a state qualifier.