Panthers look for stronger finish

By Roger Lee

Contributing Writer 



Summerville – Expectations are high for the Pinewood Prep Boys Basketball team.

The Panthers return eight varsity lettermen from a team that finished 22-11 last season. However, the team is looking to make a deeper playoff run this year.

“Our goal is actually to win a state championship or at least chase that a little stronger,” Pinewood coach Pat Eidson said. “I like all our pieces and we are going to have a size advantage in nearly every game, which is nice. Not many teams in the Lowcountry can match the height of our front line.”

Pinewood won four of its last five games to improve to 11-5 this season. Eidson is only two wins away from notching his 944th career coaching victory. That would move him ahead of Great Falls’ coach John Smith, who is recorded as owning the state’s basketball career coaching victories record with 943 wins.

Eidson’s squad is not only lengthy, but versatile. The Panthers have veteran guards in juniors Jonathan Slawson and Jayden Alexander. The other starters are only sophomores, but Eidson points out his grandson Tripp Eidson (6-8, 200), Tre Green (6-1, 175) and Kais Parris (6-6, 160) have gained considerable experience early this season.

“Jonathan Slawson is one of the top point guards in the state,” the coach said. “He has been a starter for two years so he will direct and lead the team. Arden Murray also is a really solid player who is a senior. Kais Paris is a very versatile player inside and outside. Tripp in the middle is playing really well. We picked up Tre from Ashley Ridge and he is definitely an asset. We just have to maintain consistency and keep playing hard.”

Seniors Pascal Ochieng (6-5, 170), Asa Windham and Terrance Stallworth also return with considerable varsity experience.

Joining them this season are senior Daniel Wiggins, juniors Hayden Pressley, Bryce Coleman and Bralon Blackwell and sophomore Heyward Moore.

After going 1-2 during the Lowcountry Roundball Classic showcase at the North Charleston Athletic Center, the Panthers started the new year by defeating Stall 64-53, St. John’s Christian Academy 83-55 and Northside Christion Academy 64-43.

Pinewood’s losses during the Roundball came to quality opponents Summerville and Peninsula Catholic of Newport News, Virginia. The Panthers led during most of their game against Summerville, but the Green Wave rallied to claim a 76-67 win.

“We were up double digits late and typically we win those games,” Eidson said. “They just kept battling and we may have worn down a little bit because they sub so much. However, I love the way we played and to be honest with you I think we should have won the game.

Pinewood went 3-0 during the Academic Magnet Tournament Nov. 27-30. The Panthers defeated Burke (77-57), Colleton County (75-42) and Cathedral Academy (66-57).

Pinewood hosts Laurence Manning Academy at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 and opens region play at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 by hosting First Baptist.