The HSSR Releases 2024-25 All-State SCHSL & SCISA Basketball Teams Led By Top Superlatives Frankin, Watkins, Jacobs & Jenkins

Billy Baker • April 2, 2025


 By Billy G. Baker

 Publisher


 Moncks Corner—The High School Sports Report is proud to release our 37th consecutive all-state basketball teams, from both the SCHSL and SCISA, for the recently completed 2024-25 season.


 Despite there being no signings of boy’s or girls’ basketball players to either South Carolina or Clemson from the 2025 class, it was a solid year for in-state talent none-the-less.


The staff of the HSSR attended every SCHSL play-off game held the Florence Center this past season, and the majority of the post-season games held in Sumter, involving SCISA competition. Over the past three seasons, the HSSR has literally witnessed 70 per cent of these players chosen for our 2024-25 all-state teams play in person, logging thousands of miles to see these players in action first-hand.


 Abijah Franklin,  the   recent MVP of the Carolina’s Classic all-star game versus North Carolina, after he scored a team high 24 points in the game, has been named the HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Mr. Basketball. The Furman  signee led the state in scoring this season at 33 points, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals a game. Franklin is a two-time all-state pick.


 After leading Andrew Jackson to their second straight AA basketball title this season, Elon signee Tamia Watkins, has been named the HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Miss Basketball. Watkins, closed out an outstanding six-year career by averaging 30.1 points and 4 rebounds a game her senior season. She recently led the South Carolina Select team with 14 points against North Carolina in that annual all-star game between the two states.


  From the SCISA ranks Heathwood Hall senior point guard Lauren Jacobs was almost a unanimous choice for the HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 Miss Basketball honors. The Ole Miss signee averaged 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals a game this past season closing out an outstanding career with the Highlanders.


 The HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 Mr. SCISA Basketball is Porter-Gaud senior John Michael Jenkins. Jenkins was among the fastest moving players in recent memory on the court and he averaged nearly 20 points a game, with  seven assists, and four steals a game this season. Jenkins scored 21 points in the Cyclones state title win over Agusta Christian recently. He is currently entertaining college offers after transferring to P-G from Oceanside Collegiate two years ago.   



HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Mr. Basketball - Abijah Franklin-Wren
HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - Statewide Boys Player of Year-Josh Leonard-Wilson  
HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 -  Div. I AAAAA Boys Player of Year-Korie Corbett-Ridge View

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - Div. II AAAAA Boy’s Player of Year---Caden Coleman-Greenville

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AAAA Boys Player of Year-Jordan Watford-Lancaster
HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AAA Boys Player of Year—Brian Sumpter-Keenan
HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AA Boys Player of Year—Jamie Brooks-Atlantic Collegiate

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - Class A Boys Player of Year—Joshua Goodman-Denmark-Olar

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - Div. I AAAAA Boys Coach of Year—Josh Staley-Ridge View 

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - Div. II AAAAA Boys Coach of Year—Mike Anderson-Greenville

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AAAA Boys Coach of Year—Jerron Cauthen-Lancaster

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AAA Boys Coach of Year-Zach Norris-Keenan

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 - AA Boys Coach of Year—Tanner Massey-Atlantic Collegiate  

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 – Class A Boys Coach of Year-Hercules Davis -Denmark-Olar

 
HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Div. I AAAAA All-State Boys Basketball

TJ Lewis-Blythewood

Evan Enos-Byrnes

Melvin Teal-Summerville

Gavin Ward-James Island

Yasir Cromer-River Bluff

Colt Fowler-Byrnes

Rex Walter-Boiling Springs

Keenan Whiteside-Dorman

Kaleb Evans-Lexington

Ethan Crews-Easley

Dontez Walker-JL Mann


HSSR 2024-25 Div. II AAAAA All-State Boys Basketball

Damien Kinloch-Berkeley

John Cleveland-Berkeley

Roman Cooley-Greenville

Franklin Whitley-Greenville

Shane Potts-Goose Creek

Ja’Quell Brown-Goose Creek 

Sebi Boyogueno-Riverside

Logan Parker-Fort Mill

Nas Berry-Fort Mill

CJ Terrell-Greenwood

Thomas Rouse-Eastside

Rickey Littlejohn-Gaffney

James Watson-Myrtle Beach  



HSSR 2024-25 All-State AAAA Boys Basketball

Lamont Britt-Gray Collegiate

Levi Ball-Gray Collegiate

Columbus Parker-Lancaster

Malik Tinsley-Lancaster

Jacarey Ballard-Lancaster

Amare Anderson-Greer

Malik Tinsley-Lancaster

Da’Ron Dunbar-North Augusta

Quh’mareon Webb-North Augusta  

Brock Cherry-Wren

Kmajay Jenkins-Westside

Tristian Thompson-Wilson

Shannon Davis-Crestwood

Johnathan Perry-Christ Church


 

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State AAA Boys Basketball

Eric Gray-Union County

Antoine Caughman-Keenan

Khalid Sherman-Loris

Zay Robertson-Dillon

Jordan McGahee-Orangeburg-Wilkinson

Justin Vining-Fox Creek

Quan Burton-Powdersville

Jaleel McGee-Powdersville

Von Burton-Powdersville  

Johnathan Perry-Christ Church

Adam Bown-Christ Church

AJ Edwards-Brookland-Cayce

Grayson Patterson-Woodruff

Blayne Edwards-Lake City

Brelin Davis-BHP


HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State AA Boys Basketball

Jaylen Bellamy-Atlantic Collegiate

CJ Hemingway-Atlantic Collegiate

Bryce Peterson-Andrew Jackson

Zeke Clyburn-Andrew Jackson

J’Sean Sanders-High Point Academy

Chonci Miller-High Point Academy

Jaden McNeil-High Point Academy

Eli Brown-Chesnee

Tushawn Richardson-Clinton

Manny Davis-Eau Claire

Darius Brooks-Hampton County

Deyon Ford-Mullins

Dakarai Worley-Mullins

Charles White-Marion

Jeffrey Ceasar-Manning

Caden Edmond-Central

Amarion Wilson-Bridges Prep


HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State Class A Boys Basketball

Gavin Hood-Great Falls

Tykeem Ross-Denmark-Olar

Terrence Hinton-Denmark-Olar

Terence McFadden-Bethune Bowman

Bryson Robinson-Bethune-Bowman

Jayden Baylor-Abbeville

Darius Riley-Abbeville

Cayden Ramsey-Cross

Stetson Stacks-North

Tylin Jenkins-Hannah-Pamplico

Kenard Heyward-Carvers Bay

Tyrek Wright-McBee

Darius Houston-McCormick

Jayden Crawford-Green Sea-Floyds

Nasir Brooks-Hemingway  


HSSR 2024-25 Boys All-Rookie Basketball

Nathaniel Freeman-Bridges Prep

Huck Flynn-Riverside

Judah Lee-Green Sea-Floyds

Riggs Savage-Powdersville

Zay Harris-North Augusta

Anton Daniels-Atlantic Collegiate

Brice Wiersma-TL Hanna

James Gamble-East Clarendon

Beau Hite-Emerald

HSSR- SCHSL 2024-25 -Miss Basketball— Tamia Watkins-Andrew Jackson

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25  -Div. I AAAAA Girls Player Of Year- Chase Thomas-Blythewood

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 – Div. II AAAAA Girls Player Of Year—Amani McCray-Berkeley

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 – AAAA Girls Player Of Year-Celena Grant-North Augusta

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25  -- AAA Girls Player Of Year—Kami Roach-Walhalla
HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 - AA Girls Player of Year— Ni’Yonna Asbelle-Andrew Jackson

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25  - Class A Girls Player of Year—Dream Watson-Military Magnet

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 Div. I -Statewide Girls Coach Of Year--

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 -Div. I AAAAA Girls Coach Of Year—Emily McElveen-Schaffer-Blythewood

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Div. II AAAAA Girls Coach of Year-Crystal Peace-Berkeley High   

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 - AAAA Girls Coach Of Year-Al Young-North Augusta 

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 - AAA Girls Coach Of Year-Bryon Wimphrie-Walhalla

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 -AA Girls Coach of Year—Steven Fair-Andrew Jackson   

HSSR SCHSL 2024-25 – Class A Girls Coach Of Year-Nathaniel Taylor-Military Magnet

 

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Div. I Girl’s All-State Basketball

Jade Hailstock-JL Mann

Skyla Tuthill-Ashley Ridge

Jahzara Leamon-Mauldin

India Williams-Blythewood

Hayley Hightower-Blythewood 

Molly Daugherty-Summerville

Cailah Tucker-Summerville

Emma Daugherty-Summerville

Morgan White-Dorman

Aubrey Stevenson-Rock Hill

Chole Hudson-Rock Hill

Ashlyn Evans-Byrnes

Clara Mustapher-Stratford

Breah Franks-JL Mann

Anasia Harvey-Ridge View

 

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 Div. II Girl’s All-State Basketball

Alaina Carter-Berkeley

Madison Thomas-Berkeley

Tamera Wynn-TL Hanna

 Faith Farmer-North Myrtle Beach

Danielle Oliver-Greenwood

TyKirea Johnson-Greenwood

Cameron Oliver-Greenwood

Elly Trickett-Riverside

Shiriah Harris-Gaffney

Tianah “TT” Hopper-Gaffney

Ava Owens-Greenville

Madeline Dates-Goose Creek

Michaela Fairwell-Dutch Fork

Shaelyn Hayes-White Knoll

Aneya Britt-Westwood  


HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State AAAA Girls Basketball

Ashley Walker-North Augusta

Kenedi Wright-North Augusta

Khalia Hartwell-Westside

Asia Clinksales-Westside

Kaleigh Lucas-South Pointe

Janiya Cunningham-South Pointe

Hannah Rosato-Bishop England

Braylin Mungo-Camden

Lila Mann-Daniel

Shala Williams-Daniel

Jhnai Sumpter-Lower Richland

Chi’Nya Isaac-Lower Richland

Malasia Jamison-Aiken

Logan Murray-Wilson

Kadence Walker-Lee-Gray Collegiate


HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State AAA Girls Basketball

Miley White-Walhalla

Gianna Ortiz-Walhalla

Miley White-Walhalla

Treasure Davis-Dillon

Khw’Nylaha McKinnon-Dillon

Taylor Lee-Sutton-Keenan

Janiya Richburg-Loris

Marisa Moody-Loris

Ella Mae Schepp-Oceanside Collegiate

Sadie Burnette-Woodruff

Krislyn Wilder-Chapman

Reagan Mobley-West Oak

Devyn Blackwell-Southside Christian

Janiya Cunningham-South Pointe

  

 

HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State AA Girls Basketball

Janiyah Squire-Ninety-Six

Essence Rodgers-Blacksburg

Jazzlyn McMillan-Fairfield Central

Emily McCall-Andrew Jackson

Jaeda Davis-Marion

Maliyah Williams-Marion

Kylie Fortner-Landrum

Destinee Tiller-Eau Claire

Milaysha Chisolm-Eau Claire

Aimarika Moorer-Lake Marion

Hannah Riles-Lake City

Naydia Shaw-Kingstree


HSSR-SCHSL 2024-25 All-State Class A Girls Basketball

Autumn Thomas-Calhoun Falls

DeNiriyah Williams-Military Magnet

Sabri Mitchell-Military Magnet

Serenity Williams-Lee Central

Hannah Reames-Lee Central

My’Keriyah Holmes-Lee Central

Kalen Mayes-Denmark-Olar

Aveion Walker-Denmark-Olar

Tiffany Helmer-St. Joseph’s Catholic

Kailen Parks-North

Lauren Middleton-Cross

Aysiah Bonaparte-Hunter-Kinard-Tylar

Tilayzia Youmans-Hunter- Kinard-Tyler

D’Essence Graham-Carver’s Bay

Jasmyn Jenkins-Carver’s Bay

Raven Brown-Bamberg-Ehrhardt


HSSR-2024-25 All-Rookie Girls Basketball

Tiana Marshall - Westside (8th)

Imani Levey - Berkeley

Miracle Cheeks - Greenville

Jaiden McKnight - Kingstree

Maddie Pojani - First Baptist

CoCo Charley - North

Evie Adams - St. Joseph’s Catholic

Campbell Delaney - Orangeburg Prep

Lauren Willis - Military Magnet  

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 SCISA Boys Basketball

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 Mr. SCISA Basketball - John Michael Jenkins - Porter-Gaud

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 AAAA Boys Player Of Year - Bryce Reyierson - Augusta Christian

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25-  AAA Boys Player Of Year - Ty Harping - Hilton Head Prep

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25-AA Boys Player Of Year - Bryce Ward - Cathedral Academy

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25- Class A Boys Player of Year - Kavontay Rose - Ragin Prep

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25- AAAA Boys Coach of Year - John Pearson - Porter-Gaud

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25- AAA Boys Coach Of Year - Richard Barron - Hilton Head Prep

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 -AA Boys Coach of the Year - Blake Ferguson - Cathedral Academy

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 -Class A Boys Coach of the Year - Anthony Jackson- Ragin Prep   


HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 All-State AAAA Boys

Griffin Ferrano-Porter-Gaud

Banks Butler-Porter Gaud

Kateaux Miller-Porter Gaud

Kais Parris-Pinewood Prep

Tre Green-Pinewood Prep

Tripp Eidson -Pinewood Prep

Jonathan Slawson-Pinewood Prep

Braysen Stockman-Ben Lippen

Ty Shine-Augusta Christian

Aamere Tolbert-Augusta Christian

Hugh Humphries-Wilson Hall

KJ Allen-Trinity Collegiate

JY’Ell Preston-Trinity Collegiate

Tristen McCleary-Heath

Jaiden Haltiwanger-Hammond

Kamari Hunter-Heathwood Hall

Tristen McCleary-Heathwood Hall

Jackson Ross-Hammond

Luis Echevanna-Cardinal Newman

Scoop Dennis-Laurence Manning

 

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 All-State AAA Boys

Billy Barron-Hilton Head Prep

Brenden Moore-Hilton Head Prep

T Riley-Orangeburg Prep

Avery Ravenell-Orangeburg Prep

Colby Richardson-Pee Dee Academy

Bennett Causey-Pee Dee Academy

Payne Wood-Spartanburg Day

Ron Rank-Spartanburg Day

Ty Kennedy-Greenwood Christian

Crews Felder-Calhoun Academy

Taylor Greene-Florence Christian

Thomas Hester-St. Johns Christian

Mateo Costello-Colleton Prep

Thompson Stone-Dillon Christian

Jackson Outlar-Dillon Christian

Tucker Shealey-First Presbryterian

Rowen Croft-Patrick Henry

Mikell Tucker Mathis-Patrick Henry  

 

HSSR-SCISA  2024-25 All-State AA Boys

Kadan Whitledge-Cathedral Academy

Ajani Gresham-Cathedral Academy

Dominic Felis-Cathedral Academy

Gage Dicks-Andrew Jackson Academy

Hayden McClung-Andrew Jackson Academy

Hall Sease-Andrew Jackson Academy

Vashahd Schofield-Andrew Jackson Academy

Tony O’Banner-Thomas Heyward Academy

Kelan Fripp-Thomas Heyward  

Israel Wright-Bethesda Academy

Abe Shuler-Dorchester Academy

Landon Turner-Carolina Academy

Walker McCutchen-Carolina Academy

Trace June-Lee Academy

John Quattlebaum-Dorchester Academy

Daniel Shetley-Oakbrook Prep

Yannick Huelsmeyer-Faith Christian  

 

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 All-State Class A Boys

Jody Gillam-Holly Hill Academy

Ashton Soles-Holly Hill Academy

Omarai Myers-Ragin Prep

Zymir Robinson-Hill-Ragin Prep

Kayshaun Rutherford-Ragin Prep

Trez Mincey-Curtis Baptist

Treivan Wright-Curtis Baptist

Charlie Bonds-Richard Winn

Bennett Nicholson-Richard Winn

Colson Loadholt-Jefferson Davis

Nasir Void-Jefferson Davis

Reece Still-Jefferson Davis Academy

Caleb Wilbanks-Newberry Academy

 

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 Girls Basketball Awards:

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 Miss SCISA Basketball - Lauren Jacobs-Heathwood Hall

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 AAAA Girls Player Of Year - Makayla Leggette-Trinity Collegiate

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25-  AAA Girls Player Of Year - Rebecca Hammond-Pee Dee Academy

 HSSR-SCISA 2024-25-  AA Girls Player Of Year - Ryan Mayers-Cross Schools

HSSR- SCISA 2024-25- Class A Girls Player of Year - Jaliyah Terry-Curtis Baptist  

 HSSR- SCISA 2024-25- AAAA Girls Coach of Year - Bree Goodson-Trinity Collegiate  

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25- AAA Girls Coach Of Year - Meagan Thomas-Pee Dee Academy

HSSR- SCISA 2024-25 -AA Girls Coach of the Yea- Doc Archibald-Cross Schools

HSSR-SCISA 2022-23-Class A Girls Coach of the Yea- Tim Johnson-Curtis Baptist  

 
HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 AAAA Girl’s All-State

Salease Kind-Trinity-Collegiate

Natalie Pitts-Trinity Collegiate  

Cokey Suddeth-Palmetto Christian

Maliyah Birch-Northwood Academy

Rylan Dundon-Northwood Academy

Ava Rush-First Baptist

Gabby Moore-First Baptist

Paige Pouyat-First Baptist

SaBreya Monsanto-Heathwood Hall

Camillea Gore-Heathwood Hall

Avery Schwarz-Augusta Christian

Lyza Pricklemyer-Laurence Manning

Logan Mims-Wilson Hall

Lauren Majorkiewicz-John Paul II

Makenna Ellis-Augusta Christian

Evie Godfrey-Northside Christian

Chaelyn Tifre-Northside Christian

Elaina Whalen-Ben Lippen

Perry Chambers-Porter-Gaud

 

HSSR 2024--25 All-State SCISA AAA Girls

Courtney Campbell-Hilton Head Prep

Erin Cleary-Hilton Head Prep

Claire Owens-Pee Dee Academy

Claire Eskridge-Pee Dee Academy

Jane Walker Yonce-Orangeburg Prep

Hannah Lambrecht-Orangeburg Prep

Annabelle Hunter-Orangeburg Prep

Anne Hatcher White-Colleton Prep

Ava Murray-Colleton Prep

Kylie Finley-St. Johns Christian

Audrey Fredere-Greenwood Christian

Emma Hudgens-Greenwood Christian

Emerson Poston-Florence Christian

Lillian Lucas-Patrick Henry

Laney Futch-Patrick Henry

Kaytlin McJimpsey-Spartanburg Day

Mandy Wells-Clarendon Hall  

Ashlee Berry-Clarendon Hall

Layla Walker-Calhoun Academy

 

HSSR 2024--25 All-State SCISA AA Girls

Lexann Maldonado-Cross Schools

Sydney Hollings-Cross Schools

McKinnley Beard-Andrew Jackson Academy

Bella Carrigg-Andrew Jackson Academy

Braylee Burke-Laurens Academy

Madisyn Graham-Laurens Academy

Rylee Weathers-Dorchester Academy

Emery McClure-Dorchester Academy

Emma Amos-Carolina Academy

Mazie Tomlinson-Lee Academy

Karagan Melton-Lee Academy

Caro Chmura-Charleston Collegiate

Madison Williams-Cathedral

Raven Williams-Cathedral  

 

HSSR-SCISA 2024-25 All-State Class A Girls

Macy Butler-Curtis Baptist

Lily Kilroy-Curtis Baptist

Charlotte Lewis-Richard Winn

Abby Lewis-Richard Winn 

Milly Kate Prescott-Holly Hill Academy

Taylor Hill-Wardlaw Academy 

Maddie Deloach-Wardlaw Academy

Milly Kate Prescott-Holly Hill Academy

Rileigh York-Jefferson Davis Academy

Riley Williams-Jefferson Davis Academy

Payton Hutto-Jefferson Davis Academy

McKenzie Glanton-Mead Hall

Carolina Wiedenman-Mead Hall

Kenzie Morse-WW King

 

 

 

 

SCACA Carolinas Classic Rosters

By Staff Reports • January 28, 2026
The Carolinas Classic rosters are out for both the male and female basketball teams. One classic event, two rosters, now is the time to get hyped and check out these outstanding student athletes.

SCISA Boys Basketball Region Battles Heat Up

By Gerald Doolittle • January 22, 2026
Orangeburg Prep senior Avery Ravenell is averaging 23 pts per game and on pace for another 400 point season.

SCISA Girls Basketball Races Take Shape

By Gerald Doolittle • January 22, 2026
Curtis Baptist Senior Maci Butler averaging 20 points per game and closing in on a third straight 300 point season.

Timberland Boys Basketball Team Heating Up On Hardwood As Season Enters Second Half

By Rob Gantt • January 22, 2026
By Rob Gantt Special to The HSSR St. Stephen - The Timberland High School boys basketball team seems to be heating up just as the weather turns cooler, when the games become more important. The Wolves started out 0-13 on the season but were competitive most nights during the opening stretch. They dropped seven games by single digits the first half of the campaign. However, Coach Jerome Stewart's club has won three of its last four games. All three victories came on the road. Most recently, the Wolves edged Andrews, 47-41. Junior guard Joshua Deas led the Wolves with 16 points, while sophomore forward Jordan Gorham added nine points. Sophomore wing Ellis Wiggins and senior wing Kevin Brown chipped in eight points apiece. Gorham, also one of the state's top football prospects, led around the glass with seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Wiggins also contributed five rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Timberland improved to 2-1 in Region 6-2A games heading into a road clash Tuesday, Jan. 20, at fellow Berkeley County School District program Philip Simmons. Three days earlier, Timberland also won a tight contest at Academic Magnet. The Wolves pulled out a 59-53 victory versus the Raptors. Wiggins led three Wolves in double figures with 12 points. Junior guard Joshua Brown and Kevin Brown added 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Senior forward Harold Sanders contributed nine points. Gorham and Kevin Brown tallied 10 rebounds apiece, while Gorham and Wiggins combined on five blocks. Timberland broke through for its first win of the 2025-26 season Jan. 6 at Military Magnet, getting past the Eagles by a score of 62-52. Wiggins and Kevin Brown poured in 18 points each and Sanders chipped in seven points. Wiggins also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. In between that win and the most recent back-to-back victories, the Wolves lost a competitive clash at home against Burke. Wiggins and Kevin Brown combined for 28 points.  After Philip Simmons Jan. 20, the Wolves host Woodland Jan. 23.

Lawter Has Big Plans For The Emerald Wrestling Program

By Billy Baker • January 22, 2026
By Billy G. Baker Publisher Greenwood —The passion that first year Emerald head wrestling coach Hayden Lawter has for the sport he starred in at BHP is rubbing off on the Vikings team that won seven dual matches this season for the first time in quite some time. Lawter is a recent graduate of Lander University where he earned a wrestling scholarship after an outstanding high school career at BHP where he was a three-time state qualifier in the 220-pouind class. He also finished among the top three in the state in his weight class in both his junior and senior years. Lawter also earned North-South Honors his senior year with the Bears. He was a two-time all-region champion, and he was named Anderson County Prep Wrester of the Year after he helped lead BHP to a state wrestling title in 2021 when the team went undefeated. “We have some big plans to build the wrestling program at Emerald into a Top 10 program in the state within five years,” said Coach Lawter. “I have seen it done before. This summer we are starting a Summer Take-Down club in the Greenwood area that will range from elementary school age up to high school. We are focused on growth and success. “It will be a challenge to win our region meet this year with strong teams like Westside , Fountian Inn , and Laurens competing against us,” said Coach Lawter. “We do hope to place fourth and that is a good start for us in our first year with a very young team.” The Vikings 2025-26 varsity wrestling team has 34 participants. The team has seven dual meet wins this season over Landrum , Greenwood Christian (twice), Augusta Christian , Seneca (twice), and Crescent . The Vikings will tune up for the upcoming region meet they will host, by competing against five other teams in the West Oak Round Robin Invitational on January 17. The team is led by senior tri-captains Alijah White (190), Kelsey Wright (165), and Gregory Brown (138). White is ranked 6 th in the state in his weight class by SCMAT.com. “Alijah has been on the team for four seasons, and he is a region champion contender for sure,” said Coach Lawter. Wright has also been on the team for four years and he is also a captain. Brown is a first-year senior on the team working extremely hard. Another top performer on the team is junior Caleb Jeffery (126) and he is ranked 7 th in the state by SCMAT.com in his weight class. Jeffery is also a contender for a region individual championship at the region meet late this month. Rounding out the top performers on the team is sophomore Hayden Doerflein in the 215-weight class and he is ranked 8 th in the state by SCMAT.com. He also has an excellent chance at competing for a region championship later this month. There are 14 total weight classes comprising a high school wrestling team. The Vikings have participation in every weight group but the heavy weight class that starts at 285 pounds. Freshman Izabella Ruiz starts at 106 with Izabella Souza also competing at 106. First- year freshman competitor Jacob Villicana competes at 113 and first-year senior Alex Morales represents the team at 120. Jeffery is a solid competitor at 126. First year freshman Ryelan Cubbage leads the 132-weight class. The 144-weight class is held down by junior Brandon Robertsdon. First year junior Tatum Bonaca starts at the 150-weight group.  Marley Fisher is a first-year starter at 157 while tri-captain Kelsey White is a top performer at 165. Sophomore Tristan Boggs is the top Viking performer at 175 while tri-captain Elijah White is a top performer at 190.

Carvers Bay Looking To Make Deeper Play Off Run This Season

By Neill Kirkpatrick • January 22, 2026
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Hemingway – The Carvers Bay Bears entered the 2025/26 season with high expectations as they returned their top three scorers from last season but head coach Jeff Mezzatesta felt it could take a few games to gel because the Bears football season did not end until the third round of the class A playoffs. “Our biggest challenge at the start of the season was getting our football players back after their great season. We have a lot of athletes that play both sports and we were behind in conditioning, chemistry, etc.. to start the basketball season,” said coach Mezz. Coach continued, “We probably won’t start gelling as a team until after the Holiday Break, unless our seniors can provide the leadership that is needed for early season success. If we can come together and grow we have a chance to have a very special season. We just have to weather the early season with a few football injuries to nurse and bringing the boys back together as a family.” The Bears lost in the third round of the class A playoffs to eventual state champion Denmark-Olar. They finished the year 20-9 and 12-0 in region play to win their second consecutive region championship. They entered the season on a 16-game region winning streak. The Bears are currently ranked number six in the latest HSSR class a poll. They started the season 1-2 but have gone 12-2 since including running their region winning streak to 21 after winning their first five region games. They also own a win over the HSSR’s number five team Latta 81-73 which put Latta in second place in the region race. The two teams will meet again at Latta on February 11 th in game that could decide the region title and a possible number one seed in the playoffs; however, there is a lot of basketball left to play. The strength of the Bears is in their guard play on both sides of the court as their pressure defense turns into instant offense. Senior KK Heyward and juniors Jamie Graham and Mekhi Bromell are the leaders of the team as they have each improved their game from last season. Heyward is a two-times All State selection. The senior is the unquestioned team leader and has upped his scoring average his year he has been on the team. He led the team in scoring last year at 15.7 ppg and is second this season at 16.4 ppg. He is on pace to top 1500 career points by the end of the season. On the defensive side, he leads the team in steals with 3.2 a night. Graham has taken his game to the next level as he leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. His scoring average has increased from 11.4 ppg to 18.3 ppg and he is on pace to become another 1000 career point scorer. His 5.8 rebounds per is tied for the top spot and he is dishing out 4.1 dimes a game. Also, he is a returning All Region selection. Bromell is fourth on the team in scoring at 9.7 ppg. That is almost two points more per night than last season and he pulls down 5.2 ppg. Rounding out the starting five are two newcomers in sophomore Ethan Morris and senior Kendall Moore. Morris is third in the team in scoring at 10.6 ppg and is also averaging 5.3 boards per game while Moore may be the most versatile player on the team as he plays anywhere he is needed. The Bears have a solid bench led by senior Jaden Bell . He is demon on the defensive end of the court and has been named the region 6A Defensive Player of the year the past two seasons. Also returning are seniors Tyrone Parson and Herbie Washington and they are joined by newcomers to the Bears roster in junior center Xavier Fredrick and sophomore guard Kamaris Brown . “I would hope that we can continue our success in region and make the playoffs; however, this is truly up to the commitment that our boys put into the season. We can’t become complacent on past success and have to keep our eyes on the present,” said coach Mezz.

Beaufort Girls Basketball Off To Great Start

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
By David Shelton Senior Writer Beaufort – With the non-region schedule completed, the focus for basketball teams in the state turn to region play in January. Playoff berths and seedings are determined by region finish, making region play the most important part of the regular season. To that end, the Beaufort girls basketball team is off to a great start, posting wins in their first two region 7-AAAA contests and winning 11 of their first 15 games overall this season. The team is on track to bettermg last year’s win total of 16 while contending for the region title. Among the top performers early on this season are junior Amiyah Brown , sophomore Jania Hayward , freshman Da’Leah LaBoard , and freshman Zaria Coaxum . Hayward is leading the team in scoring, averaging 19.4 points per game. She also averages nearly five rebounds and three assists per contest. Brown adds 13.7 points per game, adding 3.7 boards, while Coaxum is scoring 7.9 points per game. LaBoard is adding just over five points per game. Coming off a 1-19 season of a year ago, the boys basketball team is looking to improve but has found it to be a tough road. The Eagles managed just one win in their first 11 contests, including an 0-2 start to region play. But coach Jeremy Huff is optimistic about his team showing marked improvement in the 2025-26 season. “The sky is the limit for these young guys,” Huff says. “They have been working hard, but with our schedule and region, the competition is tough. We are expecting to be middle of the region and contend for a playoff spot.” Huff has several returning players and the playing experience gained last season, despite the record, should lead to improvement overall. As the season begins, Huff lists only one senior, guard Austin Miles , as starting. Miles is a returner from last season and is a team captain averaging 4.1 points per game. Junior guard Kobe Hernandez averages 4.0 points per game and junior guard Willis Watson is averaging 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Junior Qualeek Isnar is the starting center and averages 7.3 points per game. Freshman Keaton Layman averages 5.2 points per game. season. Sophomore forward PJ Davis rounds out the starting lineup. The wrestling season also is heavy into region competition and Beaufort has several grapplers ranked among the best in AAAA in their weight class. Colton Freeman is the second-ranked wrestler in the 215-pound weight class and Santino Communale is ranked fifth in AAAA at 120-pounds. Jaden Proctor is ranked sixth at 285 pounds and Jessob Paris is ranked seventh at 157 pounds. Another key performer is Cameron Posey in the 144-pound weight class. Among female wrestlers, Olesya Mullins is the top-ranked wrestler at 105 pounds.

Barnwell Girl’s Basketball Focused On Making AA Playoffs

By Staff Reports • January 22, 2026
Barnwell Girl’s Basketball Focused On Making AA Playoffs From Staff Reports Barnwell —With their 40-32 region win over Edisto on January, 16 the Lady Warhorses have pulled into a tie with Hampton County (2-2) for the region lead going into the home stretch of the regular season. Junior guard Savannah Rountree scored 12 points and senior guard Gabrielle Thomas added 10 points to lead the Lady Warhorses to the win. Sophomore center Bre’Yanna Bostick chipped in six points against Edisto also. Others contributing points in the Edisto game for Barnwell included freshman guard Za’Cariah Devoe (3), senior guard Aurielle Sanders (2), freshman forward Kennide Williams (2), freshman guard Zamari Williams (2), and junior wing Gracie Carter (1). “We are playing much better defense now,” said head coach William Hammonds . “We still need to find ways to score but our defense is coming along well. “Rountree is shooting the ball really well and she is getting it going on offense for us,” said Coach Hammonds. “Both Bostick and Devoe are two of most improved players since the start of the season. Bostick is our top rebounder coming off the bench.  “Gabby is starting to making better decisions on her passes from the point guard position,” said Coach Hammonds. “She is starting to make the right plays.” Coach Hammonds that with six region games to play he is hoping his team can finish strong and place at least third in the region and then go on and play well in the playoffs. “Hampton County and Lake Marion have two really good teams this year but if we continue to improve, I feel like we can place at least third in the region.” Maddie Brown is a 5-10 small forward and she is one of the team’s co-captains. Brown is a good rebounder and plays good defense in the paint. Barnwell will host Hampton County on February, 3. To date, a shooting guard, Roudtree leads the team in scoring at 14 points a game. Thomas is at 5.8 points and three rebounds a game, including 2.4 steals. Bostick is averaging 3.6 points a game and leads the team in rebounding. Devoe is averaging 1.2 steals a game. Coach Hammonds is assisted Alicia Davis and April Robinson .

Carolina Academy Basketball Enters Region Play

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
The Carolina Academy Girls Basketball Team.

Chesterfield Hoopsters Competing Well In Region

By David Shelton • January 22, 2026
By David Shelton Senior Writer Chesterfield – Region play is the most important part of the regular season and ramping up the intensity and focus is paramount for any team hoping to contend for a region title and state playoff berth. To that end, a young but up and coming Chesterfield girls basketball team is competing well in the early part of their 2025-26 region 4-AA schedule. The Lady Rams won four of their first six region games and were 10-7 overall this season as of Jan. 18. The team won 11 games all of last season. “We are playing pretty well so far,” said head coach Nick Jolly earlier this season. “This is a competitive team. We’re still fairly young overall but we have some talented girls. We will make youthful mistakes but we will learn from those mistakes and work hard to correct things as we go. I definitely feel good about the potential.” Chesterfield regularly starts four sophomores and Jolly’s top two players are sophomores Reagan Rivers and Yaya Robinson . Rivers was a class AA all-state selection as a freshman, averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game. This season, she is averaging 14.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She also dishes 3.4 assists per game and has nearly three steals per contest. Robinson averaged 13.9 points last season and is at 15.9 points per game this season. Eighth-grader Le’Asia Brown is leading the team in rebounds, grabbing 9.9 boards per game while scoring 6.7 rebounds per contest this season. Sopho,ore Ki’Yonna Peurifoy is pulling down 7.0 rebounds per contest while senior Jordan Evans is adding 2.6 steals and nearly two assists per game. Sophomore Alivia Honeycutt scores about three points and pulls down 4.5 rebounds per game. She also averages close to four blocked shots per outing. Sophomore Tayler McCoy is adding six points per game. Senior Jaylen Evans , along with junior Kaylee Leonard , see considerable minutes as well. Freshman Taylee Clyburn , sophomore Ava Knight , freshman Kamari Patterson , freshman Allison Brown , and senior Jenna Kelly round out this year’s squad. Jolly says his biggest point of emphasis in the early season has been physical toughness. “With the youth, sometimes they play a little timid,” the coach said. “I keep telling them we have to play tougher. They are responding well. I’m pretty happy with where we are and I know we are going to continue to grow and improve as we play more. We will compete with most of the teams that we play.” The boys team went 1-12 against non-region competition in December but is showing solid growth in region play with an early 2-2 record. Senior leaders and team captains are Kamron Patterson, Derrick Lockhart, Ronnie Little and Josh Miller . Juniors include Amir Pickett, Jackson Dalton, Mark Moten, Josh Bittle, Jayden Johnson, Treyvon Smith and DJ Merriman. Rounding out the roster are sophomores Jamison Dalton and Holden Lowry .
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