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

 

 

 

 

Dutch Fork Explodes In Fourth To Top Summerville

By Roger Lee • December 8, 2025
By Roger Lee HSSR, Contributing Writer Orangeburg - Dutch Fork captured its fourth consecutive 5A football championship with a 40-20 win over fellow gridiron powerhouse Summerville . For some of the seniors on the Silver Foxes’ team, the win in the 5A, Division 1 Football Championship at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Dec. 6 puts them in a prestigious group. “Four rings, there aren’t that many people in the country who have done that so it shows what a special group this is,” said Dutch Fork coach Tom Knotts . The coach now holds a prestigious spot in South Carolina high school football record books since this championship is his 10 th championship with Dutch Fork. That ties him with former Summerville coach John McKissick and former Woodruff coach W.L. Varner for the most state titles in a career according to Palmetto’s Finest . “Well I think it means I’m old, but that’s pretty cool,” Knotts said. “It’s special and a great tribute to those players and the great group of supporters we have. I have a lot of respect for Coach McKissick. I’ve visited him a couple of times and had a great time with him. I learned a little bit from him and I’m honored to be in his company.”  Dutch Fork jumped out to a strong start as safety KJ Dupree intercepted two Green Wave pass attempts, both after a deflection by a teammate, in the opening quarter to help the Silver Foxes jump out to a 14-0 lead. The picks set up a 33-yard touchdown run by Kye Fulton and a 25-yard pass from quarterback Jaxon Knotts to Wyatt Warner . Summerville regrouped and drove 80 yards on its ensuing possession to score on a 6-yard pass from Max Stafford to Jaiden Kelly-Murray with more than nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, Dutch Fork blocked a 40-yard field goal attempt and the Silver Foxes took a 14-7 lead into the half. Kellly-Murray got the Green Wave right back in the game in the first two minutes of the third, picking up a Dutch Fork fumble and returning it 43 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Summerville didn’t have as much success running the ball from that point as it did in the first half. “We just played a little more sound defense,” Knotts said. “We had to shut down the run. They were handing the ball off left and right and getting big yardage. Once we kind of shored up the run it made them more one dimensional.” Dutch Fork went on top again when Braydon Johnson took a forward pitch on a misdirection play and dashed 27 yards for a TD. The extra-point kick was wide, leaving the Silver Foxes ahead 20-14. The game was tight up until then, but Dutch Fork scored three touchdowns in the final 12 minutes. The final quarter started with a play that got the Summerville fans riled up as Dutch Fork fumbled the ball on a punt. However, the Sliver Foxes managed to recover the ball and go on to score twice before Summerville could get much going for a 40-14 lead. Knotts rushed for a one-yard TD. Shortly after, Julian Walker recovered a Summerville fumble and returned it 19 yards into the Green Wave end zone. Kyle Henry added a one-yard TD run with 3:01 remaining to seal the victory. “We got some momentum there in the third quarter and we just couldn’t capitalize on it,” said Summerville coach Ian Rafferty . “We had a hard time blocking their guys up front. You know, when you have two Power 4 guys up front it can make it difficult. Still, I’m proud of our kids. We were right there in it and the wheels just kind of fell off.” Summerville had a late touchdown drive that featured a heavy dose of running back Jayvyn Williams . He had a 40-yard run to get the ball inside the 10-yard line and capped the drive with a one-yard TD run. “I told coach Knotts we are going to keep coming,” Rafferty said. “We are going to keep trying.”

Strom Thurmond Defeats Hampton County 26-7 For Third Title

By Neill Kirkpatrick • December 8, 2025
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Orangeburg – In the game of football it is the skill players (QB’s, RB’s, WR’s) that are highlighted and talked about but every coach will tell you that it is who wins in the trenches, has the best chance of winning the game. The Strom Thurmond Rebels owned the trenches Saturday afternoon at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on the campus of SC State University as they captured the schools second class AA state championship defeating the Hampton County Hurricanes 26-7. The championship was their third overall and improved their record to 3-5 in state championship game appearances. The Rebels finished the year 13-2/5-0. “This is honestly amazing. I have been doing this for long enough, I have been following the good lord long enough that I know he had a hand in this for our team. When you play Strom Thurmond Rebel football there is a brotherhood that expands beyond these young men. All the guys that came before that made Strom Thurmond football special. It was our job to continue to hold the standard,” said Rebel head coach Andrew Webb . Coach continued, “The key to us winning were the boys up front. Coach Addison did a great job of getting them ready to play. They have gotten better and they played outstanding again tonight.” The Hurricanes were in their first state championship game in just their third year of existence finished the year 11-4/4-0. “Strom Thurmond is a great football team and they were able to control the line of scrimmage. We felt all week that the team that did that would win the game and hats off to them they took it to us,” said Hampton County head coach Rob Hanna . “We also had five turnovers which is not what we do and you can’t win a game doing that against a team like Strom Thurmond. They made us pay for our mistakes.” The game started well for the Hurricanes. After their defense forced a three and out. The offense started at their 24 and moved the ball out to midfield where Jaylen Singletary ripped off a 57-yard touchdown run but the run was wiped out by an egregious penalty on the play. The flag wasn’t dropped until Singletary had reached the 10-yard line. The Canes regrouped and moved the ball down to the Rebel 24. The official’s then sent Singletary to the bench for what coach Hanna said was a mouth piece issue. It also caused a delay of game moving the ball back to the 25. On the next play Cane’s quarterback Tarell Grant took off around the left but as he neared the first down a Strom Thurmond came in with a hard tackle knocking the ball free. It was picked the Rebels Kalib Simpkins and he returned it 63 yards to the Cane’s 30. It was his first big game changing play of the game. After a holding penalty against the Rebel’s gave them a first and 20 at the Canes 40. Deonte Phillips took the hand off up the middle cut to the right and raced to the right pylon for a 40-yard touchdown run. The Rebels missed the PAT but led 6-0. The Rebel’s defense started to gain control of the line scrimmage causing a couple of penalties forcing the Cane’s into a fourth and 20. On the punt the Rebel’s ran over Cane’s punter Rafe Sullivan which liked a certain roughing the punter penalty. Somehow the official felt the hit wasn’t hard enough for the right call. The Rebel’s would take strike again when Bri’shaun Lee threw a beautiful pass down the left side that just dropped into the waiting hands of Simpkins for a 55-yard touchdown. This play was an example of why football is such a great game. Everybody on the play did their job, QB delivered the pass under pressure, the coverage was excellent, the ball was placed perfectly and the receiver finished it off. The Rebels were stopped on the two-point try but led 12-0. After Singletary had a 23-yard kickoff return to the Rebel 47. The Cane’s would move the ball to the Rebel 28 where on fourth and two Singletary was stopped for a one-yard game turning the ball over on downs. The ate of five minutes with no score. The Rebel’s took over at the their 14 and would move 86 yards in 9 plays eating up all but 24 seconds on the clock to take an 18-0 after being stopped on the two-point try, the drive was highlighted by a Lee to Simpkins 50-yard completion to the Canes’s 27. The rest of the drive was Deonte as he scored his second touchdown from the four. “Players make plays and Kaleb and Deonte have come up big for us all year,” said coach Webb. The Cane’s finally got a big play on the kick off when Tyler Davis returned 65 yards to the Rebel 10-yard line. On second down Grant hit Desmond Mathis with a 10-yard touchdown pass as time expired. Sullivan’s PAT made the score 18-7 heading into half team. The Canes would take the second half kick off and drive into Rebel territory but again the Rebel’s would turn them over on downs. The Rebels offense would had the game over to their defense after their next drive. They would drive 51 yards in 12 plays eating up almost seven minutes off the clock. Lee hit Sha Williams with a 11-yard touchdown pass. The Rebels converted the two-pointer making the score 26-7. The Rebel defense would end the next three Cane’s possessions with interceptions. Jaylen Collins would get two of the picks and Williams would and the other. Lee finished the game 5-7 for a 126 yards and two touchdowns while Phillips rushed for a game high 149 yards and two touchdowns. But the stars of the game for the Rebels were Hezekiah East , Amari McCellney , John Laster , Micah Warren, and Carter Boatwright . This group were physical from the start and they won the day for their team. The defensive front of Grayson Smith , Braylon Searles , Gardy Stone , and Kobe Windless also won the battle as they held the Canes to less than 200 yards and Singletary to 141. After the 57-yard run was called back they only allowed three runs of 10 or more yards the rest of the game. They allowed the Rebels linebackers Bryston Coleman and Mason Johnson to roam free and make tackles.

Photo Gallery: Summerville vs Dutch Fork

By Larry Gamble • December 7, 2025
Larry Gamble HSSR, Photo Editor Orangeburg - The titans of SCHSL Class AAAAA clashed at Oliver C. Dawson stadium and it was a match of skill and determination between Summerville and Dutch Fork . The game was close until the 4th quarter when Dutch Fork capitalized on critical turn-overs to add touchdowns to their score. The Dutch Fork win 40-20 over Summerville belies the three quarters of excellent game play with neither team out of contention to be the winner.

Photo Gallery: Hampton County vs Strom Thurmond

By Larry Gamble • December 7, 2025
Larry Gamble HSSR, Photo Editor Orangeburg - The Class AA Championship placed Hampton County against Strom Thurmond in the cold rain at Oliver C. Dawson stadium. The Hurricanes could not outlast the Rebels as they took the state runner up trophy home after the 26-7 defeat.

AAAA State Football Championship, Currence, Brown power South Pointe past South Florence

By Worthy Evans • December 6, 2025
By WORTHY EVANS Contributing Writer HSSR ORANGEBURG – J’zavien Currence and the South Pointe Stallions ran, ran, and ran again on a rainy Saturday afternoon at South Carolina State’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Saturday afternoon. All South Florence seemed to be able to do was watch as Currence, a Mister Football finalist who signed with South Carolina three days before, and R.J. Brown , run away with the Bruins’ hopes for a second straight SCHSL AAAA state championship. Currence accounted for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, and 5 tackles on defense. Brown bulldozed past South Florence defenders for a personal best 193 yards and two TDs on 21 carries to lead the Stallions to a 35-14 victory, their first state title since 2021 and eighth state title in South Pointe’s history. “It was a super special week for us,” Currence said about his signing while working to finish the season with a championship. “A week of focus and a week of having fun at the same time. It means everything to me. Going out fighting with the guys I came in with, that’s it.” Brown’s productivity came after a week of focusing on the team’s rushing attack. “We worked for this. I did a lot of film study, I did a lot of work on my body, I worked for this,” Brown said. “It means the world to me and I know it means the world to my teammates and my coaches.” Fourth-year Stallions head coach Bobby Collins praised his team’s year-round work ethic, which showed in the final week of preparation. “These are blue-collar kids. They come to work every day,” Collins said. “No ego guys. Nobody on the sidelines with bad body language, coaches pushing them to the next level, I’m excited for my kids. They deserve this moment.” South Pointe (14-1) limited South Florence (13-2) to 113 total yards. Messiah Jackson , who led the Bruins with 1,628 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in addition to 660 rushing yards and 22 scores going into Saturday, was 8-for-16 with for 36 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Currence, who is set to be in the Gamecocks’ secondary in 2026, had 2,764 yards and 24 touchdowns along with 1,497 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns before Saturday. The Stallions enjoyed a free rushing attack in the first half and finished the afternoon with 316 rushing yards on 47 snaps. “I told every coach on my staff that we’re not throwing this football right now,” Collins said. “It’s either going to be in 0’s (Currence’s number) or 4’s (Brown’s number) hands.” The Stallions opened the game with Currence leading a 9-play, 80-yard scoring drive, and he finished it with a 12-yard touchdown run. Later in the first quarter C.J. Wherry intercepted a Jackson pass in the end zone, and the Stallions kicked off another 80-yard scoring drive, with Brown’s 47-yard touchdown run putting South Pointe up 14-0 with 11:39 in the second quarter. Currence closed out a third scoring drive with 1:31 left in the first half with a 9-yard TD. While the Stallions offense ran wild in the first half, South Pointe held the Bruins to 61 rushing yards and minus-1 yard passing in the first two quarters. The defensive onslaught continued when Kadin Watkins snagged his second interception on the Bruins’ first possession of the second half and returned it 13 yards to the end zone to put the Stallions up 28-0 with 10:23 mark of the third quarter. South Pointe looked to continue the rout, but two Stallions fumbles, both recovered by Bruins Defender Willie Kennedy , put South Florence back into the game. Currence fumbled to set up South Florence at the Stallions’ 29-yard line. Jackson capped the short drive with an 11-yard TD run with 2:59 left in the third. The next turnover came on a bad snap that resulted in Jackson’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Gabe McLaughlin at the 1:10 mark. South Pointe stopped the Bruins rally with a grinding 14-play, 80-yard scoring drive that ate up most of the fourth quarter. “That last drive, it was all 0. His perseverance on that last run, they stropped him three yards in the backfield, but his legs kept moving.” On the run that Collins described, the Stallions faced a fourth-and-3 at midfield and Currence kept driving his legs over the first-down marker for a 5-yard gain. “He’s the most humble, hardworking kid I’ve ever been around,” Collins said of Currence. “Him making the plays in the end, that was no shock for me, he’d do that every day in practice.” Brown broke free on that drive with a 29-yard run to the 1-yard line, then closed it out on his push through the goal line with 4:54 left in the game. “It was super important to us,” Currence said. “Coach always tells me to be a thermostat, not a thermometer. When times get tough just keep the guys cool and level headed. We had been in moments like these before and we had to rally together to get it done.” After that score South Pointe forced the Bruins to turn the ball over on downs. From there the Stallions ran out the clock. “They’re such a great football team,” South Florence head coach Drew Marlowe said about South Pointe. “Our first-half offense really struggled to do anything. We couldn’t separate from them and couldn’t get away from them. Marlowe, who led the team to the last four 4A state championship games and winning two of them, credits the seniors with finishing their final game as Bruins with a trip to Orangeburg. “It says a lot about this senior class,” Marlowe said. “They maxed out their careers, they got to play in 60 football games and four state championships. They came up short today, but I’m so thankful that the Lord brought me to Florence and has allowed me and us to experience this incredible ride.” South Florence 0 0 14 0 – 14 South Pointe 7 14 7 7 – 35 First Quarter SP - J’zavien Currence 12 run (Lawson Miller kick) 8:04 Second Quarter SP - R.J. Brown 47 run (Miller kick) 11:39 SP - Currence 9 run (Miller kick) 1:31 Third Quarter SP - Kadin Watkins 13 interception return (Miller kick) 10:23 SF - Messiah Jackson 11 run (Coy Joyner kick) 2:59 SF - Gabe McLaughlin 22 pass from Jackson (Joyner kick) 1:10 Fourth Quarter SP - Brown 1 run (Miller kick) 4:54 SP SF First downs 19 12 Rushes-yds 47-316 34-77 Passing yds 18 36 Att-Com-Int 3-2-0 16-8-3 Fumbles-lost 3-2 2-0 Penalties-yds 14-115 4-40 Punts-avg 2-30.0 2-36.0 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING SP - R.J. Brown 21-193, J’zavien Currence 18-124, Rasean Brown 4-32, Zymier Gordon-Miles 1-2, Team 3-35. SF - Messiah Jackson 20-36, Cameron James 8-31, Gabe McLaughlin 6-10. PASSING SP - J’zavien Currence 2-3-0. SF - Messiah Jackson 8-16-3. RECEIVING SP - Dalian Duncan 2-18.  SF - Gabe McLaughlin 1-21, Ja’Aun Perkins 2-9, Malik Robinson 2-5, Cameron James 2-2, Semaj Parker 1-1.

Photo Gallery: South Florence vs South Pointe

By Larry Gamble • December 6, 2025
Larry Gamble HSSR, Photo Editor Orangeburg - The SCHSL Class AAAA title game matched the South Florence Bruins against the South Pointe Stallions in probably, on paper, the closest match up of the weekend so far. Both teams exhibited good discipline fought hard for the yards they got, but the Stallions seemed to find more ways or the extra effort to convert critical plays and find the end zone or turning key turn overs into points, and sealed their win 35-14.

Northwestern Overwhelms Irmo To Win Their Seventh Title

By Neill Kirkpatrick • December 6, 2025
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR Orangeburg – After last season’s instant classic in the AAAAA DII state championship game between Northwestern and Irmo many were looking for the same in Friday night’s contest but as coaches will tell you each year is different and this game was as the Trojans scored 35 unanswered points in the second quarter to win their seventh state title 55-13. The Trojan’s evened their state championship record at 7-7 but this was the first time they had gone back-to-back. They also became just the 16 th team in state history with 7 or more state championships joining area rival South Pointe in that group. “To do something that had not been done at Northwestern, I’m still in a bit of shock over it” said head coach Paige Wofford . “This goes beyond description. I never thought that the game would have gone like that. I’m so proud of our players. We had a bunch of new guys when the season started. They worked hard and continued to improve each week and this is the end result.” The Yellow Jackets were looking to win their first state championship since 1980 but this game was all about “Murphy’s Law” for them as nothing they did could turn the tide and stop the Trojan’s in the second quarter. “Sometimes things don’t go your way but you still have to stand by the road,” said Irmo head coach Aaron Brand . “This game doesn’t take away the accomplishment of the season or the last three years. This group has won 37 games in that time which is the best three-year span in school history.” Brand continued, “The team didn’t quit and played hard all night. I’m proud of their effort and fight. This game was a teaching moment. Despite the outcome of the game the sun will come up tomorrow.” The Trojan’s scored on their first two drives of the game going 59 yards and 46 yards to go up 14-0. Xavier Means capped off both drives with runs of three and two yards, respectively. Means hit David Flood for a 29-yard gain on the first drive and then connected with Kameron Vance for 25 yards on the second drive. Irmo would take their second drive and go 84 yards in 13-plays to cut into the Trojan lead at 14-6. Maleek Miller would finish the drive with a three-yard touchdown run. The drive was aided by two pass interference penalties on the Trojan. The touchdown brought the Irmo crowd to it’s feet and the Yellow Jackets were back in the game. Then the second quarter began! The Trojan’s began the second quarter by finishing off a 74 yards drive when Mean’s scored his third touchdown of the night from the eight. The score mad it 21-6 Trojans and then the roof fell in on the Yellow Jackets. Irmo punted and the Trojan’s Jonathan Spurgeon returned it 34-yards to the Yellow Jackets 28. Two plays later Means hit Flood from 14 yards out. Then Tamarion Watkins (Texas A&M signee and 17 th ranked player by HSSR) stepped in front of a Dre Dopson pass and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown. Score 35-6. Next Vance blocked a Irmo punt and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown. The onslaught ended after an Irmo fumble at the 50-yard line which was recovered by Kobe Neely. Means connected again with Flood on a 35-yard pass that gave the Trojan’s a first and goal at the Irmo three. Means finished the drive and the onslaught with a one-yard run and the teams went to the half with Trojan’s lead at 49-6. The Trojan’s Mean’s and Vance hooked up from 10 yards and for Irmo Dopson hit Ethan Singletary from 12 yards out to finish out the scoring. The second half was played with a running clock. Means finished the game going 14-17 for 188 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 60 yards and four touchdown. Nigel Smith rushed for 104 yards and Flood had six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. For Irmo, Dopson was 12-26 for 124 yards while Amire White rushed for 102 yards. Miller had 6 receptions for 64 yards.

Bamberg-Ehrhardt beats Lamar 35-21 to win Class A state championship

By Dennis Bruson hssr.com Associate Editor • December 6, 2025
Red Raiders dominate second half to win first titlp since 1990

Photo Gallery: Irmo vs Northwestern

By Larry Gamble • December 6, 2025
Larry Gamble HSSR, Photo Editor Orangeburg - Game three of the SCHSL Football Championship games was a perfect cold and damp evening but without most of the rain coming down at Oliver C. Dawson stadium on the SC State campus. Northwestern took and early lead and never looked back as they defeated Irmo 55-13. 

Photo Gallery: Lamar vs Bamberg-Ehrhardt

By Larry Gamble • December 6, 2025
Larry Gamble HSSR, Photo Editor Orangeburg - The SCHSL Class A Championship game featured Lamar and Bamberg-Ehrhardt dueling in the rain at SC State University's Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Lamar put points on the board first, but the Red Raiders proved to have the drive to go the distance in their 35-21 victory.
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