Will the 2026 Football Recruiting Class In SC Exceed The 40 Major College Signees From the 2025 Class Signed Last Year?

Billy Baker • March 11, 2025

Thomas Heyward junior and multi sport athlete, Tony O'Banner.


  HSSR SC 2026 Rising Senior Top 50 List

(Nominate A Player: hsreport@aol.com) 


1. Desmond Green-Timberland-OL-6-5,333-

2. Tony O’Banner-Thomas Heyward- RB-Ath-6-1,215

3. Jayvon Gilmore-Gaffney—QB-6-5,200 Arkansas

4. Zyon Guiles-Carvers Bay-OL-6-4,295-4-star

5. Jaylen McGill-Mountain View Prep RB-5-11,190

6. J’Zavien Currence-South Pointe-DB-6-3, 205-SC

7. Carnell Warren-Bluffton-6-4,200-Va, Tech  

8. Julian Walker-Dutch Fork-DE-6-6,235-

8. Zay Robertson-Dillon-WR-6-0,165,4.4

10. Anthony Baxter-South Pointe-OL-6-3,330-SC

11. Scotland Dover-Gaffney-OL 6-5,305=App State 

12. Jaiden McDowell-Gaffney-RB-5-10,165

13. Tamarion Watkins-FS-Northwestern-6-3, 200

14. Jeremiah Favorite-Boiling Springs-CB-5-10,170

15. Caden Ramsey-Cross-WR-FS-6-5,200

16. Jamel Howze-Newberry-TE-6-3,215-SC

17. Tre Aiken-Clinton-OL-6-4,265

18. Tilden Tiley-Orangeburg Prep-TE-6-5,203

19. Jude Hall-Christ Church-WR-6-3,185-Duke

20. Kentavion Anderson-Dorman-FS-6-2,187-

21. Malcolm Gaston-North Augusta-OL-6-5,335

22.  Michael Boulware-Gray Collegaite-MLB-6-2, 205  

23. Amiri Acker-Crescent-WR-6-2,185

24. Jordan Avinger-Orangeburg-Wilkinson-LB-6-3,222

25. Terry Radford-Chester-DE-6-1, 230

26. Dallas Dotson-Dixie-QB-FS-6-3,175

27. Erhan Offing-Dutch Fork-QB-5-11,182

28. Amandre Wooden-Batesburg-Leesville-RB

29. Trevor Kalisz-Ashley Ridge-QB-5-11,215

30. Domanick Felton-Dillon-RB-5-8,170

31. Jeremiah Brown-Barnwell-RB-FS-5-11,170

32. Jachin Davis-Stratford-QB-6-1,185

33. Cam McMillon-South Pointe-QB-6-2,187  

34. Daniel Capeheart-Dillon-OLB-RB-6-1, 200

35. Terry Gordon-South Florence-ILB-5-11,225

36. Jordan Sullivan-JL Mann-LT-6-4,270

37. Kemori DeWeese-Summerville-WR-5-11,185

38. JT Williams-Summerville-OLB-6-0,195

39. Marcus Cann-Bamberg-Ehrhardt-DB-6-2,180

40. Cody Peterson-Ashley Ridge-OL-6-5,315

41. Kamyron Jones-Abbeville-OL-6-2, 275

42. Zyon Ratchford-Fqaffney-LB-6-4,200

43. Kaleb Simpkins-Strom Thurmond-DB-6-0,170

44 Quin Mahoney-Bishop England-QB-6-3,190

45.Jaylen Baylor-Abbeville-FS-DB-6-1,170

46. Lucas Tankersley-Travelers Rest-MLB-6-1, 205

47. Jordan Roseborough-Dutch Fork-OL-5-11, 215

48. Zach Balog-Bishop England-WR-6-0,170

49. Tylin Drakeford-Camden-5-9,165

50. Kenshon Speaks-Beaufort-OL-6-3, 295

51. Ryan Campbell-Fort Dorchester-RB-5-8,170

52. Brayden Williams-Saluda-RB-5-11,175

53. Jaylon Davis-Union County-OL-6-0,290

54. Harris Stone-Wando-QB-6-2,280

55. Jordan Strong-Lewisville-DB-5-8,160 

(45 more to be added in early summer)




Will the 2026 Football Recruiting Class In SC Exceed The 40 Major College Signees From the 2025 Class Signed Last Year?


By Billy G. Baker

Publisher


Moncks Corner—With the college football off-campus evaluation period starting in mid- April, and going through the end of May, it is a great time to look into the depth of the 2026 rising senior football class in the state of South Carolina and to also share some strong opinions about a bias (or lack of true knowledge) that continues to exist from out-of-state recruiting services putting out names of  young men in our state who need to be evaluated for potential scholarship opportunities.


First and foremost, we also pause to thank Mark Grainger and the fine folks who work at Modern Turf in Irmo and Rembert for sponsoring this recruiting page each month.


A year ago, about this same time, the HSSR, (nor anyone else) would have predicted that the state of South Carolina would have 40 prep football players in the Class of 2025 sign on with one of the 134 major colleges (FBS) playing football.


With the popularity of the transfer portal now working against high school seniors, it was quite impressive to see the state produce 40 major football prospects from one class. Could it happen again in 2026? We hope so, but we are cautiously optimistic.


With this issue the HSSR is releasing our “Top 50 SC HSSR 2026 Football Prospect List” (as of March, 15th) for the state of South Carolina.  Could 40 of these players be destined to major college football like they were a year ago? Please know that all 134 major football colleges across the nation are mailed a copy of this publication, in care of their football recruiting coordinators every month! We know this because we pay the postage to get this information to them.


Why are we cautiously optimistic? Well, we maintain that many national recruiting services are under valuing the talent level of prep football in the Palmetto State and we would like to know why? Despite the state producing 40 major college signees a year ago, and despite the fact the state of South Carolina has consistently produced an average of five home grown players being picked in the NFL draft each, year since the HSSR began keeping records in 1987 we maintain a bias exists and we will explain our argument with the facts.


If you google the 247 Sports recruiting web site right now and type in 247 Sports South Carolina 2026 football prospects you will see just 19 players listed for evaluation! If you do the same google search for the state of North Carolina you will find 44 players listed! (As of March, 15th). This trend also allows a greater number of North Carolina prep players to show up on Top 300 football lists put out by organizations like ESPN. The HSSR has long maintained that since we average at least five players selected in the NFL’s seven round draft from the state of South Carolina every year that any service putting out a Top 300 (there are between 260 and 265 college players selected in the NFL draft each year) we should have five Palmetto State 2026 players on this list but it rarely happens!


Let’s talk about one player in particular rated as the number two over-all player in the 2026 class in South Carolina, who is not on the 247 list (currently) or any national Top 300 list. Tony O’Banner (6-1, 211, & 4.59) is versatile athlete/RB/OLB at Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland, SC.  O’Banner came out of his junior season with 5,882 career rushing yards. averaging 10.6 yards a carry, and he has scored 85 touchdowns with one year left to play!


O’Banner, has been observed in action at least 10 different games by the HSSR since he “burst” on the scene literally, as an 8th grader. His two touchdowns “burst” of 52 and 48 yards against Williamsburg Academy in the state title game this past November documented a sub 4.6 forty. On one touchdown run he was virtually not touched wth11 players keyed on him at the snap of the ball. He made a “cut on a dime” at the line of scrimmage that was very difficult to make, and he ran straight down the field reminding me of the way George Rogers use to leave defenders behind when he won the Heisman at South Carolina back in the early 1980’s.  


In a recent face-to-face conversation with his adopted mother Alicia Crosby (head volleyball coach and respected teacher at the Thomas Heyward Academy) this information was shared with this reporter: “What I really like about Shane Beamer at South Carolina is that on the many occasions we have attended games at South Carolina he always greets Tony, and myself, by our names and he seems to have a sincere interest in Tony as a football player and a person,” said Ms. Crosby recently. “We have been to Clemson games and Tony is very familiar with the Clemson coaching staff also and they seem to have a sincere interest in Tony as well. We have also visited Wake Forest and they keep in touch with Tony also.


“If I had to guess which two major colleges are close to actually making an official offer to Tony it would be either Liberty or Duke and we have visited both schools a lot,” said Ms. Crosby. “Tony has a 3.5 GPA and academics are very important to him. His school work is our total focus, on most nights, during the school year. We appreciate very much the interest that both Liberty and Duke have shown in him, as well as the interest from Clemson, South Carolina and Wake Forest.”


Imagine how shocked I was, after talking with Ms. Crosby, to once again google Tony O’Banner and see that 247 Sports only listed Liberty as the only college showing interest in O’Banner! At the very least it should say South Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest, Liberty and Duke. (Agree or not?)


It will be a shame if O’Banner’s accomplishments on a football field the past four seasons does not earn him a spot on the 247 SC List for May evaluation. It makes me question just where they get their information from. It should make everyone in SC prep football circles concerned if this hard-working young man is not shown more respect in the recruiting process. O’Banner has great family support, and great support from his coaches and teammates. He has made a small community of Ridgeland S.C. very proud.


A young man from Orangeburg Prep name T. Riley (6-5, 205, 4,6) has really caught the attention of college football recruiters since the 2024 football season. This writer met T., and his father, at a baseball game at Orangeburg Prep last April.


Riley is a three-sport star at O-P playing football, basketball and baseball at a very high level.


Currently Riley has seven major college offers, and he is being recruited as a flex tight end. He holds current offers from Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Virginia, East Carolina, South Florida, Florida Atlantic and Liberty.


In basketball this past season he was the MVO of his region tournament. For the season he averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks a game. He joined the 1,000-point club with 10 game left in the season. By next season he will also join the 1,000-career rebound club. 


In baseball, T has started for OP in center field since the 8th grade and is also a left-handed pitcher. He batted .455 last yr with four home runs, 31 RBI’s, 8 doubles, and 4 triples.


In the class room T. Riley is a 4.0 student and he is the President of the junior class at his high school. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.


The HSSR has four Gaffney rising seniors in the HSSR 2026 Top 50 list. They are quarterback Jayvon Gilmore (6-5,200) who threw for 2,500 yards last year, Gilmore is a firm commitment to Arkansas. Scotland Dover (6-3, 300), an offensive tackle, has been committed to Appalachian State but with a coaching change Dover might be open to listening to other schools.


Then running back Jaiden McDowell (5-11, 185) is a top running back returning prospect who battled through injures his junior season. He returned for the play-offs and performed really well last season. The fourth member of the HSSR rising senior Top 50 list is linebacker Zyon Ratchford (6-4,200) and he was recently offered by Virginia Tech.


Then in the sophomore class you have big time Gaffney CB/WR Zion Dawkins (5-11, 180) getting interest from schools like Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and South Florida among others. 


Carvers Bay big time offensive lineman Zyon Guiles (6-4, 295) has scheduled a news conference at his school for Friday March, 21st to announce his choice of colleges. He is reportedly is down to a top five of South Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, Georgia and Florida.

Prior to the 2024 football season in SC Guiles attended the annual HSSR media day held at the University of South Carolina. At that time on his prospect form, he listed his top five as South Carolina, Tennessee, Clem son, NC State and Georgia.


Guiles has a direct blood line to the Geathers family in the Carvers Bay area ad he is big, fast, and can move the pile in front of him

While it is too early to forecast just how many Palmetto state 2026 players will sign on with one of the 134 major college football programs, after the 2025 season concludes, one thing for sure is that the HSSR top 10 group could all be destined for the NFL.


They are top rated Desmond Green, an offensive lineman from Timberland, the aforementioned O’Banner along with Gilmore of Gaffney.


The other seven include: 5. Jaylen McGill-Mountain View Prep RB-5-11,190, 6. J’Zavien Currence-South Pointe-DB-6-3, 205-SC, 7. Carnell Warren-Bluffton-6-4,200-Va, Tech, 8. Julian Walker-Dutch Fork-DE-6-6,235-, 9. Zay Robertson-Dillon-WR-6-0,165,4.4, and 10. Anthony Baxter-South Pointe-OL-6-3,330-SC.


Recruiting remains an inexact science but one fact is that you have to be evaluated before you can be offered, Let the evaluations begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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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