Breaking down Midlands high school girls basketball scene: Top teams, players to watch
The high school girls basketball season is in full swing around the state.
Here is a look at storylines, top teams and players in the area who have stood so far headed into Christmas tournaments:
Class 5A
Dutch Fork (9-1): The fourth-ranked Silver Foxes have been a surprise on the season under new coach Candace Bush. Dutch Fork has allowed more than 30 points in a game three times this season.
Class 4A
A.C. Flora (8-3): Last year’s 4A Lower State runner-ups are ranked No. 6 in 4A and have wins over Dutch Fork, Keenan and Spring Valley this year.
Westwood (8-4): Defending Lower State champions lost a lot of key pieces from last year’s team but will be a factor again this year.
Class 3A
Camden (9-0): The defending state champs and 3A’s top team have won 36 straight games dating back to last season. The Bulldogs will play in the United Bank Holiday Classic in Myrtle Beach this week and then a big showcase game in the Chick-fil-A Classic against Grace Christian (NC) on Dec. 27.
Gilbert (8-3): The Indians have won seven of their last eight games and are ranked No. 7 in 3A.
Class 2A
Gray Collegiate (3-3): Defending champions are the top-ranked team in 2A and have two losses by four points or less this season.
Keenan (5-3): The Raiders are adjusting to life without MiLaysia Fulilwiley. They’ve won four of their last five games and are ranked No. 8 in 2A.
Saluda (4-1): Tigers are the 10th-ranked team in 2A.
SCISA
Heathwood Hall (5-1): The defending SCISA 4A champs’ lone loss has been to Camden.
Players to watch
Addie Bowers, Mid-Carolina: Junior is averaging 10.2 points and 11.2 rebounds.
Brea Boyd, Mid-Carolina: Sophomore is averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 steals.
Aneya Britt, Westwood: Freshman is averaging 10.1 points and 5 rebounds per game.
Kristin Brown, Keenan: Sophomore is averaging 13.4 points a game.
Morgan Champion, Camden: Junior is averaging 12.4 points and 2.2 steals a game.
Antionet Cheesboro, Dutch Fork: Senior and Newberry signee is averaging 14.7 points and 2.7 assists.
Tamira Delaney, A.C. Flora: Sophomore is averaging 10.3 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals per game.
Teonna Draughn, Cardinal Newman: Sophomore is averaging 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Joyce Edwards, Camden: Senior and South Carolina signee is averaging 31.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 3.8 blocks a game.
Michaela Fairwell, Dutch Fork: Junior is averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Terriana Gray, A.C. Flora: Senior and Alabama A&M signee is averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals.
Reagan Haggard, Chapin: Sophomore is averaging 12.3 points and 9.9 rebounds.
Hayley Hightower, Blythewood: Sophomore is averaging 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.4 steals.
Lauren Jacobs, Heathwood Hall: Junior is averaging 29.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Alaina Leaphart, Gilbert: Senior is averaging 15.8 points and 5.9 steals a game.
Skylar McCray, A.C. Flora: Sophomore is averaging 10.8 points and 2.7 steals.
Sabreya Monsanto, Heathwood Hall: Junior is averaging 17.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 3.5 assists.
Marianna Moody, Spring Valley: Junior is back after being injured last season and is averaging 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.
Braylin Mungo, Camden: Freshman is averaging 10.2 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Ziel Ratchford, Spring Valley: Junior is averaging 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds per game.
Chase Thomas, Blythewood: Sophomore is averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
Makiah Thompson, Westwood: Senior is averaging 13 points and 4.2 assists per game.
Kadence Walker-Lee, Gray Collegiate: Junior is averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.
India Williams, Blythewood: Sophomore is averaging 11.4 points and 4 assists per game.
