Region 5-AAAA Players to Watch
Region 5-AAAA has really taken some hits this off season with several players transferring out of the region. Prep Hoops takes a look right here at the latest in this region located in the Western part of the Palmetto State.
Nazae Baltimore (2019), Cincere Scott (2020) and Perry Smith (2022) all have moved onto different schools this season. Baltimore played at Aiken HS and now attends Eastern Alamance HS in Mebane, NC. Baltimore 6’6 power forward helped the Hornets to a solid season last year. Baltimore ran with the Carolina Pressure on the Grassroots circuit.
Scott has left for the Capital City and now attends Ridge View HS. Scott will be a great addition to the defending Class 4-A State Champions roster this season. Scott attended South Aiken HS last year.
Smith Jr. is just a freshman that was attending Paul Knox M.S. last year in North Augusta. Smith Jr. 6’7 saw some action for the Yellow Jackets as a 8th grader. Smith Jr. now attends Lincoln Academy in Georgia. Smith Jr. ran this summer on the EYBL Circuit with Team United.
Maison Hall (2019) – Aiken HS
Hall a strong guard will look to lead the Hornets this season after several players have graduated. Hall a football standout can attack the rack with ease or dish off to the open man. Hall will have to step up his offensive game this season for the Hornets.
Jalen Canada (2019) – Airport HS (West Columbia)
Canada is a quick release shooting guard. Canada ran with Howell on the Carolina Crush this past Grassroot Circuit.
Devionne Burnett (2020) – South Aiken HS
Burnett 6’5 will have to improve on his stats this season for the Thoroughbreds. Burnett plays wide receiver on the football field.
Rolando “RJ” Howell (2020) – Airport HS (West Columbia)
Howell 6’4 is the son of late former University of South Carolina great Rolando Howell. Howell is very active on the floor and likes to roam out on the perimeter.
Omarion Byrd (2020) – North Augusta HS
Byrd is back again for the Yellow Jackets after averaging 12 ppg last season. Byrd a undersized shooting guard played with Upward Stars-Riverfront in the summer.
Terran Meriwether (2020) – Midland Valley HS (Graniteville)
Meriwether 6’4 undersized post plays I nthe paint for the Mustangs. Meriwether is a live body in the paint that’s not very polished quite yet.
RJ Felton (2021) – North Augusta HS (pictured on front)
Felton is a complete player on the hardwood and on the football field. Felton plays beyond his years on the basketball court. Felton averaged 12.7 ppg last season for the Yellow Jackets. Felton can really attack the basket and has a nice mid-range game. Felton has the ability to overpower players with his play.
PrepHoops Projections
North Augusta HS – Despite losing Smith the Yellow Jackets have plenty of talent.
South Aiken HS – The Thoroughbreds need to find a replacement for Scott.
Brookland Cayce HS – The Bearcats need to replace Dominique Perry now at Hutchinson CC (KS).
Aiken HS – Hall will need help on this roster.The Hornets lost several players to graduation and Baltimore transferring.
Airport HS – The Eagles could surprise some teams on a given night during region play.
Midland Valley HS – The Mustangs might want to wait and play the spoiler role this season.
Preseason Player of the Year : RJ Felton