Around the State: Florence County

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops made the trip up to the Pee Dee area of the Palmetto State and stopped in Florence County. This area of the state produces talent year in and year out. Let's check in some of the schools over here in this article on your source for basketball coverage in the Palmetto State. <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE Today</em></strong> - What is the wait? <strong><em>#RecruitThePalmettoState </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Schools in the County:</em></strong> Florence Christian, Hannah-Pamplico HS, Johnsonville HS, King's Academy, Lake City HS, South Florence HS, West Florence HS and Wilson HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>Florence Christian</strong> - The Eagles (16-7) last season will rely on the trio of <strong>Juels Huntley</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806863' first='Dylan' last='Greene']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687285' first='Taylor' last='Greene']</strong> to lead the way. Huntley is currently excelling on the gridiron as a running back for the Eagles. Juels currently has 1,661 yards - 194 carries and 25 Touchdowns this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1808062,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/E6A96B46-EA00-4810-8E28-854DC5FB555C.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/E6A96B46-EA00-4810-8E28-854DC5FB555C.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1808062" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806863' first='Dylan' last='Greene'] </strong>is a sharp shooter with accuracy from behind the arc. Greene averaged 13 ppg last season while connecting on 44% (46-104) from behind the three-point line. The younger Greene will provide some backcourt help for the Eagles when needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hannah-Pamplico HS</strong> - The Raiders finished (14-9) last season in Class 1A. Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672085' first='Tylin' last='Jenkins']</strong> is back after averaging 12.1 ppg and 7.1 rebounds a season ago. Who will step up and head him this season in the lineup? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1709927,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/EEDEC751-3465-416B-82C9-93C6645CBB2C.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/EEDEC751-3465-416B-82C9-93C6645CBB2C.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1709927" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnsonville HS</strong> - The Flashes will rely on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088707' first='Travis' last='Wilson']</strong> around the paint area this season. Wilson a undersized post averaged 8.7 ppg and 9.3 rebounds last season for the Flashes (13-8). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>King's Academy (Florence)</strong> - The Lions suffered through a tough season last year finishing (4-16). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake City HS</strong> - The Panthers lost a Head Coach Stan Adams to South Florence HS along with his son <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220036' first='Amare' last='Adams']</strong>. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356316' first='Karon' last='Brown']</strong> made the move over to West Florence HS this summer. Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1174150' first='Bryson' last='Rose'] will</strong> look to lead the Panthers this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1989127,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/F09C8218-E15E-4E3F-A8FD-AE5B13CCE6E5.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/F09C8218-E15E-4E3F-A8FD-AE5B13CCE6E5.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1989127" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Florence HS</strong> - The Bruins finished (15-12) last season and return plenty of talent for Head Coach Dom Harris. Senior point guard<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1156890' first='Jamarie' last='Brown']</strong> is back after averaging 13.9 ppg, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists a season ago. Brown really shows some flashes at times with his play on the floor. Jamarie brings explosion to the floor and a big-time mid-range game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2028132,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/62C3C67C-9910-4E48-AD67-363A4B20DF70.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/62C3C67C-9910-4E48-AD67-363A4B20DF70.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2028132" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367707' first='SyRee' last='Livingston'] </strong>a left-handed forward made the move over from Mullins HS to the Bruins this summer. Livingston who currently is excelling on the gridiron brings the ability to attack and slash to the cup with his play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1335973,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/11/94B7CE28-9556-4E93-BF1D-DCDEA551A474.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/11/94B7CE28-9556-4E93-BF1D-DCDEA551A474.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1335973" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1303613' first='Terrence' last='Moorer'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228603' first='Rodney' last='Lesane']</strong> both bring some muscle around the cup for the Bruins. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2305948' first='Ziyon' last='Gamble']</strong> is another senior who might be undervalued at times with his play. Lesane was recently named Region Offensive Player of the Year for the Bruins on the Gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1989113,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/96751E58-08A8-4EF3-8D2D-66AED36D815D.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/96751E58-08A8-4EF3-8D2D-66AED36D815D.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1989113" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1444327' first='Jarius' last='Davis'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149788' first='Jackson' last='Robinson']</strong> both juniors are key players for this program that's for sure. Davis a left-handed guard brings versatility and the ability to play multiple positions on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1973027,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/AA6CA73A-B94A-4801-B899-97C8CCF2AD4B.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/AA6CA73A-B94A-4801-B899-97C8CCF2AD4B.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1973027" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson is a long and wiry forward who averaged 7.9 ppg and 4.6 rebounds a season ago. Jackson will step-out and knockdown the short corner jumper when needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1672211,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/F3E17D3B-CA67-4688-AA11-D51FBDF98A98-scaled.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/F3E17D3B-CA67-4688-AA11-D51FBDF98A98-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1672211" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1220036' first='Amare' last='Adams'] </strong>a junior and Big-Time Power 5 Football Recruit will see action on this squad also this season. Adams transferred in from Lake City HS this past off season. Adams is a load down low on the block with a great set of mitts to catch anything thrown into his direction. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins have plenty of talent to make a run this season in Class 4A. But are they the best team in Florence? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1972276,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/61038122-13A8-4D31-9E84-63E1A886AAF0.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/61038122-13A8-4D31-9E84-63E1A886AAF0.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1972276" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Florence HS</strong> - The Knights need to replace Deuce Hudson, Dominick James ,Bryson Graves and Darren Lloyd off all year's squad. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1931197' first='Josh' last='Gamble']</strong> is a youngster to follow here for Head Coach Kevin Robinson.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1356316' first='Karon' last='Brown'] </strong>a long and rangy forward made the move over from nearby Lake City HS to West Florence HS this summer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242304' first='Grant' last='Beaton']</strong> will be back to patrol the middle for the Knights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2023852,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/B1B99DE3-8DC0-4EF3-88C0-50DA09EC7B3A.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/B1B99DE3-8DC0-4EF3-88C0-50DA09EC7B3A.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2023852" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wilson HS (Florence) </strong>- The Tigers finished (22-7) a season ago and swept the series with South Florence HS and West Florence to win the City Championship. The Tigers have some new faces in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425907' first='Elijah' last='Smith']</strong> a transfer from Cheraw HS and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1333159' first='Khristian' last='Bruce']</strong> is a transfer from West Florence HS. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damori Lytch</strong> left this off season and transferred to Quality Education Academy in North Carolina. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1721892,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/3655F8A9-E014-4936-A1BC-1A83CB8DFB6C.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/3655F8A9-E014-4936-A1BC-1A83CB8DFB6C.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1721892" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1486211' first='Josh' last='Leonard'] </strong>just a freshman is the top player in the 2027 Palmetto State Class if we posted the rankings today. Leonard can do it all from rebounding on both ends of the court, hitting the 3-ball, posting up and finishing with both hands around the cup. He plays extremely mature for his age on the floor. He has uncanny passing skills. The skill level for Leonard is incredible right now for his age. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1489991,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/400572E3-121D-432D-BC21-D1CED3D2C759.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/400572E3-121D-432D-BC21-D1CED3D2C759.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1489991" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149789' first='Tristan' last='Thompson']</strong> had a nice summer on the Grassroots Circuit and surely attracted attention from college programs. Thompson is a run-jump-athlete who plays with a relentless effort at all times. Tristan is long and active on both ends of the floor to pull down rebounds. He will run the passing lanes and finish in transition with authority. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->