Around the State: Lexington County

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington County could be a hot spot come his basketball season. Who are some of the schools located? Well, who else but Prep Hoops has your answers right here. Maybe it should be time to <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE</em></strong> to the site.<strong> <em>#RecruitThePalmettoState </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Airport HS </strong>(West Columbia) - The Eagles finished (7-16) a season ago. Who will step-up and lead this program this season? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Batesburg-Leesville HS </strong>- The Panthers finished (7-19) a season ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2230138,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/eZy-Watermark_07-10-2023_06-05-42-8770PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/eZy-Watermark_07-10-2023_06-05-42-8770PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2230138" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brookland-Cayce HS</strong> - The Bearcats will have a new team this season under Head Coach Robert Wells. Keep an eye out for Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2230456' first='Isaiah' last='Daniels'] </strong>here for the Bearcats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gilbert HS </strong>- The Indians will look to improve on a (4-21) season from a year ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gray Collegiate</strong> - The War Eagles are back at in Class 2A. They have won 5 State Championships over the past 7 years in Class 2A. The War Eagles finished (25-6) a season ago and defeated Oceanside Collegiate 53-43 in the state championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1829936,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/IMG_9336-crop-2639x1733-1677908462.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/IMG_9336-crop-2639x1733-1677908462.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1829936" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180896' first='Braylhan' last='Thomas']</strong> is off the board and headed to Georgia Southern University after this season. Thomas averaged 11.4 ppg and 5 rebounds last season. Braylhan brings great versatility to the floor with his ability to play multiple positions and knockdown shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1492042,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/00DD0E51-696F-4E79-9FF6-7DA6BCEBA2C8.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/00DD0E51-696F-4E79-9FF6-7DA6BCEBA2C8.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1492042" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior rim protector<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='992183' first='Ellis' last='Graham']</strong> patrols the middle. Graham runs the floor very well and has the ability to alter and challenge shots at the rim. Ellis averaged 6.7 ppg, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2239617,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/eZy-Watermark_12-10-2023_08-58-52-4940PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/eZy-Watermark_12-10-2023_08-58-52-4940PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2239617" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295784' first='Darius' last='Carr']</strong> has really had a good summer and fall since arriving at Gray Collegiate. Carr a power forward has picked up several NCAA D2 offers along the way. Darius was equally impressive this fall at the SCBCA Elite Camp. Carr brings toughness and a willingness to work down low on the block with his back to the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2026296,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/2F8CFBFB-D624-4A3B-8806-EC1C9B21C20E.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/2F8CFBFB-D624-4A3B-8806-EC1C9B21C20E.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2026296" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162932' first='Treyvon' last='Maddox'] </strong>is the #1 player in the 2025 Palmetto State Class. Maddox averaged 8.8 ppg last season. Maddox brings length and versatility to the floor. Junior<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1025879' first='LJ' last='Britt']</strong> at times might be the forgotten piece on this squad. Britt brings versatility to both backcourt positions and a willingness to make shots on the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2024456,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/0AC4415F-84A3-4449-8D74-4403379D6239.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/0AC4415F-84A3-4449-8D74-4403379D6239.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2024456" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1645097' first='Jaden' last='Gerald']</strong> is a nice addition to the squad with his ability to attack the cup and knockdown shots on the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1032755' first='TyQuan' last='McDuffie'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='996190' first='Justin' last='Pauling']</strong> and Freshman <strong>Hunter McGraw</strong> are all capable of stepping up on any given night and providing good production for this War Eagles squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1822733,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/IMG_6814-crop-3226x2118-1677573607.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/IMG_6814-crop-3226x2118-1677573607.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1822733" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington HS</strong> - The Wildcats finished (20-7) last year and lost in the Upper State Championship Game to Dorman HS 60-52. The Wildcats have the #1 player in the 2024 Palmetto State Class in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986184' first='Cameron' last='Scott'].</strong> Scott will play his college ball at the University of Texas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1822735,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/IMG_6845-crop-2297x1508-1677573725.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/IMG_6845-crop-2297x1508-1677573725.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1822735" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1336428' first='Jaxon' last='Prunty']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1173483' first='Caleb' last='Campbell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1444152' first='Coulter' last='Bell']</strong>, <strong>Montrell Byrd</strong> all will look to contribute to the lineup. Prunty brings versatility to the perimeter for the Wildcats. Jaxon can step-up and be that next guy in line on this very talented roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2083575,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/eZy-Watermark_07-07-2023_02-17-17-3590AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/eZy-Watermark_07-07-2023_02-17-17-3590AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2083575" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell can step-up and face-up to the basket. He has a nice touch around the rim to finish. Bell is a shot maker and when he's on he's on. Byrd brings toughness to the hardwood just like the football field for the Wildcats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1989111,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/5A7C2292-7652-4DEA-85C0-10B54977794D.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/5A7C2292-7652-4DEA-85C0-10B54977794D.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1989111" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332455' first='Kaleb' last='Evans']</strong> returns for the Wildcats. Kaleb has good size from the backcourt and uncanny vision at times to find his teammates on the floor. He has gathered plenty of recruitment this past year with his game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Elliott Pope has a strong team to make a run for the Class 5A State Championship come next March in Florence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1806962,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/72DC655D-C691-42DD-BAD3-36A98BA22182.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/72DC655D-C691-42DD-BAD3-36A98BA22182.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1806962" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northside Christian (Lexington)</strong> - The Crusaders (8-13) a year ago return several players off of last season's squad. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155950' first='Dane' last='Sundell']</strong> is back in the mix. Sundell a left-handed guard averaged 15.4 ppg and 3.4 assists last season. Fellow Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353292' first='Sullie' last='Crider']</strong> is back in the fold after averaging 13.4 ppg and 9.5 rebounds last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1806965,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/EDFA7C73-1925-41ED-BDF7-4CA62295C603.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/EDFA7C73-1925-41ED-BDF7-4CA62295C603.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1806965" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806880' first='Sam' last='Burks']</strong> just had a nice a season on the gridiron for the Crusaders. Burks has good body control to the basket and really likes to play the game in attack mode. He averaged 6.5 ppg, 4.6 steals, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353297' first='Cade' last='McNeil'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806906' first='Luke' last='Bohnsack']</strong> and transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2258834' first='Hilton' last='Dessausure']</strong> should all contribute good minutes this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2026312,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/E494A54C-860C-4A00-9AAC-D7DF2A68BD71.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/E494A54C-860C-4A00-9AAC-D7DF2A68BD71.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2026312" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>River Bluff HS</strong> - The Gators (14-14) won the Class 5A State Championship just a few years back. Head Coach Ben Lee will have his squad prepared for another season. The Gators should look to rely on Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1789300' first='Luke' last='Chapman']</strong>, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1766186' first='Yasir' last='Cromer']</strong> and junior forward <strong>Blake Wilson.</strong> Chapman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.1 rebounds from the perimeter while Cromer a guard added 8.4 ppg and 2.8 assists a night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pelion HS</strong> - The Panthers finished at just (3-18) a season ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Swansea HS </strong>- Lamont Britt takes over the Tigers program after coaching at Manning HS last season. The Tigers finished just (2-20) a season ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1989129,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/E953648F-F5A5-4AFE-8CA4-542B761A17BC.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/E953648F-F5A5-4AFE-8CA4-542B761A17BC.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1989129" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Knoll HS</strong> - Head Coach Willie Thomas takes over the Timberwolves program this season after coming over from Orangeburg-Wilkinson HS. White Knoll HS finished (8-19) last season. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1239541' first='Seth' last='Sims']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090522' first='Morgan' last='Washington']</strong> will lead this team. Sims a forward averaged 14.2 ppg and 5.8 rebounds while Washington a guard chipped in at 8.6 ppg and 6.1 rebounds. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1755070' first='James' last='Smith']</strong> just a freshman saw plenty of action last season as a middle schooler and averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.3 assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->