SCISA State Tourney: Opening Day Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops is here in Sumter for the SCISA State Tourney. The week-long tourney is taking place between North Charleston, Columbia and Sumter. Today we bounced around between 3 gyms at Wilson Hall and the Sumter County Civic Center. What were some of the observations from the day in Sumter. <strong><em>#RecruitThePalmettoState</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>1st Year Program lands Top Seed: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353341,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-03-2270PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-03-2270PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353341" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolves from Riverpointe Christian won its first playoff game yesterday vs Community Christian (Martinez, GA). The Wolves have a young roster of talent. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1766180' first='Kevin' last='Dukes']</strong> leads the way for the Wolves. Dukes is a tough mismatch inside-out with his play. Kevin is a left-handed forward with a good skill set on both sides of the court. He does a great job of overpowering defenders and scoring close to the bucket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353344,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-42-47-0280PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-42-47-0280PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353344" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1982060' first='Terry' last='Truesdale Jr'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2352792' first='Christian' last='Davis']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2352793' first='Kymani' last='Robinson']</strong> are three freshmen on this Wolves roster. Truesdale a left-handed undersized post player plays bigger than his size around the basket. Terry plays physical and certainly won't shy away from contact down in the paint area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis already has good length and mobility around the floor. He has some good blood lines as his father played college ball at USC-Upstate. Robinson a point guard was quick to score the ball in transition today for the North Charleston based program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Raiders Win Game on Free Throw Line:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holly Hill Academy defeated Richard Winn Academy with 2 game winning free throws with 0.8 seconds left on the clock. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2042560' first='Jody' last='Gillam']</strong> stepped up to the foul line and buried two free throws to secure the 44-42 win. Gillam a junior guard finished with 21 points in the win today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353146' first='Charlie' last='Bonds']</strong> led the way for Richard Winn Academy in the loss with 19 points. Bonds was able to stalk the baseline and score most of his points on just activity around the rim. Newberry football signee <strong>Drew Spires</strong> played his last game in an Eagles uniform today. Spires finished with 8 points. Richard Winn Academy finished the season at (23-2). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Warriors Score 100 Points:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Jackson Academy came out to a 31-11 lead over Lee Academy and never looked back. The Warriors dominated the Generals 100-67 to advance to the next round of the SCISA Class 2A Playoffs. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1354733' first='Gage' last='Dicks']</strong> finished with 33 points with most of them coming going to the rack. Dicks a guard was able to showcase tremendous athleticism and willingness to excel in the transition game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353346,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-29-0040PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-29-0040PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353346" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2207642' first='Carter' last='Brown'] </strong>had the hot hand to start the game as he scored 13 points in the first quarter. Brown set the tempo scoring the ball around the cup and finishing at the rim. Carter plays the game with a good deal of energy and emotion at all times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353351,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-09-8520PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-09-8520PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353351" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2175542' first='Hayden' last='McClung']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2175553' first='Oliver' last='Barnes']</strong> both jumped in on the action today for the Warriors. McClung finished with 17 points while Barnes just a freshman added 14 points on 4 three-pointers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Griffins Defeat Williamsburg Academy: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353355,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-45-42-7330PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-45-42-7330PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353355" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spartanburg Day will advance to the next round of the SCISA Class 3A State Playoffs with a victory over the Stallions here today. Left-handed guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806881' first='Payne' last='Wood'] </strong>came to play today. Wood a sharp-shooting guard connected on several jumpers from the perimeter today. Payne is an ideal catch-shoot player with a nice release to boot. He does a good job of receiving the ball in the pocket and being shot ready in return. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806862' first='James' last='Liollio'] </strong>is a UNSIGNED Senior with good size in the middle for the Griffins. Liollio has strong academics to follow up his work on the hardwood. He does a nice job of using a soft jump-hook around the rim and keeping the ball up high after claiming it off the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Indians Advance in SCISA Class 3A: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353350,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-44-59-9950PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-44-59-9950PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353350" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orangeburg Prep improved to (18-7) on the season with a win over John Paul II here today at Wilson Hall. The Indians got strong play from the sophomore duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687284' first='T' last='Riley'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2292901' first='Avery' last='Ravenell'].</strong> Riley a left-handed forward cleaned up on the glass all night long. Riley plays his game close to the cup and seems to be an automatic double-double every night. Tonight was just that as he finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ravenell is the table setter for the Indians out top. Avery was able to dish out 6 assists and score 8 points in the win. <strong>Austin Hall</strong> added 13 points in the win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Crusaders Win with Balanced Scoring:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353352,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-48-3970PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-48-3970PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353352" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northside Christian Academy (18-5) advanced in the SCISA Class 2A Tourney yesterday with win over Carolina Academy 72-50. The Crusaders received balanced scoring from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155950' first='Dane' last='Sundell']</strong> with 16 points, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353292' first='Sullie' last='Crider']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353297' first='Cade' last='McNeil']</strong> both added 13 points. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806880' first='Sam' last='Burks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1559447' first='Hilton' last='Dessausure']</strong> both chipped in with 7 points apiece in the win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders rely on a lot of good balance through the lineup. On any given night anyone of these players can step up and lead the squad. Sundell a guard brings a ton of energy and a competitive edge to the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Middle Schoolers Playing Up: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353360,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-47-0090PM-crop-3226x2118-1708281034.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-41-47-0090PM-crop-3226x2118-1708281034.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2353360" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2352782' first='<strong>Nick' last='Lindsay</strong>'] - Holly Hill Academy </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lindsay finished with 14 points in the Raiders win today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353354,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-18-0700PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-43-18-0700PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353354" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2294163' first='<strong>Shane' last='Goines</strong>'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1982065' first='Scoop' last='Dennis']</strong> - Laurence Manning Academy </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Swamp Cats lost to Heathwood Hall today in a close one. Goines finished with 18 points while Dennis added 14 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353361,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_18-02-2024_01-26-01-9040PM-crop-2518x1653-1708281070.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_18-02-2024_01-26-01-9040PM-crop-2518x1653-1708281070.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2353361" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353328' first='Brayden' last='Davis'] </strong>- Lee Academy (Bishopville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis a left-handed shooting guard finished with 19 points. Davis on 5 three-pointers from downtown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2353712,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-42-29-0890PM-1.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/eZy-Watermark_17-02-2024_08-42-29-0890PM-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2353712" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353707' first='Tre' last='Blakeney']</strong> - Marlboro Academy (Bennettsville) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The left-handed guard will be a name to follow in the years to come from the Pee Dee for the Dragons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of these players are members of the 2028 Palmetto State Class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->