2023-24 Breakout Sophomores
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We have all had time to take a breath after a long and exciting High School Basketball Season in the state of South Carolina, and now it’s time to take a look at some of the notable performers before the…
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Continue ReadingWe have all had time to take a breath after a long and exciting High School Basketball Season in the state of South Carolina, and now it’s time to take a look at some of the notable performers before the Grassroots Season begins. Take a look at some of the Sophomores who had standout seasons and broke out onto the scene:
The Fort Mill Yellow Jackets graduated a strong group of Seniors after last season, so A.J. became “the guy” this season. He led the team in scoring, at 16.4 Points Per Game, and rebounding, at 4.7 Rebounds Per Game. His points average increased by over 6 points between his Freshman and Sophomore campaigns. Although it was by a slim margin, he also increased his 2-point and 3-point shooting percentages, which doesn’t always happen when your usage rate climbs the way Washington’s did this year. He shot 44% on twos and 36% on threes with over 40 makes from behind the arc. Above all, A.J. was named to the SCBCA 5A All-State team, a rare accomplishment for a Sophomore, putting him in prestigious company.
Caden Coleman Caden Coleman 6’3″ | PG Hillcrest | 2026 State SC backed up an impressive AAU Season last summer with a dominant High School Season in 2023-24. He was named All-Region and received an offer from Western Carolina for his performances this year. He was a steady hand for the Rams throughout the winter, but one of his most impressive showings came on the road in region play where he scored 17 points in the second half against TL Hanna. Caden has one of the best pull-up games in the state and has the size, strength, and athleticism to finish around the basket at a high level.
Yale had a breakout Sophomore Season and was one of the engines that made the Blazers go – and go they did. It’s not often that the Starting Point Guard on a State Championship Team will return for another season. Thankfully for the Blazers, they could get Davis for another one after that! He is a true Point Guard who does a tremendous job of balancing when to set his teammates up and when to make a bucket from himself. This season, Yale averaged 17 Points Per Game, 5 Assists Per Game, and 3 Steals Per Game, with an ability to make plays on both sides of the floor. Davis has received offers from Jacksonville and Francis Marion, and will run with Team USC this spring.
Skinner had a bright Sophomore Year for Hilton Head Christian Academy. He led a very talented Eagles squad in scoring at 15 Points Per Game. He also had a team-high 3.7 Assists Per Game and 3.9 Steals Per Game while shooting 54% on twos and 37% on threes. Although his squad didn’t quite live up to expectations on the season, Harrison’s season was a major bright point due to his ability to make plays for himself and his teammates on both ends of the floor. This spring, he will play with the newly created Middleton Hoops Elite on the EYBL Champions Circuit.
Highlights
The two-sport star followed up his standout season on the football field with a great season on the basketball court. Brown is one of the most physical guards in the state – on both ends of the floor – and was a difference-maker to his squad due to that attribute. Although he doesn’t have the ball in his hands at a high rate, he can create off the dribble and hit a shot from the outside. RJ averaged 7.9 Points Per Game and 1.1 Steals Per Game this season.
Khristian Bruce Khristian Bruce 5’8″ | PG Wilson | 2026 State SC had a bright first year as a Tiger after making the cross-city transfer from West Florence High School. He was an important part of the Wilson team that won 25 games and made it to the Quarterfinals of the 4A State Playoffs. Bruce was fourth on the team at 6.0 Points Per Game and also averaged helped out with assists, rebounds, and steals, averaging over one of each. He had two of his best performances of the season in back-to-back games in January, scoring 16 points against Myrtle Beach on 3-4 3FG and 14 points against Hartsville on 5-8 FG.