Daniel HS Open Practice Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The month of September provides a key chance for High Schools to get back to work and display their prospects to College Coaches. Today, I was in Central, South Carolina to check out the defending Class 3A Region 1 Champion Daniel Lions. The Lions ran a mostly hands-off practice this afternoon as the players were put into half-court 4-on-4 games. Check out my takeaways from today's Open Practice along with some general information:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Information:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>School: Daniel High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>City: Central, South Carolina</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach: Ben Touchberry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region: Class 4A Region 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Review</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Record: 21-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ending: Round 2 Loss vs Powdersville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Departures: Hayden Anderson, Brady Jones, Erik Lipsey, Ian Williams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Returning Prospects: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1524086' first='Tristyn' last='Carrington']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1766104' first='Simms' last='Disbrow']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1972149' first='Will' last='Swann']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1847523' first='Jackson' last='Conley']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Names to Know:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2934533' first='James' last='Epting']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 JT Carter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Open Practice Takeaways</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1524086' first='Tristyn' last='Carrington'], [player_tooltip player_id='1766104' first='Simms' last='Disbrow'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1972149' first='Will' last='Swann'] were all out for various reasons, which gave me a better look into their depth and youth which could provide activity and shooting off the bench this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Lions will emphasize cutting and back screens in their half-court offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1847523' first='Jackson' last='Conley'] will dominate when he wants to. The 6'7" Forward looked to punish mismatches in the paint showing an ability to turn over either shoulder, own both sides of the glass, and make the right pass out of the post. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Grey Disbrow could be a key connector in the Daniel Offense. Grey is a good ball handler, a smart passer, will get to his spots in the mid-range, and can spot-up with perimeter shooting off the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2934533' first='James' last='Epting'] is in for a breakout Sophomore Season. Epting is one of the team's best three-point shooters but is also capable of making plays for himself and others off the dribble. James is a savvy player for his age and experience but is also vocal on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- JT Carter is a name for the future. He is a lightning-quick guard with a good handle and passing skills. JT is a good finisher around the paint, knocked down a few jump shots, and has lots of room for growth physically.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 Season Tournaments/Showcases</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FCA I-85 Battleground Showcase (December 14th)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniel Christmas Tournament (December 20th, 21st, &amp; 23rd)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops SC Showcase (January 4th)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->