SCISA 1A Quarterfinals at Cardinal Newman: Tuesday’s Results

Following Saturday's first-round contests in the 1A boys tournament, the 12-team field was narrowed down to eight.    That Saturday saw games split between Wilson Hall in the Sumter area as well as Calhoun Academy. The previous day's play resulted in wins for Mead Hall, Marlboro Academy, Holly Hill Academy and Newberry Academy.    The scene shifted to another Midlands venue – Cardinal Newman - for the Tuesday slate of quarterfinal get-togethers. We at Prep Hoops were on hand for the day of tournament action at the home court of the 4A Cardinals. Here is a look at how those four matchups unfolded.   Mead Hall vs. Ragin Prep   Mead Hall extended it season by at least one more game following its result on Saturday at Wilson Hall. That contest with Wardlaw Academy would see a 54-33 decision in favor of the Panthers.   Awaiting Mead Hall would be Ragin Prep. Overall, the Rams finished below .500 – 11-14 – for the season but won its region by going a perfect three for three. Last season, the 1A tournament featured a 16-team field and Ragin Prep advanced to the semifinals.   The first boys team to earn a berth into Thursday's semifinal at Wilson Hall would be the Rams as they scored the 52-37 win over Mead Hall.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   It was during the opening half of last season when Mead Hall and Ragin Prep had their last meeting prior to Tuesday. That contest resulted in a 59-46 victory for the Rams.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Things began auspiciously for Mead Hall as the Panthers jumped out to an early 6-2 lead. Ragin Prep responded by closing the frame on a 7-0 to assume the lead. With one in the books, the Rams were ahead by a tally of 9-6.   Mead Hall's struggles continued as the second quarter was completely dictated by Ragin Prep. The Rams outscored the Panthers by a margin of 16-6 and would go into halftime with a 25-12 lead.   Timely 3-point shooting in the third quarter allowed the Panthers to cut its deficit. When the score became 32-22 (with Ragin Prep still leading), it prompted a Rams timeout. With one quarter remaining, the Rams led by a margin of 39-25.   With a berth in the 1A state semifinals on the line, one would expect that emotions would run a bit high. The emotions experienced by Ragin Prep at the conclusion of the matchup would be those of joy as the Rams knew they were the first team to clinch a berth in the 1A state semifinals.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8482-crop-1713x1125-1739984637.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8482-crop-1713x1125-1739984637.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780756" style="width:558px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   A balanced scoring effort was what powered the Rams to victory. Among that effort was a pair of 11-point scorers. One of whom was [player_tooltip player_id='1806930' first='Zymir' last='Robinson-Hill'] – Hill stands at 5-foot-6 and is one of three sophomores on this season's Rams rendition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8427-crop-2318x1522-1739984803.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8427-crop-2318x1522-1739984803.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780758" style="width:561px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The other 11-point scorer for Ragin Prep was K'Den Shannon. The junior is listed at 6-foot-1 on the Rams roster and primarily operates as a two guard. Shannon is one of only two 2026s on this year's team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8436-crop-2710x1779-1739984966.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8436-crop-2710x1779-1739984966.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780760" style="width:556px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Speaking of sophomores, Ragin Prep also was the beneficiary of a 10-point performance courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='2693904' first='Kavontay' last='Rose']. He threw down a one-handed dunk in the closing moments of the fourth quarter to put an exclamation point on the Rams' trip to the semifinals.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8432-crop-3275x2150-1739985154.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8432-crop-3275x2150-1739985154.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780763" style="width:558px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Long-range shooting was a hallmark of the efforts for Mead Hall – and spearheading what the Panthers did was a sophomore as well. Walker Weidenman would tally 16 points which led all scorers for the game. Weidenman would deliver five from behind the arc.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8382-crop-3610x2370-1739985336.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8382-crop-3610x2370-1739985336.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780767" style="width:553px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Mead Hall also got a 12-point showing from senior Brooks Abrams. Abrams is one of four seniors that has worn the Panthers uniform for the final time. He also helped in the barrage of 3-pointers with three of his own.   Up Next   The win sends Ragin Prep to the 1A semifinals. The Rams would learn who its opponent would be later that day when Marlboro Academy met up with Jefferson Davis Academy.   So Long, Seniors   In addition to Abrams, Stern Massey, Ryan Dixon and Makel Bush are the four 2025s from this year's team.   Holly Hill Academy vs. Curtis Baptist   With one half of one semifinal game determined, the next contest would determine one half of the other semifinal get-together for Thursday at Wilson Hall.    Holly Hill Academy began this season's 1A tournament with a 57-45 win over Anderson Christian at Calhoun Academy. That win would earn the Raiders a quarterfinal get-together with Curtis Baptist.    As for the Crusaders, it finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 13-9. It also went 5-1 in its region – good enough for second place. That season showing was enough for Curtis Baptist to earn a bye into the quarterfinals. The Crusaders' only region loss was against Jefferson Davis Academy.   Curtis Baptist would learn at the end of its game that it could make plans to be at Wilson Hall on Thursday as it earned the 81-59 win over Holly Hill Academy.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   It was only a couple weeks ago when Curtis Baptist and Holly Hill had their last get-together prior to this most recent renewal of pleasantries. The Crusaders got the better of that exchange on Feb. 4 in the form of a 67-49 decision over the Raiders.   Quarter-By-Quarter   A grand total of 24 points were placed on the scoreboard between Holly Hill Academy and Curtis Baptist in the first quarter. Twenty of them came courtesy of Curtis Baptist. With one in the books, the Crusaders had built a 20-4 lead on the Raiders.   The good news for Holly Hill Academy was that it encountered better offensive fortunes than in the opening stanza. The bad news for the Raiders were the inauspicious numbers still on the scoreboard. The Crusaders would bring a 37-16 advantage over the Raiders at the break.   A track meet broke out in the third quarter – and it would see the Raiders slightly trim its double-digit deficit. With three frames in the books, Curtis Baptist would assume a 59-41 lead on Holly Hill Academy.   The 59 points the Raiders scored would have been enough against either of the teams that squared off in the first matchup of the day (Mead Hall and Ragin Prep). It was not enough against the offensive firepower of the Crusaders as a 22-point margin of victory meant a trip to Wilson Hall for a 1A semifinal.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8507-crop-1994x1309-1739985500.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8507-crop-1994x1309-1739985500.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780771" style="width:524px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With 24 points, [player_tooltip player_id='2691559' first='Treivan' last='Wright'] led Curtis Baptist's offensive outburst. While a good bit of his offensive production occurred in close proximity to the rim, his versatility allows him to play a variety of positions on the court.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8644-crop-2368x1555-1739985667.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8644-crop-2368x1555-1739985667.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780773" style="width:521px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Wright is a freshman – and so is [player_tooltip player_id='2783932' first='Trez' last='Mincey'] who added 19 points to the Crusaders' cause. Listed at 6-foot-4 on Curtis Baptist's roster, Mincey adds plenty of height and interior depth to Curtis Baptist.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8544-crop-1833x1204-1739985861.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8544-crop-1833x1204-1739985861.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780776" style="width:529px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Crusaders also got plenty of production from sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2783934' first='Brayden' last='Husband']. He contributed 18 points. Husband stands at 6-foot-5 and is one of two from the class of 2027 on this season's Curtis Baptist rendition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8606-crop-2654x1743-1739986061.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8606-crop-2654x1743-1739986061.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780779" style="width:523px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Curtis Baptist ensured that the career of senior Jonathan Bailey would have at least one more game. Bailey helped his own cause by scoring 11 points. As someone who can play either as a two or a three, he can give a team plenty of minutes at the wing.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8656-crop-2521x1656-1739986254.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8656-crop-2521x1656-1739986254.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780786" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Ethan Siau saved some of his best for last in what turned out to be the final game of his career sporting Holly Hill Academy's signature blue and red colors. Siau would lead all scorers for the game with 30.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8655-crop-2505x1645-1739986462.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8655-crop-2505x1645-1739986462.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780792" style="width:524px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Aiding Siau's heroics was another standout who played his final game in Raiders colors. [player_tooltip player_id='2042560' first='Jody' last='Gillam'] would score 16 points. Alongside his basketball accomplishments, he also excels on Holly Hill Academy's football team as a defensive back and wide receiver.   Up Next   Curtis Baptist's win sends it to the semifinals. As for its opponent, that would be determined later that evening when Newberry Academy faced off against Richard Winn.    So Long, Seniors   Holly Hill Academy is graduating a bevy of seniors - including Siau, Gillam, Camdin Harmon, Ax Wolpert, Mason Connor, Brayden Mizell, Connor Teague, Ashton Soles, Jagger Edmonds and Brodon Murray.   Marlboro Academy vs. Jefferson Davis Academy   Ragin Prep won earlier in the day to determine half of one of the two semifinal contests that was to take place at Wilson Hall on Thursday.    The third game on Tuesday's four-game card would determine that team's opponent. This past Saturday, Marlboro Academy would score a 55-33 win over Cambridge Academy to be part of the remaining field of eight in the 1A tournament.    That would earn the Dragons a matchup with the Raiders of Jefferson Davis Academy. The Raiders concluded the regular season with a 12-8 record. The team also finished with a 5-1 mark in region with the lone loss coming against Curtis Baptist.   Ragin Prep would find out its Thursday opponent would be Marlboro Academy as it battled back from behind to stun Jefferson Davis Academy with the final score being 54-44.    Quarter-By-Quarter   If the first quarter was any indication, it appeared that Marlboro Academy and Jefferson Davis Academy would be locked in a defensive-centric, low-scoring affair. With eight of the 32 minutes having been played, the Raiders had a 6-4 lead on the Dragons.    Both teams had much more success getting buckets in the second quarter, but Jefferson Davis Academy had a bit more. As halftime arrived for both teams to strategize for the second half, the Raiders' lead on the Dragons would extend to 10 at 24-14.   Marlboro Academy would bring its deficit back to single digits. Jefferson Davis Academy was doing its best to hold off what was proving to be a stiff challenge from the Dragons. With three frames complete, it was Raiders 36 and Dragons 31.    Then came the comeback. Marlboro Academy would catch a wave of momentum that saw it pull in front of Jefferson Davis Academy by two – then by six which prompted a Raiders timeout. When all was said and done, the Dragons earned a stunning come-from-behind win to earn it a Thursday get-together with Ragin Prep.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8864-crop-1833x1204-1739986837.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8864-crop-1833x1204-1739986837.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780795" style="width:520px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Staring elimination – and the conclusion of his high school career in the face, Ben Milligan ensured he will have at least one more game in the Marlboro Academy uniform. Milligan would lead his team with 18 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8765-crop-2048x1345-1739987005.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8765-crop-2048x1345-1739987005.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780797" style="width:526px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Dragons also benefitted from the 14 points placed on the scoreboard by junior Landon Edge. His playmaking gave Marlboro Academy an edge and put them in position to complete the comeback.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8874-crop-3409x2239-1739987243.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8874-crop-3409x2239-1739987243.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780800" style="width:528px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Clutch baskets were also delivered from another senior in Ben Johnson. He would finish his evening at Cardinal Newman having added 12 points to the Marlboro Academy cause. Out of the five 3-pointers the Dragons connected on, three came courtesy of Johnson.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8870-crop-1833x1204-1739987754.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8870-crop-1833x1204-1739987754.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780803" style="width:530px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The high school career of [player_tooltip player_id='1273703' first='Colson' last='Loadholt'] would conclude in heartbreaking fashion, but not without leading his team one more time with an 18-point outing. Loadholt is one of five seniors that comprise this year's Jefferson Davis Academy team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8733-crop-2780x1825-1739988320.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8733-crop-2780x1825-1739988320.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780806" style="width:531px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Reece Still would contribute eight points to the Raiders' cause. Even though the basketball season has concluded for Jefferson Davis Academy, Still can shift his focus to baseball. Still also competes in football as a cornerback and wide receiver.   So Long, Seniors   Alongside Loadholt, [player_tooltip player_id='1356853' first='Nasir' last='Void'], Riley Todd, Bryan Montejano and Payton Payne are about to call it a time at Jefferson Davis Academy.   Newberry Academy vs. Richard Winn   One game remained on the four-game card at Cardinal Newman that day. And that contest would determine which team would match up with Curtis Baptist in a 1A semifinal contest on Thursday.    And it would feature another renewal of pleasantries from earlier this season. Newberry Academy, on Saturday at Wilson Hall, managed one of the more emphatic victories of the playoffs when it defeated St. Elizabeth Ann Seton by a final of 65-13.    That win would earn it a quarterfinal tilt with Richard Winn. A perennial state power under coach Nick Chaisson, the Eagles proved that once again by posting a 16-4 record along with winning all 10 of its region contests. That was more than enough for a first-round bye.    Putting a lid on the day's play would be Richard Winn earning the 33-19 victory over Newberry Academy to advance to the semifinals – and a date on Thursday with the Crusaders.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   These two teams – being region rivals – are very familiar with each other as they have faced off on three different occasions prior to Tuesday. On Dec. 18, Richard Winn got the better of that matchup in a 36-31 decision at Richard Winn. It also got the better of a Jan. 24 contest at Newberry Academy – a 37-25 result. The latest meeting between these two teams saw Newberry Academy earn a narrow 35-34 win at Newberry Academy.   Quarter-By-Quarter   Given the proximity of Richard Winn Academy to Cardinal Newman, a sizable contingent of its fans made the trip for the game. Those aficionados had plenty to cheer for as Richard Winn would begin the contest with a 12-2 advantage over Newberry Academy following the first frame.   A steal, layup and ensuing 3-pointer from Newberry Academy narrowed the gap from 12-2 to 12-7. Richard Winn would close the second frame with a 7-0 and would carry a 19-7 lead into halftime.   Newberry Academy was successful in trimming its deficit as it showed signs of life late in the third quarter. Richard Winn would still bring a nine-point, 25-16 advantage into the third quarter.   As close as Newberry Academy was, an extended scoring run can change the entire complexity of the game. Instead, Richard Winn's defense held Newberry Academy to three points in the fourth quarter to earn a semifinal contest with Curtis Baptist at Wilson Hall.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8892-crop-2179x1431-1739988643.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_8892-crop-2179x1431-1739988643.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780811" style="width:540px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   A pair of eight-point scorers would lead the way in what was a low-scoring contest. One of those was [player_tooltip player_id='2353146' first='Charlie' last='Bonds']. He is one of the taller members of the team at 6-foot-4 and is one of four seniors that comprise the Richard Winn roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_9019-crop-3603x2366-1739989002.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/IMG_9019-crop-3603x2366-1739989002.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2780817" style="width:536px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The other was Bennett Nicholson – a junior. He has competed in other sports throughout his athletic career – including football (as a running back) and in baseball. Nicholson is one of two 2026s on the Richard Winn roster.

Following Saturday's first-round contests in the 1A boys tournament, the 12-team field was narrowed down to eight.