Class 3A Upper/Lower State Biggest Standouts

<!-- 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>Playoff basketball is officially here! I got to check out the Class 3A Upper State and Lower State Championships via the NFHS Network on Friday, February 28th. Check out the six prospects who stood out to me the most in Florence:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1474820' first='Broderick' last='Anderson'] (Keenan) - First up on the standouts from Day 2 in Florence is [player_tooltip player_id='1474820' first='Broderick' last='Anderson']. He is one of the most versatile players in South Carolina's 2026 class and in this game, he was on the ball as much as I have ever seen him. Anderson also made key defensive plays on the perimeter, protecting the rim, and even drew a charge. Broderick displayed an ability to hit spot-up shots, make smart plays off the dribble or out of the post, and finish at the bucket before hauling in the game-sealing offensive rebound after a missed free throw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2433116' first='Antoine' last='Caughman Jr'] (Keenan) - Despite being just a Freshman, Caughman Jr has been an important piece through the season and stepped up in a big spot for Keenan on Friday. He hit a three in each corner in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' Lower State Championship Game win over Loris, finishing with 17 points. Antoine's blend of strength, length, and feel for the game have allowed him to be ready for the high-school game since his 8th-grade season and he should develop into a really good player down the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2430899' first='Khalid' last='Sherman'] (Loris) - Sherman is a Junior who had a solid showing in Florence and earned valuable experience during this playoff run. He has terrific hands on the defensive end and is a blur in the open floor, two attributes that often ended up in good transition play for his team. Khalid also showed off vision when finding his teammates with a pair of assists. He racked up 8 points and 3 steals in the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1766181' first='Jaleel' last='McGee'] (Powdersville) - Next up are the standouts from the 3A Upper State Championship between Powdersville and Christ Church. The Patriots were led by [player_tooltip player_id='1766181' first='Jaleel' last='McGee'] who put up 13 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals. McGee was solid throughout the game with several strong finishes around the rim and pull-up jumpers, but he stepped up late to help propel his team to a win. Jaleel hit a go-ahead jumper in the mid-range off a designed set with 0:49 to play, then had a steal on the next defensive possession, and sealed the game with a pair of free throws with 0:02 on the clock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2721034' first='Micah' last='Williams'] (Powdersville) - Williams could be a late unsigned senior for College Coaches to add to their radar. The calling card for him at the next level is shooting, but Micah is a high-IQ player who works hard on both ends of the floor. All 11 of his points came in the first quarter: a deep left-wing three, a left-corner three, and a tough right-handed finish off a dribble drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2630460' first='Anthony' last='Atkins'] (Christ Church) - There was a lot to like with Anthony despite the season-ending loss. He'll be back next year along with most of the Cavaliers' core. Atkins was at his best in transition and getting downhill off the dribble. He is very athletic, moves his feet well, and will put his body on the line to go for a loose ball or take a charge. Anthony also showed off his polished skillset with impressive passes and smart cuts. He finished with 12 points and 6 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->