Prospects Fit for a Breakout Season in Class AA

<!-- 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>Every season, new stars emerge and reshape the landscape of South Carolina high school basketball. This year's Class AA group is full of players ready to break out as they step into bigger roles, sharpen their skills, and put their schools in the mix for a state championship. Here are six players who could do just that this season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2743961' first='Jayden' last='Nowlin'] (Marion) - The first potential breakout prospect in Class AA is [player_tooltip player_id='2743961' first='Jayden' last='Nowlin']. There are few more exciting athletes in the Pee Dee area than Nowlin - the Swamp Foxes Starting Quarterback and starting Point Guard as just a Freshman. He saw action in 26 games as an 8th grader, displaying a great foundation with room for skill development and physical growth. If Marion High School is able to compete for a Lower State Championship this season, it will be because Nowlin breaks out and has a strong second season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3035001' first='Devin' last='Dixon'] (York Prep) - Dixon turned a few heads during the AAU Season and could be in for a real breakout season for York Prep. The Patriots lost a few key Seniors as well as multiple transfers, so they will have to rely on guys like Devin to step their game up. His strong frame allows him to be a dominant interior presence on both ends of the floor and will be a matchup nightmare for several opponents in 2025-26. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3035004' first='Kaison' last='Hollifield'] (Blacksburg) - Kaison could be a key figure for the Wildcats this year. He wasn't on the Varsity Roster last season, but has already emerged as a productive asset during the Upward Stars Fall League. Hollifield will contribute to winning on both sides of the floor, forcing turnovers and tough shots on defense while also scoring the ball on offense. Keep an eye on this 2028 Guard during his Sophomore Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2982764' first='Christian' last='Jones'] (Clinton) - The Red Devils had over 40 Points Per Game graduate last season, including their two leading scorers. Jones became more and more comfortable as his Freshman Season went on, but I'm fully expecting him to take that next step into one of the best Point Guards in the class. Christian is an excellent offensive weapon with a balance of passing and scoring, so as he develops the feel to go with it, he can be elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3035013' first='Braylen' last='Davis'] (Batesburg-Leesville) - One 2A team that I'm very excited about this season is Batesburg-Leesville. Davis is a key reason why, because he helps make up one of the most dynamic backcourt pairings in the class. Braylen averaged 12.9 Points Per Game in 2024-25 and I'd expect that number to clip up over 15 as he develops more consistent outside shooting to go with his creative interior-scoring ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2985340' first='Daniel' last='Balzan'] (Woodland) - Rounding out the list of potential breakout names in Class AA is [player_tooltip player_id='2985340' first='Daniel' last='Balzan']. I got to see Balzan for the first time at the SCBCA Elite Camp, and there were some very intriguing pieces to his game. First of all is the size at 6'7", which is more than enough to put up over 10 Points Per Game and close to 10 Rebounds Per Game at this level. Daniel is also comfortable with the ball in his hands around the perimeter and will be able to make plays in different ways for the Wolverines. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->