SCISA Showcase Challenge

On the first Saturday of the new calendar year, a number of boys squads made the trip to Newberry Academy for a one-day event that featured a few of the premier teams the SCISA ranks have to offer.    The event was the SCISA Showcase Challenge and it lasted from the late morning until the early evening. Some of the best the independent school circuit had to offer shined on the court at the 1A SCISA school.    We at Prep Hoops made the trip up to the home of the Eagles for the day's festivities. Here is a recap of the matchups we had a chance to witness on that Saturday.    Cardinal Newman vs. Shannon Forest   Usually, a marquee event on a card takes place at the tail end of said event. But the first matchup of the day had a real claim on paper to be the game of the day.    That matchup featured Cardinal Newman, which is playing its first season under SCISA's new 4A classification, and a Shannon Forest assembling that Prep Hoops recently saw last week at the Battle at the Border up at Landrum HS.    The first winner of the day turned out to be the Cardinals as they prevailed over the Crusaders with the scoreboard reading 51-49 at the final buzzer.    Records   The Cardinals may have been 7-10 entering Saturday morning's play, but that schedule has included impressive victories over First Baptist, A.C. Flora and Keenan. As for Shannon Forest, they began the day with a 13-1 record with wins over Cathedral Academy, Blue Ridge, Landrum and St. Joseph's Catholic.    What Happened Last Time?    That one loss that the Crusaders suffered earlier this season? That actually came at the hands of the Cardinals on December 14…on Shannon Forest's home court. Cardinal Newman eked out a 67-65 decision that evening.    How Things Progressed   Shannon Forest started this one fast out the gate as they unleashed a barrage of 3-pointers that the Cardinals defense had little answer for. The Crusaders managed to successfully execute its offense with the five triples they drained in the first quarter. With one in the books, it was 19-6 in favor of Shannon Forest.    Cardinal Newman in the second quarter ensured the Crusaders' effort at a rout was unsuccessful as the team was more aggressive in getting to the rim and drawing contact. The Cardinals clawed their way back into the game and when both teams went into their respective locker rooms at the half, the lead for Shannon Forest was narrowed down to four at 32-28.   No team dominated the third quarter as it resembled more of a frame indicative of how evenly matched the Cardinals and Crusaders are on paper. With three in the books and Cardinal Newman matching Shannon Forest seemingly point for point, it was a 44-42 lead for the Crusaders.    This one came down to the final seconds with both teams all knotted up at 49. [player_tooltip player_id='1439787' first='Nolan' last='Paladugu'] had fouled out late and the Cardinals got a go-ahead tip-in from [player_tooltip player_id='1383660' first='Elton' last='Smith'], Jr. to pull ahead 51-49. Shannon Forest's ensuing attempt at a game-winner was unsuccessful.    The Crusaders were held to only two made triples for the final three frames after making five in the first quarter alone.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6711-crop-2590x1701-1673290852.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6711-crop-2590x1701-1673290852.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738917" width="322" height="210" /></a></figure>   Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1160754' first='Josiah' last='Peeples'], who stands at 6-foot-3 led the Cardinals – and their successful come-from-behind effort with a 20 point performance. All of Peeples' made shots from the field were of the two-point variety.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6700-crop-3520x2311-1673290618.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6700-crop-3520x2311-1673290618.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738915" width="321" height="210" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1063832' first='Jordan' last='Frazer'], a senior guard, aided the Cardinals' efforts with an 11-point outing. He spearheaded Cardinal Newman's attack from behind the 3-point line as he splashed home three of the team's four triples.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6688-crop-2141x1406-1673289481.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6688-crop-2141x1406-1673289481.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738882" width="322" height="210" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1226086' first='Brandon' last='Wilkins'] led the Crusaders with 17 points. Included in that 17 were a couple of made 3-pointers and several made shots from the foul line.    Shannon Forest's 3-point shooting success – particularly early – was also helped by the 13 points delivered by [player_tooltip player_id='1490166' first='Chris' last='Agbomi']. He had three of the Crusaders' seven made attempts from distance.    Up Next   The Cardinals will host an Australian Travel Team on Monday before returning to play the following day against a Palmetto State opponent in Ben Lippen – also at home. As for the Crusaders, they will return home on Tuesday to host Spartanburg Day.    Mead Hall Episcopal School vs. Newberry Academy   Also a bit unusual is when the host team participates in a multi-team eventand that team is not part of the last game of the day. This has been the case with a few girls tournaments (Blackville-Hilda's and Hammond's come to mind) and was once again the case on the boys' end of the spectrum.    This one pitted a pair of 1A schools as Mead Hall Episcopal out of Aiken matched up with the host Eagles.    The second bunch to claim victory on Saturday would be the Panthers as they earned an emphatic win to dispatch of the host Eagles.    Records   Both the Panthers and Eagles entered Saturday's game with six losses. Except Mead Hall had four wins opposite those defeats and Newberry Academy was 2-6 to start the day.    How Things Progressed   The first quarter of Panthers and Eagles was a lot more downtempo than the first quarter of Crusaders-Cardinals prior to it. But that first quarter would be to Mead Hall's liking as they jumped out to an early 17-5 lead.    The shots for Newberry Academy were falling more in the second quarter than they did in the first quarter. Only one problem – more fell for Mead Hall and they went into the halftime period with a 35-16 lead.    Interestingly enough, the Panthers only had two available players available on its bench as opposed to the full collection Newberry Academy had. It mattered little as Mead Hall still managed to maintain its double-digit advantage over the Eagles on the latter team's home court.    When all was said and done, the Panthers' victory over the Eagles was more lopsided than what was the case in the first game. Mead Hall managed to put a lid on what turned out to be a 31-point margin of victory.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6728-crop-1833x1204-1673291912.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6728-crop-1833x1204-1673291912.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738957" width="343" height="225" /></a></figure>   Brooks Abrams, a sophomore 5-foot-10 guard, led all scorers with 23 points. Abrams displayed through the game that he is not afraid to draw contact and get to the free throw line. He also had a pair of made 3-pointers late.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6788-crop-1833x1204-1673292093.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6788-crop-1833x1204-1673292093.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738963" width="346" height="227" /></a></figure>   Ashton Stroud contributed 21 points to Mead Hall's efforts. He too also managed to get to the free throw line on several occasions and made things happen in the transition game. Stroud is a senior forward who is listed at 6-foot-4.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6742-crop-1833x1204-1673292333.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6742-crop-1833x1204-1673292333.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1738986" width="347" height="228" /></a></figure>   Mahkel Bush added 17 points. He led the Panthers' point-accumulation efforts early as he had 10 of his 17 in the first half. In addition to converting on high-percentage shots near the rim, he also is an effective rebounder.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6760-crop-2724x1789-1673292506.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6760-crop-2724x1789-1673292506.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739002" width="352" height="231" /></a></figure>   Landon Walker, a senior forward for the Eagles, shined as a bright spot for what was otherwise a rough go of things on their home floor. He finished the game with nine points – all coming via made 3-pointers.    Up Next   The Panthers have an upcoming game on Wednesday against Calhoun Academy while Newberry Academy has an upcoming matchup against Wardlaw Academy on Tuesday at home.    Laurence Manning Academy vs. Cathedral Academy   The third game on the schedule for Saturday would feature one of SCISA's 4A teams sharing the court with one of its 2A teams. Not just any 2A team, but last season's SCISA 1A champions.    It also featured two teams that had to travel north and west to arrive at Newberry Academy. Laurence Manning Academy and Cathedral Academy were up next on the schedule. It was also the second of the afternoon games that had taken place.    When all was said and done in game No. 3, Laurence Manning proved to be victorious over Cathedral Academy with the final result being 53-46.   Records   The Swampcats were 6-7 entering the day's play (including a win over Pee Dee Academy) while the Generals were 10-6 and had defeated Beaufort Academy among its list of wins.   How Things Progressed   The early portions of the first quarter would see the Swampcats sink back-to-back 3-pointers before the Generals responded with a pair of triples as well to get back into the game. Laurence Manning and Cathedral Academy battled each other to an 11-11 stalemate with one in the books.   Stanza No. 2 was a promising sight to watch if one was a Laurence Manning fan. The Swampcats opened the quarter with a 10-2 run and eventually concluded the first half with a double-digit advantage. It was 38-23 in Laurence Manning's favor when both teams went into their locker rooms to hear their coaches' halftime speeches.   Whatever the Generals heard from their coach at the midway point worked. Cathedral Academy embarked on a furious comeback bid in the third quarter that trimmed its deficit down to as little as one. It was 44-39 in favor of the Swampcats with one quarter left to play.   Cathedral Academy managed to keep it close, but Laurence Manning managed to stave off the Generals' comeback bid. One of the more entertaining contests of the day had concluded in a victory for the Swampcats.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6899-crop-2054x1349-1673294223.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6899-crop-2054x1349-1673294223.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739017" width="342" height="224" /></a></figure>   Brycen Watt, who primarily plays at the two for the Swampcats, finished with 15 points. A good number of those 15 occurred after drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. Watt is a 2024.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6892-crop-1833x1204-1673294469.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6892-crop-1833x1204-1673294469.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739023" width="381" height="250" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='865325' first='Brandon' last='King'] contributed 11 points to what was a winning effort for Laurence Manning. He stands at 6-foot-3 and displays his talents via not only his scoring but also his versatility. King is one of two seniors on the roster.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6826-crop-2284x1500-1673294690.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6826-crop-2284x1500-1673294690.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739029" width="383" height="251" /></a></figure>   Mason Nivens, a junior, finished with 10 points. He was integral in what the Swampcats managed to get accomplished in the second quarter when they outscored the Generals by a margin of 27-12.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6809-crop-3428x2251-1673294859.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6809-crop-3428x2251-1673294859.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739043" width="396" height="260" /></a></figure>   The Generals' point-getting efforts were spearheaded by a 2027. That eighth grader was [player_tooltip player_id='1669880' first='Bryce' last='Ward']. He finished the game with 17 points which led all scorers for the game. Ward can primarily play at either position in the backcourt.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6875-crop-1977x1298-1673296095.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6875-crop-1977x1298-1673296095.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739086" width="402" height="264" /></a></figure>   John Griffen ended his afternoon with a 10-point outing. Griffen is a 6-foot-3 senior and can play productive minutes either as a guard in the backcourt or as a forward. Among his day was a made 3-pointer – one of three Cathedral Academy had for the game.    Up Next   The Cathedrals return home to host Andrew Jackson Academy on Tuesday. Laurence Manning Academy will return home that same day to face Hammond.    St. John's Christian Academy vs. Spartanburg Christian Academy   In game No. 4, it presented a team that we are also a bit familiar with given Prep Hoops has seen this team at a recent event.    That team in question is Spartanburg Christian Academy. The Warriors took the court previously as part of the Battle at the Border event at Landrum HS. The Cavaliers were one of the many teams affected by SCISA's realignment over the spring and summer (as were the Warriors who moved from 2A to 3A) as they moved from 1A to 2A.    This matchup would go the way of the Cavaliers as they defeated the Warriors in what turned out to be one-sided fashion by a final score of 73-46.    Records   The Cavaliers began play with a 4-8 record while the Warriors had one of 2-12 – with one of those wins occurring at the recently finished annual tournament at Landrum HS and another being an upset over Union County.   How Things Progressed   The first of the four eight minute periods would see the Cavaliers jump out to a big lead early only to see the Warriors respond with a scoring binge of their own later in the frame. Things evened out with one in the books as St. John's Christian and Spartanburg Christian were all knotted up at 16.    Midway through the second quarter, both assemblings were all tied up at 20 before St. John's Christian went on another scoring binge where the Cavaliers scored 13 of the ensuing 18 points of the second quarter. At halftime, St. John's Christian had an eight-point, 33-25 advantage over Spartanburg Christian.   The two teams proved to be evenly matched in the third quarter, but it was advantage Cavaliers given the lead they maintained. The Warriors were well within striking distance as they only trailed by seven with the score being 49-42 through three.    Quarter No. 4 was anything but pretty for Spartanburg Christian. St. John's Christian not only dropped 24 points that frame, but they held the Warriors to a mere four points. What had the looks of a matchup that would come down to the final few possessions became a lopsided 73-46 win for the Cavaliers.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6994-crop-2141x1406-1673298344.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6994-crop-2141x1406-1673298344.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739128" width="307" height="201" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1669879' first='Wallace' last='Hester'], who displayed his scoring versatility throughout, was the leading point-getter for St. John's Christian with 21 points. Among what he did was connect on a couple of attempts from distance and was true on several of his free throw attempts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6953-crop-1984x1303-1673298556.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6953-crop-1984x1303-1673298556.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739143" width="371" height="243" /></a></figure>   Ryan Pierce, who is a senior just as Hester is, added 18 points. Consistency was a central figure to his game on Saturday afternoon. A good bit of what Pierce got accomplished was in the paint in addition to a few made free throws.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7027-crop-1872x1230-1673298956.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7027-crop-1872x1230-1673298956.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739160" width="385" height="253" /></a></figure>   With 14 points, seven-foot center [player_tooltip player_id='1135978' first='Brock' last='Ray'] added to the scoring strength the Cavaliers presented in the interior. Along with being a tall task for opposing fives, he managed to display agile footwork as a defender.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6985-crop-1935x1271-1673299263.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6985-crop-1935x1271-1673299263.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739178" width="394" height="259" /></a></figure>   With 19 points, senior point guard Dawson Ward led the scoring charge for Spartanburg Christian. The Warriors connected on seven threes for the game and three of those attempts departed from Ward's hands.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7005-crop-1833x1204-1673299555.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7005-crop-1833x1204-1673299555.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739184" width="397" height="261" /></a></figure>   Micah Spivey contributed 11 points to the Warriors efforts. Interior scoring was part of what he did well. Spivey is also part of the football team at Spartanburg Christian where he plays quarterback, outside linebacker and wide receiver.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6949-crop-2158x1417-1673299739.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_6949-crop-2158x1417-1673299739.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739194" width="399" height="262" /></a></figure>   The Warriors also benefitted from the 10 points that were courtesy of Bryson Tyson. He stands at 6-foot-2 and primarily plays at the two. He aided Spartanburg Christian's efforts from behind the arc with a pair of made 3-pointers.   Up Next…   The Cavaliers will host Andrew Jackson Academy on Friday while that same day the Warriors will be on the road at Wilson Hall.   Faith Christian Academy vs. Laurens Academy   The fifth game of the day also was the final contest we had a chance to get a glimpse of. That last matchup also was a game that put a pair of 1A schools on centerstage.    One of those was Faith Christian – whose Knights have once again established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the 1A realm this season. The other was Laurens Academy. For a good bit of the season so far, it has been one of streaks (winning and losing) for the Crusaders.    The final buzzer eventually sounded on this one too and it would be the Knights that earned themselves a spot in Saturday's win column. Faith Christian prevailed over Laurens Academy by a final score of 55-42.    Records   Faith Christian Academy began play this weekend with a record of 11-2 and one of those wins occurred against Charleston Collegiate. As for Laurens Academy, they were 6-8 (including wins over Hampton Park and King Academy) as action started on Saturday.    What Happened Last Time?   It was during the 2019-20 season (also during a January tournament) that these two teams last met. The Crusaders defeated the Knights by a final of 53-36 on Jan. 18 of 2020.    How Things Progressed   If one could envision how this game would unfold based on the first few minutes, one could see a matchup that was advantage Crusaders for the most part. But as previous contests have displayed, there was little such thing as a safe lead. Laurens Academy exited the first quarter ahead by eight – 19-11 to be exact.    Faith Christian was successful in trimming that lead down to three at the conclusion of the second quarter. The Crusaders' advantage was only 27-24 as both teams went into their respective locker rooms for halftime.   The Knights completed its comeback in the third quarter – and managed to pull ahead by a margin nearly as big as that of the Crusaders following the close of the first quarter. Faith Christian's lead was 40-33 with the fourth quarter lurking.   That seven-point lead would be pushed to double-digits in the fourth quarter – as would the Knights' margin of victory. Faith Christian got itself in the win column having claimed victory by 13 points.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7043-crop-2541x1669-1673301664.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7043-crop-2541x1669-1673301664.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739232" width="341" height="223" /></a></figure>   One of the four team captains, [player_tooltip player_id='1497939' first='Matterius' last='Bell'], played like a team captain – and like the 5-foot-11 upperclassman that he is. The star senior for Faith Christian led the way with a 19-point performance.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7046-crop-2141x1406-1673301955.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7046-crop-2141x1406-1673301955.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739235" width="344" height="225" /></a></figure>   Will Watts is listed as a 6-foot-4 guard. He got things going early for the Knights as he placed 16 points on the scoreboard. A good bit of what the sophomore got accomplished was in the painted area.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7034-crop-3554x2334-1673302308.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/IMG_7034-crop-3554x2334-1673302308.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1739255" width="352" height="231" /></a></figure>   Andrew Codington, a guard and one of four seniors listed on the Crusaders' roster, finished his late afternoon with 16 points. Codington had four of the nine triples Laurens Academy made for the game.   Up Next…   The Knights will be at home while the Crusaders will be on the road for their next games. Faith Christian Academy will host Crown Leadership Academy on Tuesday while Laurens Academy will travel to take on Cambridge Academy that same day.

On the first Saturday of the new calendar year, a number of boys squads made the trip to Newberry Academy for a one-day event that featured a few of the premier teams the SCISA ranks have to offer.