Smithfield-Selma vs. Clayton Standouts
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Clayton and Smithfield-Selma battled for the top spot in the Greater Neuse River 3-A conference standings Friday. In the end, thanks to a dominant individual performance from a top prospect in NC, the Comets pulled away for a 66-39 win…
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Continue ReadingClayton and Smithfield-Selma battled for the top spot in the Greater Neuse River 3-A conference standings Friday. In the end, thanks to a dominant individual performance from a top prospect in NC, the Comets pulled away for a 66-39 win to remain undefeated in conference play. Who were some of the top performers in this contest between two quality Johnston County programs? Prep Girls Hoops NC takes a look.
Darrionna Howard Darrionna Howard 6'1" | PF Clayton | 2023 State NC (Clayton wing/forward, 2023)
As is usually the case when she takes the floor, Darrionna Howard Darrionna Howard 6'1" | PF Clayton | 2023 State NC was the best player on either side. The sophomore wing dropped a career high 30 points on the rival Spartans and did so in multiple ways. From pick-and-pop threes to attacking the basket off the dribble, Howard is by far the top prospect in the Greater Neuse conference. She protects the rim, rebounds at a high rate, and has become a much improved facilitator. Her recruitment should see a major boost in the coming months.
Maddy Handy (Clayton forward, 2024)
Clayton has a couple of freshman contributors including forward Maddy Handy who had a nice performance. She scored a lot of her points in the paint and the Spartans were unable to keep her off the boards. Handy is a key piece to this Comets team and her play going forward could help Clayton make a deep playoff run.
My’shiah McQueen (Smithfield-Selma guard, 2021)
One of several unsigned seniors that could be big pickups for college programs, My’shiah McQueen is a shot creating guard that can fill it up at any time. She can get to the basket and is a solid catch-and-shoot prospect for this Spartans team. McQueen was one of the leaders with 12 points for SSS and with her ability to be a good two-way player, it’ll help the team stay in the playoff hunt.
Khaliyah Peacock (Smithfield-Selma guard, 2021)
Another SSS standout senior is guard Khaliyah Peacock who also had 12 points in their game against Clayton. Alongside McQueen, Peacock is one of the more consistent players in Johnston County on both ends of the floor. Any chance of the Spartans making the postseason will rely on these two performing at a high level along with fellow 2021 prospect Z’niah Thaggard.