SCISA 1A Opening Round at Northside Christian

All three classes within the SCISA ranks began its girls playoffs on Friday, which included games taking place at five sites throughout the Midlands and Lowcountry. Cathedral Academy, Orangeburg Prep, the Sumter Civic Center, Hammond School and Northside Christian Academy all hosted games and there were four matchups that took place at each venue for a grand total of 20 for the day. Prep Girls Hoops managed to make it to Northside Christian in Lexington for the four SCISA first-round playoff matchups that took place. Here is how Friday’s slate of contests at the home court of the Crusaders unfolded. Jefferson Davis Academy vs. Wardlaw Academy There are plenty of games that display exactly why everyone should throw records out when witnessing postseason basketball. The get-together between these two teams managed to be one of those games. On paper, one would not think that the Raiders would not have had much of a chance to defeat the Patriots. After all, coach Kristina Graves’ Patriots squad was entering the SCISA playoffs with a 15-5 record – plus a 9-3 mark in its Region 1-A. As for the Raiders, they went 4-10 in the regular season, but 3-5 in Region 2-A. When all was said and done, the Raiders gave the Patriots a game – but the Patriots managed to finish with a 42-30 victory over Jefferson Davis Academy. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9159-scaled-crop-2336x1534-1645269652.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389758" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9159-scaled-crop-2336x1534-1645269652-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Reaghan Whitlock (2023) led all scorers with 17 of the Patriots’ 42 points. She managed to make plenty of plays near the rim while also showcasing her 3-point shot. Whitlock would drive to the rim and she absorbed a bit of contact which placed her at the free throw line. Defensively, she keeps her hands outstretched and is a threat to deflect the ball away from an opposing ball handler. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9160-scaled-crop-2352x1544-1645269757.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389760" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9160-scaled-crop-2352x1544-1645269757-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Jordan Williams (2022) added 11 to Wardlaw Academy’s efforts. She also drew a bit of contact which put her at the line. Williams came through with many clutch baskets near the rim for the Patriots and her work scoring in the paint was complimented by her efficiency as a rebounder. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9162-scaled-crop-2362x1551-1645269927.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389762" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9162-scaled-crop-2362x1551-1645269927-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Jane Walker Yonce (2025) tallied eight points. She got close to the rim on a few inbounds passes and also displayed her abilities as a shot blocker. In addition, Yonce called for the ball on offense – an extension of her confidence and displayed how well she can move the ball in the halfcourt offense and to find open teammates. She too got fouled and went to the free throw line in addition to hauling in rebounds. For Jefferson Davis Academy, Emma Craig (2023) co-led the Raiders’ scoring efforts with 11 on the scoreboard. She was able to bring down rebounds and drive to the rim to go along with what she was able to do as a scorer. She not only put points on the board from the field, but also did so from the free throw line. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9133-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645270094.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389764" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9133-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645270094-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> The Raiders were also the beneficiaries of 11 points from Carrie Hutto (2023). She was able to take care of the ball and limit turnovers to keep alive possessions for Jefferson Davis Academy. Fittingly, Hutto had the first points of the game for the Raiders and put herself in position to haul in rebounds. Hutto went for 50-50 balls and drained clutch shots from behind the arc. Wardlaw Academy’s victory means it would face the winner of St. John’s Christian-Richard Winn Academy matchup on Monday at Ben Lippen School in Columbia. Its record improves to 16-5 while Jefferson Davis finishes at 4-11. Richard Winn Academy vs. St. John’s Christian Speaking of that Richard Winn Academy-St. John’s Christian contest, it happened to be the game that took place shortly after the game between Jefferson Davis Academy and Wardlaw Academy had concluded. Ever since February 3 when the Cavaliers encountered a blowout defeat at the hands of Region 3-A Cathedral Academy, coach Aaron Johnson’s team responded by posting wins in their ensuing five contests – four of which were region opponents. The Eagles were in need of a victory that could potentially turn around the late-season lull Richard Winn Academy has encountered since late January. Since picking up a dominant 65-19 win over Anderson Christian in early January, Richard Winn Academy had dropped eight of its ensuing 10 matchups – including eight games in Region 1-A. That victory would not occur on Friday at Northside Christian as the Cavaliers picked up an emphatic win over the Eagles with the final score being 67-35. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9178-scaled-crop-1751x1150-1645270282.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389766" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9178-scaled-crop-1751x1150-1645270282-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Paving the way for the Cavaliers was Beth Mitchum (2022). Listed at 5-foot-8, the St. John’s Christian upperclassman concluded her game with 28 points. She also kept herself out of foul trouble as she only had two personals called against her for the game. It appeared if she was shooting the ball from anywhere on the field – inside or outside of 3-point range, it went through the rim. The same was true for her free throws. Mitchum also appeared to be playing through pain in her left leg at one point that game. She had 22 of her 28 in the first half. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9226-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645270374.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389768" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9226-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645270374-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="258138" first="Ashton" last="Wyndham"] aided the St. John’s Christian effort with 16 points. She drained a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and had lots of success getting out in transition and converting on high-percentage shot opportunities. Wyndham kept her arms outstretched as a defender, would help out on getting opposing ball carriers in precarious double team scenarios, deflect passes as a defender and also collect rebounds. She also went to the free throw line once in the second quarter. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9224-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645270482.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389770" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9224-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645270482-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Another senior, Mary Davis (2022), scored 15. She also had success at the line as she made three of her four tries from the stripe. Davis showed that she is not afraid of contact, will find herself at the right place at the right time and will block shots. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9208-scaled-crop-1664x1093-1645270686.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389772" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9208-scaled-crop-1664x1093-1645270686-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> With 13 points, Meagan Brigman (2024) was the leading point-getter for the Eagles. While primarily playing as a big, she also displayed a midrange jump shot, aided Richard Winn Academy’s rebounding efforts and made plays on defense. Brigman also drew contact in the second half which got her to the free throw line. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9195-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645270849.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389774" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9195-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645270849-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Mikaela Miller (2022) finished with nine points in what turned out to be the final high school game of her career. She had seven of those nine in the first quarter and also found success at the line as she drained four of her six free throw attempts. Rebounding, screen setting, converting on high-percentage shot opportunities and a willingness to try 3-point shots are elements of her game she showcased on Friday. St. John’s Christian will play Wardlaw Academy on Monday in the quarterfinals at Ben Lippen School. The Cavaliers’ record improves to 19-9. Richard Winn’s season ends with a 7-10 mark in 2021-22. Holy Trinity Classical Christian vs. Laurens Academy Shortly after Eagles vs. Cavaliers had gone final, it was time for the next game on the Northside Christian SCISA docket for Friday – the Lions of Holy Trinity Classical Christian and the Crusaders of Laurens Academy. These Crusaders would probably rather forget the last time they stepped on the court at Northside Christian when they were bested by the Crusaders of the host school with the final score being 28-27 in a mid-season tournament over the holidays. Meanwhile, the Lions, coached by Andrea Cooler, entered the single-A SCISA tournament as a three seed – and as the lone representative from the Beaumont from said single-A class to earn a berth in the tournament. Somewhat fittingly, Crusaders picked up the win on a Crusaders home court as Laurens Academy defeated Holy Trinity Classical Christian by a final score of 36-13. The Crusaders had shut out the Lions 21-0 at the half. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9314-scaled-crop-2435x1599-1645270987.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389776" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9314-scaled-crop-2435x1599-1645270987-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> By virtue of her 13 points, Olivia Huck (2024) led the scoring charge for the Crusaders. She ran the floor with efficiency in transition, was confident in her ability to find the mark on her 3-point attempts and also managed to draw contact and get to the free throw line. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9313-scaled-crop-2388x1568-1645271094.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389778" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9313-scaled-crop-2388x1568-1645271094-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="256411" first="Payton" last="Breen"] finished with 11 points for Laurens Academy. Breen provided hustle for the Crusaders by, at one point, saving a ball from going out of bounds. She is also a vocal leader on both ends of the floor. Breen will be set to box out in case of an opponent’s missed free throw, will make her free throws after absorbing contact and can come up with steals on defense. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9316-scaled-crop-2490x1635-1645271208.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389781" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9316-scaled-crop-2490x1635-1645271208-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Lily Cooler (2025) led the Lions in scoring with seven points. She began making shots in the second half albeit when Laurens Academy had the matchup out of reach. Cooler is not only a threat to fill up the scoresheet in terms of points, but also in terms of the rebounds she can haul in. She also plays volleyball at Holy Trinity Classical Christian. Laurens Academy plays Patrick Henry Academy in a quarterfinal matchup at Ben Lippen School on Monday. Curtis Baptist vs. Andrew Jackson Academy Northside Christian would save its best for last on Friday evening when the Crusaders of Augusta, Georgia-based Curtis Baptist School had its get-together with Andrew Jackson Academy. As the Warriors stepped foot into postseason action, they were doing so having compiled a 14-win season for the first time since the 2014-15 season when Mike Hall was the Andrew Jackson Academy coach. Ironically, Andrew Jackson Academy also had a 7-5 region record that season. For Curtis Baptist, the Crusaders are entering the playoffs with a first-year head coach in Tim Johnson – not to mention a perfect 4-0 mark in SCISA’s Region 4-A. They also had a three-game win streak entering the matchup with the Warriors. It was a hard-fought contest, but the Crusaders were a pair of points better than the Warriors on Friday night with the final being 51-49. Andrew Jackson Academy had leads of 13-9 after the first quarter and 27-22 at the half. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9426-scaled-crop-2393x1571-1645271339.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389783" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9426-scaled-crop-2393x1571-1645271339-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Angel Tilton (2023) was the hero for Curtis Baptist. One of the three co-captains, she not only finished the game with 17 points, but made two go-ahead free throws with 13.7 seconds left. She will hit her 3-point attempts, can attack the rim, convert on floaters and displays impressive handles with the rock. Tilton is also a proficient passer, rebounder and defender as a constant threat to steal the ball. She plays volleyball in addition to basketball at Curtis Baptist. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9427-scaled-crop-2249x1477-1645271479.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389786" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9427-scaled-crop-2249x1477-1645271479-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Another co-captain, Celia Ulrich (2022) added 12 points to the Crusaders’ cause. Ulrich is also a threat to steal the ball and can put up double-doubles on a game-by-game basis with her scoring and rebounding. Ulrich can also pass and get opposing ball handlers to turn the ball over. She displayed an ability to shoot the ball from midrange and long range as well as ball movement out on the perimeter. If she gets fouled, she will make her free throws and if she has the ball on her hands, she may go from one end of the floor to the other with it. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9430-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645271619.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389788" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9430-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1645271619-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Curtis Baptist was aided by the 10 points from Ellen Coughlin (2023). She will shoot 3-point attempts, keeps her hands out on defense, knows how to pass and find an open teammate and remains active even with the ball not in her hands. Coughlin was kept off the scoreboard in the first half before tallying all of her points in the third and fourth quarters. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9432-scaled-crop-2487x1633-1645271720.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389790" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9432-scaled-crop-2487x1633-1645271720-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Abby Coughlin (2024) finished with nine points. She displayed plenty of confidence in her ability to drain 3-pointers. Coughlin also keeps her hands outstretched on defense and provides hustle with her ability to go after 50-50 balls. She will also collect steals. Coughlin had six of her nine points in the first quarter. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9328-scaled-crop-1442x947-1645271888.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389792" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9328-scaled-crop-1442x947-1645271888-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Coach David Johnson’s Warriors were paced by [player_tooltip player_id="323979" first="McKenzie" last="Beard"] and her 18 points. She looked to establish herself early and often. She will run the floor in transition, is not afraid of contact which will place her at the free throw line and uses her 5-foot-10 height to her advantage with shot-blocking. Beard will be set to rebound in case of an opponent’s missed free throw and will also display versatility by playing out on the perimeter. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9337-scaled-crop-1917x1259-1645272010.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389794" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9337-scaled-crop-1917x1259-1645272010-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Team captain Avery Peek (2022) contributed 12 points for Andrew Jackson Academy in what ended up being her final game sporting Warriors black and red. She is another of the taller members of the team at 5-foot-8. Peek can help out on double teams, also shows her skill as a shot blocker and knows how to make plays near the rim. She is versatile and can play either as a guard or as a wing. Peek can come up with big defensive plays as well as overall hustle – including saving balls from going out of bounds. She will come up with her fair share of rebounds as well as steals. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9382-scaled-crop-1471x966-1645272133.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-389796" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_9382-scaled-crop-1471x966-1645272133-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Friday night’s matchup also turned out to be the final game of the high school career of Kaylee Carter (2022). She finished with an 11-point effort. She too helps out on double teams, displays confidence in her long-range shooting ability and keeps her arms outstretched as a defender. Carter will also shoot the ball in the midrange game, grab rebounds, draw contact and get to the free throw line and make clutch shots when the count the most. Carter will also come away with steals. Curtis Baptist faces a tough test on Monday at Ben Lippen School – facing Cathedral Academy in the quarterfinals. Andrew Jackson Academy’s season concludes at 14-9 (7-5 SCISA Region 2-A).