Around the State: Richland County Juniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While South Carolina may not get the recognition for being a basketball state the way its peer states of Indiana, Kentucky and North Carolina, one cannot deny the large amount of stars the state has produced. One cannot also deny the large amount of noteworthy names it is still producing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the last month or so, Prep Girls Hoops has gone from geographical region to geographical region via our county-by-county rankings. It is never too early to get the conversations going as we get closer to the start of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our latest list brings us to Richland County – home to Columbia, the state's capital city – and number of talented players from the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632572abaa97f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["185224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"On our list of u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eRichlandu003c/spanu003e County seniors, one may have noticed a good bit of them played for SC Future on the grassroots circuit. Not only did Gray also suit up for SC Future, she played up a year in class on its 17U Black team. She has excelled as a mover of the ball and has displayed prowess from behind the 3-point line and close to the rim that enable her to score from virtually anywhere on the floor. A good bit of Gray's offensive production can also come via the free throw line. This past season, she played her first season under new coach Jacob Thompson, who joined the 4A Falcons from another 4A school in Airport.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632572bfaa980","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["185222"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Skyhawks may have taken a hit with the loss of Tyra Myers who graduated from Hammond and committed to St. Francis Brooklyn, but the team still has this skilled veteran sporting its red, white and blue colors for the next couple of seasons. Hammond is now classified as a SCISA 4A school after previously being at the 3A stage. Khalil has played grassroots basketball with A'ja Wilson Elite 17U. Khalil is a gifted 3-point shooter and knows how to run plays in the transition game. She also creates extra possessions for her team by collecting steals and has a height advantage over many of her peer guards at 5-foot-9.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632572d9aa981","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235335"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"For many a team in 2021-22, the 3A Diamond Hornets presented a tall task for many an opponent because of the stifling defense head coach Aaron Lucas sent out game after game. Green is an element of that defense as her length comes in handy when looking to deflect passes and disrupt an opposing team's passing lanes. While Green thrives out on the wing, she is versatile in the sense that she will play either as a three or four forward. She also plays the game on contact and is willing to take her opportunities at the free throw line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632572f8aa982","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["198125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Thompson managed to see the court in all 27 games the Redhawks played in last season. She has proven herself to be a vocal leader on the floor in addition to someone who leads by example. She stands at 5-foot-4 and gives Westwood timely offense in addition to what she does as a ball distributor. Defensively, she makes things difficult for opposing ball carriers and her ability to get steals will create extra possessions for her team. Thompson also places much emphasis on ball handling and limiting turnovers. She is another that has played her grassroots ball with SC Future throughout the spring and summer months.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325730faa983","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In the past, Cheeseboro has ran on the grassroots circuit with Palmetto 76ers Select. She played an integral role in the 5A Silver Foxes winning 18 games for the first time since the 2014-15 season when Dutch Fork was a 4A school. She is an efficient shooter of the 3-point shot and does a lot with her defensive footwork that can make many an opposing ball carrier uncomfortable. Cheeseboro places a great deal of emphasis on limiting turnovers and can move with the ball in her hands with a great deal of speed, enabling her to quickly sail past defenders and either finish at the cup or find an open teammate.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257327aa984","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["256830"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One can color the next section of this story in the Skyhawks' signature red, white and blue colors. With SCISA reclassifying its schools, Hammond is now a 4A school as opposed to being at the 3A level. Adams has added soccer to her athletic resume over her career. She understands how to get past defenders and one way this happens is by ball screens. Adams also knows when to pass. In addition, her defense enables her to pick up steals and Adams also displays her reliability in the transition game. Hammond won 18 games for the first time since 2015-16 and were in the quarterfinals of last season's 3A tournament.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257347aa985","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["356921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Prep Girls Hoops remembers getting a glimpse of this skilled forward during the Triumph Region of the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit. Hyman competed with Palmetto 76ers at Peach Games in Atlanta. She stands at 5-foot-9 and uses that to her advantage as a rebounder. In addition, she will absorb contact that can place her at the free throw line. Hyman unquestionably will put crooked numbers on the board in terms of points. She is a transfer from 5A SCHSL Dutch Fork and will join a Hammond team that nearly made it to the semifinals of last year's SCISA 3A tournament. The Skyhawks will compete as a 4A team this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6325735aaa986","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["362520"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the taller players – if not the tallest player on the Skyhawks roster, she gives a height element to Hammond at a tall and talented 6-foot-2. That particularly comes into play when taking into account the rebounds she can amass. Vincent can be relied on to take on tough defensive assignments and can be offensively versatile with a 3-point shot as part of her scoring repertoire. She also can be relied on to collect steals and conjure up additional possessions for Hammond. Vincent took to the court in 20 of the 24 matchups the Skyhawks played in last season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632573b7aa987","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199242"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jackson has been a name on the radars of many a Palmetto State basketball observer since she began wearing the Silver Foxes' colors as a seventh grader. She is another that brings a noteworthy height advantage to her team being one of the taller Dutch Fork players at 5-foot-10. She can move around the court with plenty of efficiency and has really worked on her footwork. Jackson stays active away from the ball, is athletic and is an overall hard worker. Setting screens is another element to her game that she excels at. Her basketball resume includes playing grassroots with SC Future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632573ceaa988","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["358292"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Just as one could have colored an earlier portion of this article in the red, white and blue Hammond colors, the final portions of this one can be adorned with the signature purple of the 4A Blazers. In addition to basketball, Drakeford has also made waves with volleyball throughout her career. She stands at an even six feet and made the expected statistical improvement over her freshman season. The 6-foot-1 stature she presents can certainly be the proverbial tall task for many opposing fours and fives to deal with and her scoring and rebounding give the Blazers a big boost.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632573e3aa989","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["358290"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bailey brings previous junior varsity experience to the Blazers before finding her way to the varsity squad coached by Terrence Gibson. Ridge View will drop down in class from 5A to 4A this upcoming season. A great bit of what Bailey does occurs from the backcourt and good bit of what she does as a scorer can come via 3-point territory. She also displays impressive court vision with an ability to make accurate passes and set her teammates up for successful possessions. Now as a seasoned veteran, her Blazers team can lean the experience she brings for the next couple of seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->