Around the State: Spartanburg and Laurens County Juniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we get closer and closer to tip-off of the 2022-23 season it means that our county-by-county virtual journey through the Palmetto State is close to an end. But there is a still a bit of business to take care of.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the last month or so, Prep Girls Hoops has indeed gone from geographical region to geographical region via these county-by-county rankings. We have examined nearly every area in the state and put a spotlight on who its standouts are.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following us unveiling our 2023 rankings, it is time to reveal our list of 2024 stars from&nbsp;Spartanburg&nbsp;and Laurens counties.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257dee3104c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251758"],"_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":"Landrum is a school only about five minutes from the South Carolina-North Carolina border in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Brown and the 2A Cardinals proved they are not on the borderline of being a good team – they are one as evidenced by Jared St. Charles' bunch heading to the 2A Upper State Final. Landum typically plays more of a traditional big role as someone who looks to patrol the painted area on both offense and defense. The contact Brown gets in the interior can create opportunities for her to complete old-school 3-point plays from the free throw line. She also wins plenty of rebounding battles she gets into.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257e083104d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251760"],"_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 saw plenty of Cothran over the spring and summer months as she temporarily put aside her navy and Columbia blue Cavaliers uniform for the purple of FCA Eagles 2024. She had stellar outings on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit's Triumph Region – including at Music City Showdown in Tennessee and at the Triumph Region Finals at u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eSpartanburgu003c/spanu003e's Upward Star Center. The bread and butter for Cothran is hitting 3-pointers and she was true on a bevy of them throughout the last few months. She also is versatile as someone who can log productive minutes at the wing or at one of the guard positions. Cothran plays with a high basketball IQ and knows when to score and when to distribute.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257e203104e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251766"],"_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":"Lyles got her first experience with high school basketball a couple of seasons ago as a freshman with the Bulldogs. She is one of the team's primary scorers and now adds experience to go along with her skillset. She is also one who has no problems with drawing contact and taking chances at the free throw line. Lyles primarily operates as a guard on a Bulldogs team that was very frontcourt-heavy in 2021-22. Head coach Dwayne Lytle gives Lyles plenty of minutes and she does everything and then some with the playing time she is allotted. Boiling Springs will be back in Region 3-5A after spending the last two campaigns with Region 2-5A.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257e3b3104f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251765"],"_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":"As she heads into her junior season with the Vikings, this Young can now be considered a veteran with plenty of experience. On the travel circuit, Young has played the spring and summer months with NC Lady Gems. Her prowess as a scorer and rebounder has helped her a lot throughout her career – including in her freshman season when she recorded her first double-double. Young does a great deal of work near the rim and stays prepared to on the receiving end of passes that translate into high-percentage shot opportunities. She will draw a good bit of contact that can place her at the free throw line and will be ready to box out in case of an opponent's missed attempt from the charity stripe. Blocking shots is another element to Young's game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257e7e31051","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251761"],"_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":"Cathcart's travel career has included time on the grassroots circuit with Carolina Aces who is now Upward Stars Upstate. She has a knack for putting a good number of points on the scoreboard. She is listed at 5-foot-4 and while she conventionally takes to the court as a guard, she will also give her team minutes as a wing. Cathcart took to the court in 24 games in 2021-22 for the Cavaliers and managed to make accurate passes in much of those games. Defensively, she took advantage of opposing team miscues by collecting steals and creating extra possessions for her team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257e9531052","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251764"],"_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":"Phillips can fill up a stat sheet. As was the case with her teammate Young, Phillips also has experience on the grassroots circuit with NC Lady Gems. She has been playing basketball in u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eSpartanburgu003c/spanu003e's navy and gold colors since she was an eighth grader. When she receives playing time, one can see that she possesses many attributes coaches look for in point guards. Phillips will take shots from long range and stays active even away from the ball. She sets herself up in the best of positions to grab rebounds and can make things for whoever she defends very difficult. And those defensive stands can lead to her picking up steals.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257eb631053","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["412607"],"_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":"Baxter gets baskets and Baxter is also at the bat as she is a two sport athlete who adds softball to her athletic plate. She previously also played at 5A u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eSpartanburgu003c/spanu003e before transferring to u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eSpartanburgu003c/spanu003e Day and has played AAU ball during the spring and summer months with KST Academy 17U. Baxter plays with a pass-first attitude playing as a one guard. She can take advantage of ball screens to advance the ball closer to the rim or to locate open teammates. She has a knack for making accurate passes to open teammates. Baxter is also blazing a trail for women in baseball as she chosen to play in this year's All-American Women's Baseball Classic in Florida.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257ed231054","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251759"],"_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":"Kelly stands at 5-foot-11 and adds a height dimension for when Dorman looks to get the ball into the low post. Kelly also has played her AAU ball for Upward Stars Upstate 2023, meaning she has played a year up in class. She can get from one end of the floor and this particularly shows itself when she runs in transition. Kelly also possesses the skills to complete plays at the cup as if she were a point guard. Her effectiveness extends to the midrange game but she is someone who will also grab rebounds. She places a great deal of emphasis on taking care of the ball, limiting turnovers and a 3-point shot is part of her offensive repertoire as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257ee931055","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403917"],"_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":"West's career – and her stock – is continuing to go north. Evidence of this can be seen in how she was able to work her way up from being on the junior varsity at Dorman to the Cavaliers' varsity squad – one of the most respected teams in all of 5A play. West also has ran on the grassroots realm with Upward Stars Upstate 2023. She played in 24 games this past season with the Cavaliers. West places a great deal of emphasis on defense and knows how to turn defense into offense by getting out in transition. Even though she may be a frontcourt player, she can handle the ball as if she were a guard and can get from one end of the court to the other quickly with the ball in her hands. West also has no problems drawing contact and getting to 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_63257f0131056","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399239"],"_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":"KC was a key in Landrum's noteworthy 2021-22 season that saw the Cardinals advance to the 2A Upper State Final. Cortez than translated that momentum into excelling during the spring and summer AAU months with FCA Eagles – one of the teams that participated on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit's Triumph Region. She also has junior varsity volleyball experience along with basketball. Cortez runs point much of the time for Landrum and is gifted as a scorer and passer. She can also collect her fair amount of steals on the defensive side and brings an unselfish attitude every time she takes the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257f1831057","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444375"],"_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":"Do not sell on Ezell – her stock is buy all the way. She is a multi-sport athlete who also excels as a softball player and she participated in AAU ball throughout the spring and summer with FCA Eagles 2024. That team was part of the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit's Triumph Region. Ezell is an at-will scorer who particularly uses her tall stature to her advantage to convert on high-percentage opportunities near the basket. Ezell is also an efficient screen setter and understands how to make plays even away from the ball. She hauls in rebounds on both offense and defense, can hit short jumpers and will come through on her free throw attempts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257f3a31058","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["444685"],"_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":"McMillan is another junior talent from the 5A Bulldogs who is part of that team's core. In addition, she also has done grassroots basketball with FCA Eagles 2024 – a Prep Girls Hoops Circuit Triumph Region team this year. Regardless of where McMillan is on the court, she can score from that area – including from behind the 3-point line. A midrange jump shot also is part of McMillan's offensive repertoire. She gathers rebounds and attacks the rim with a ferocious and fearless mentality. Her superb play can keep teams in games even if it appears a rout is on the horizon. Last season, she was a sophomore on a Boiling Springs team whose roster was halfway comprised of 2024s.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c01953a5ff","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Rylee Ballard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Laurens Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eBallard has thrived as a two-sport athlete with the SCISA 1A Crusaders with her second sport being volleyball in addition to basketball. Among the elements of her game that she puts a great deal of emphasis on are long range shooting and ball handling. In addition to what she gets accomplished on offense, she also proves herself to be an asset as a defensive stalwart as well. Ballard led Laurens Academy, a perennial power throughout the coach Jason Marlett era, to the semifinals of last season's 1A SCISA quarterfinals and her Crusaders will once again be a team that can make a charge at a state championship.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632c02713a600","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":389776,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Olivia Huck","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Laurens Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Huck is the classic example of how an unfortunate setback can set her up for an even more noteworthy comeback. She began the 2021-22 season for the Crusaders on the shelf with an ankle injury before becoming a major factor in the team's success last season. She is one of the team's primary scorers and one way she gets this done is by drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. Huck is also an effective and efficient 3-point shooter. She stands at 5-foot-6 and plays primarily as either a one or two guard. Similar to her teammate Ballard, she also plays volleyball for the SCISA 1A Crusaders.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->