Around the State: Spartanburg and Laurens County Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have nearly completed our month-long journey throughout South Carolina, but not before we take a stop in one of the Palmetto State's more populous Upstate areas.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the past month or so, Prep Girls Hoops has combed the entirety of the state via our county-by-county rankings. With roughly a month or so prior to the start of the season, what better time than now to shine a light on the big names in each area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this month, we unveiled our lists for Greenville County. Now, we start on the county that directly is adjacent to Greenville's east –&nbsp;Spartanburg&nbsp;– plus an area to its south in Laurens County and its senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257a93f9ebf","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["174559"],"_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":"Martin has been living well athletically at the home of the Grizzlies. If it feels as if there is a High Point Academy slant to the start of our senior list, it is because the 1A power will be graduating an extremely impressive 2023 class at the end of the spring semester. Martin also plays volleyball in addition to running on the grassroots circuit with FBC Carolina Hawks. Last year, she announced that she received an offer from Claflin University – an Orangeburg HBCU. In the 25 games she played for 1A High Point Academy, she averaged a double-double of 11.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257ad5f9ec0","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171794"],"_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":"Grizzlies fans will enjoy one more Beason season before she heads to the college ranks. Recently, she played her final season of AAU ball during the spring and summer months with KST The Academy 17U. She assumed team captaincy duties last season with two other players – one of them now graduated. She is listed at 5-foot-7 and can play the three, but thrives overall as a force to be reckoned with anywhere in the frontcourt. Beason adds elements of scoring, interior defense, shot blocking and rebounding to any team whose colors she wears. But she was not the only Grizzlies star coach Ron White landed for this season of travel ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257b49f9ec1","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171793"],"_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":"White also managed to work with Bracebridge and she too ran on the grassroots circuit with KST Academy 17U. Bracebridge has also participated in cross country events throughout her athletic career. She is a prolific shooter from long range. Rebounding is another one of her strengths and she consistently finds herself in the right places at the right times to make plays. The Grizzlies' big three of Martin, Beason and Bracebridge won a state championship in 2019-20 when they were all freshmen and they would love nothing more than to put a bookend on their high schools with another.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257c22f9ec4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["197057"],"_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":"Evans has been a name on many a radar of a Palmetto State basketball fan since she began playing varsity ball as an eighth grader. At 5-foot-3, her primary place on the court is at the two. While maintaining an emphasis on taking care of the basketball and limiting turnovers, she also will keep defenders guessing as they are unsure as to if she will attack or pass. Defensively, she also makes plenty of plays and can get out in transition as well. Evans can also score from virtually anyplace on the court. Evans had a noteworthy role in the 3A Red Devils qualifying for a tournament berth in 2021-22.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257c3ff9ec5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331882"],"_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":"With the graduation of Savannah Porterfield, it creates an opening for Workman to take on an even greater leadership role as she steps into her senior campaign at 5A Byrnes. As someone who can play at either the two as a shooting guard or the three as a small forward, she showcases how her versatility is a major asset. Her 5-foot-11 stature comes into play particularly when grabbing rebounds and she can create additional possessions for her team with her defense. Workman participated in AAU ball with Upward Stars Upstate 2023 – the team that used to operate at Carolina Aces. Workman recently announced her commitment to the Crusaders of North Greenville University.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257c5ff9ec6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["302121"],"_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":"Gramling is one of those talents that opposing defenses better not allow to get the hot hand from deep. Because when she does, there is very little cooling her off. In addition to basketball, Gramling has also participated in – and excelled at track and field events in her sports career. She can get from one end of the floor to the other and also do plenty of damage to opponents as a rebounder. Gramling will also have games where she stays out of foul trouble, allowing her to log more minutes for the Panthers. She is poised to finish her high school career with an exclamation point.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257c76f9ec7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235091"],"_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":"When the Griffins take to the court this upcoming season, Becker and her team will participate as a SCISA 3A team, moving up from 2A. Becker will display her shooting versatility as someone who can knock them down from either 3-point range or in the midrange. As a 5-foot-10 four forward, she will also convert on high-percentage opportunities around the rim. Becker also sets herself up nicely to collect steals and come through with blocked shots. Her skillset also includes the ability to make accurate passes, approach the game with a heads-up attitude and bring in rebounds.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257ce0f9ec8","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403920"],"_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":"She is one of two sisters Burnette that comprise the Wolverines roster. She was also a participant on the Upward Stars Upstate 2025 roster that used to operate as Carolina Aces. Burnette played in 25 games last season for a Woodruff team that made a 3A playoff appearance this past season. She will have games where she definitely stacks up the points and brings down the rebounds. One way she ups her point total is via draining 3-point shots. She will also have games where she makes things difficult on opposing offenses via blocked shots. Burnette also knows when to score and when to distribute the ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63257cf6f9ec9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403919"],"_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":"Ferguson saw the court in all 25 games that the 5A Cavaliers played in last season. She too is another who participated in grassroots ball with Upward Stars Upstate 2023. Following the graduation of Renasia Jeter-McKissick, expect Ferguson to assume even more of a leadership role for the Dorman frontcourt. Ferguson is a reliable scorer who can also be counted to pull down a good bit of rebounds. She also displays impressive handles and can knock down her attempts from either inside or outside the 3-point line. Ferguson runs the floor well, can get from one end of the floor to the other quickly, will weave her way through defenses and can draw contact to get 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_63257d0bf9eca","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403918"],"_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":"Jones' basketball resume includes spending a season with the Cavaliers junior varsity team before eventually landing a spot on the varsity assembling. This upcoming season, Jones will be under the tutelage of first-year coach Ashlen Dewart-Dorn, a former Dorman star, who is replacing longtime coach Valorie Whiteside. Jones is a slasher to the rim who is willing to attract contact and take her chances at the free throw line. She can certainly increase the number of steals she gets with her defense, displays super ball handling and will make accurate passes in transition that will have many a defense guessing.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->