Region 1-AA Preview
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Following an offseason that included another exciting time on the travel circuit, it will not be long before the state’s premier talents once again take to the court for their respective high school teams. Over the following several weeks, Prep…
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Continue ReadingFollowing an offseason that included another exciting time on the travel circuit, it will not be long before the state’s premier talents once again take to the court for their respective high school teams.
Over the following several weeks, Prep Girls Hoops will release comprehensive previews of every region in the state, highlighting the standout players to be on the look for as well as our predictions on how things will play out in every region.
After releasing our 1A previews, we now move on to Class 2A and our first region which includes a team that was in last season’s Upper State Final.
The Cardinals, coached by Jared St. Charles, were that team that finished one victory shy of the 2A final. Brown and her team looks to go even further in 2022-23, changed 2A landscape and all. Brown is Landrum’s resident junior big who combines experience with skillset. She is a potent scorer particularly near the rim and bolsters the Cardinals’ rebounding efforts. On both sides of the floor, she plays the role of more traditional fives and is unafraid of contact that can place her at the free throw line. Power In Unity is who she has ran on the grassroots circuit for previously.
The junior class is where the lion’s share of talent will be found in this region as evidenced by Cortez. She became a name very familiar to Prep Girls Hoops over the spring and summer as evidenced by what she did with FCA Eagles 2024 on its Circuit – including its southeastern-based Triumph Region. Cortez has also played volleyball throughout her athletic career. Much of the time, she runs point for the Cardinals and brings an unselfish attitude to every game she competes in. Cortez is gifted as a ball distributor, can garner a good amount of steals to create extra possessions for her team and can put points on the board.
(*PGH Preseason Player of the Year*)rnThe Wildcats also have an impressive collection of 2024s on its roster as well – including Henderson who brings versatility with her ability to play as either a two or a three. In previous seasons, Henderson was a third scorer for Blacksburg and will likely step up her game with Tyty Tate having graduated. She stands at 5-foot-6. Henderson can get her fair share of rebounds and steals. If she encounters first-half scoring struggles, one can expect Henderson to turn her – and her team’s – fortunes around as a game wears on. She plays with a high basketball IQ and will have occasions where she keeps herself out of foul trouble.
Foster took to the court for Blacksburg in 15 contests last season. With Foster healthy again, one can only imagine how it will help her team’s outlook this season. Defensively, she can gather steals and offensively she understands how to put the ball through the basket. Combining her 5-foot-10 frame with her length makes her a threat to reject shots as a defender. Combining those two attributes also make her a threat to grab rebounds. Foster has also participated in track and field events throughout her athletic career. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, she got hurt five days prior to the postseason, but the team should expect even more wins this coming season if she is available from start to finish.
Prep Girls Hoops predictions:
Landrum – Given where the Cardinals finished last season, expect the team to play with an “unfinished business” mindset.
Blacksburg – Last season was the first for the Wildcats as a Region 2-AA participant.
Greer Middle College – Who will step up to fill the void left by Jasmine Norris?
Chesnee – The Eagles only won two of its games on the road last season.
Liberty – Two of the Red Devils’ victories last season came at the expense of Greenville Tech Charter.
Greenville Tech Charter School – The Warriors have lost 15 consecutive games dating back to last season.