Region 2-AA Preview
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The ball is ready to be tipped once again across South Carolina. Following an offseason that once again included a noteworthy time on the grassroots circuit, the Palmetto State’s fans are ready to return to its basketball arenas. In the…
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Continue ReadingThe ball is ready to be tipped once again across South Carolina. Following an offseason that once again included a noteworthy time on the grassroots circuit, the Palmetto State’s fans are ready to return to its basketball arenas.
In the ensuing several days and weeks, Prep Girls Hoops will release comprehensive previews of every region in the state, highlighting who the standout performers will be in those regions and giving our predictions on how things will unfold as the season progresses.
We have unveiled our predictions for the first region in Class 2A. Without further adieu, we move on to its second region.
(*PGH Preseason Player of the Year*)rnThe Tigers were 2A champions two seasons ago and coach Jeanette Wilder is in search of the formula that can get Saluda back to the euphoria it felt two seasons ago. Means looks to be an integral element to that plan. She keeps her hands outstretched as a defender, can drain midrange jumpers and will do plenty of work on the glass. In addition, she distributes the ball with efficiency, can clog an opposing team’s passing lanes with how she will intercept said passes and get out in transition for high-percentage baskets. Means is a two-sport athlete who also participates in volleyball alongside her foray into hoops.
Nick is transitioning into veteran status at Saluda. She, just like Means, was part of that 2A state championship-winning rendition two seasons ago and she has been part of the varsity Tigers since she was a seventh grader. Nick stays prepared at all times to make plays and can get herself in position to have plenty of good looks near the basket. She can also find her way to the cup via her dribble drive and has no problems absorbing contact that can place her at the free throw line. Defensively, she is one opposing coaches have to game plan for as well as offensively.
Squire plays off the grid with the Wildcats in Greenwood County and stays athletically active throughout the school year given she also plays volleyball and softball during her time at Ninety Six. Squire stands at 5-foot-7 and is a marquee player to watch given she averaged a double-double in 2021-22 with 12.5 points and 15.2 rebounds. Squire happened to lead the way for the Wildcats to a second-round berth in the Class AA tournament. Ninety Six will return back to Region 2-AA after a couple seasons in Region 1-AA. Her freshman campaign with her first with the Wildcats and it had “just getting started” written all over it.
Prep Girls Hoops predictions:
Saluda – Can Means and Nicks lead the Tigers back to 2A glory?
Ninety Six – Squire is poised to take that next step with the Wildcats that can have them as a team to watch in 2022-23.
Mid-Carolina – The Rebels will need someone to replace the production they got from AC Cary.
Abbeville – The Panthers last posted a double-digit win season in 2012-13 when they won 11 games.
Newberry – The Bulldogs’ lone win of 2021-22 came at home against Brookland-Cayce in December.