Region 3-AA Preview
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The basketball courts of South Carolina will soon be active once again active with raucous fans, referees blowing whistles and competitive players showcasing what they do best. As we get closer and closer to the first games of the season,…
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Continue ReadingThe basketball courts of South Carolina will soon be active once again active with raucous fans, referees blowing whistles and competitive players showcasing what they do best.
As we get closer and closer to the first games of the season, Prep Girls Hoops will provide comprehensive region-by-region previews that put a spotlight on the players to watch in each region along with our predictions on who will we think will finish where.
As we have gone through Class 2A, we have previewed the first two regions and now we are onto the third – which includes a team that was a state championship participant two seasons ago.
(*PGH Preseason Player of the Year*)rnThe Bulldogs were that 2A state championship game participant two seasons ago and were one victory shy last season of a return trip back to the 2A championship game. Lawrence has played volleyball alongside basketball throughout her athletic career and assumed team captaincy duties for Silver Bluff. She has ran on the grassroots circuit with Upward Stars Select. Whenever Lawrence steps on the court, she is a walking double-double threat on a game-by-game basis. She is also unafraid of contact that can place her at the free throw line. She averaged 15.7 points, 11.6 rebounds 3.1 steals and 1.9 blocks per contest last season.
Aiken County, where Lawrence plays and Pelion in Lexington County where Fields balls out is literally separated by a mere county line. Fields is a two-sport athlete who has also participated in track and field events throughout her athletic career. Even when the ball is not in her possession, she maintains a high level of activity and energy with the ability to turn defense into offense – including with transition baskets. Fields excels as a ball carrier who can handle the rock even against a sea of opposing defenders without turning the ball over. She will also attack the rim and can provide production for her team as well from the free throw line.
Taylor is another two-sport athlete who also has thrived in the track and field space alongside basketball. She is the anchor for the Bulldogs’ backcourt in the same way that Lawrence does for its frontcourt. Taylor can get crafty at times with how she finishes around the rim and displays a great deal of court vision. She is also skilled as a ball distributor in addition to a ball handler and as a ball hawk on the defensive side. Taylor recently was one of the many talents that were on hand at the John T. Rhodes Sports Center in Myrtle Beach at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo.
The Rebels, newly refurbished court and all, are dropping down to the 2A ranks this season after competing as a 3A participant since the 2016-17 season. Chinn stands at 5-foot-2 and can play primarily as either a one or two guard. She first played varsity ball as an eighth grader. She does the little things that have a big impact well – such as hustling for loose balls. Chinn understands how to organize an offense in a halfcourt set and is willing to shoot the ball over taller defenders. Speaking of defense, she will clog an opposing team’s passing lanes which can lead to pass deflections, interceptions and extra Strom Thurmond possessions.
Highlights
Prep Girls Hoops predictions:
Silver Bluff – The Bulldogs are primed and ready to run it back one more time with Lawrence leading the charge.
Strom Thurmond – Deondra Jones and Talayah Hamilton’s production will be sorely missed.
Fox Creek – The Predators are also dropping down from 3A to 2A and rising star Madison McCain Madison McCain 5'11" | C North Augusta | 2025 State SC is now at North Augusta.
Pelion – The Panthers are about to embark on their third season back in the 2A ranks.
Batesburg-Leesville – It was not that long ago when the Panthers won 31 games over a two-season span.