Region 2-AAAAA Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following a long offseason that included yet another competitive travel season, the 2022-23 high school girls basketball season is on the verge of tipping off across South Carolina. That is where we will come in as well over the next several months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the past several weeks, Prep Girls Hoops has offered comprehensive region-by-region of all regions in the Palmetto State. Those have included spotlighting key players in each region as well as our predictions on which teams will finish where in the standings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently unveiled our preview of the first region in the 5A class. Without further adieu, here is Region 2-AAAAA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266073"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAfter playing her final AAU season with KST The Academy and fielding offers from Denmark Tech and Columbia College, Page is poised to ensure the final chapter of her high school career has a memorable ending. At 5-foot-9, she gives plenty of help to a team's rebounding efforts and her defensive work puts opposing ball carriers in uncomfortable situations where they are at risk of turning the ball over. Passing and scoring abilities are two other elements to Page's skillset that have her on the radar of the two aforementioned colleges. She averaged 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals for what was a stellar 2021-22 for Gaffney.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecea86"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cstrongu003eu003cemu003e(*PGH Preseason Player of the Year*)u003c/emu003eu003c/strongu003ernrnA pair of in-state colleges have offered this standout from the Upstate as both North Greenville and Coker have Ferguson on their radars. Ferguson took to the court on 25 occasions last season and averaged 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 steals per matchup. As those statistics suggest, she can put plenty of points on the board and also excels defensively and as a rebounder. A frontcourt force for the Cavaliers, scoring on her is difficult as well given her shot blocking capabilities. Ferguson will unquestionably play a key role as Dorman will be in search of 5A championship euphoria this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eceae9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eLees-McRae in North Carolina and Agnes Scott College in Georgia both offered Workman, but she announced roughly two months ago that it would be North Greenville where she would play her collegiate basketball. Her final season on the AAU circuit was spent with [program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] Upstate 2023. There will be even more of a focus on Workman as the leader of this season's Rebels rendition with Savannah Porterfield having graduated. Workman earned all-Region honors last season. She can play as either a two or three, can create additional possessions for her team with her defense and uses her 5-foot-11 frame to her advantage particularly when crashing the boards.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eceb3a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eJones managed to work her way up to the varsity team following a stint where she wore the Cavaliers colors as a junior varsity standout. She can make many a pass in the transition game that can have opposing defenses and coaches shaking their heads in disbelief. In addition, she is a slasher to the rim who is unafraid to absorb contact and find her way to the free throw line. Ashlen Dewart-Dorn, who used to play for the Cavaliers, is back as first-year head coach replacing Valorie Whiteside and she will surely relish working alongside this talented backcourt veteran this season.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eceb88"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["359523"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eParker stands at 5-foot-10 and gives Gaffney a formidable presence in the frontcourt. She competed in 22 matchups last season and averaged 16 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game. One can see exactly how versatile she is when she plays as she can find time either as a two guard or as a wing. Parker wears the FCA Eagles uniform when playing grassroots ball during the spring and summer months. Many of the offensive rebounds she hauls in can translate to either putbacks or opportunities at old-fashioned 3-point plays with the contact she absorbs. Parker excels as a defender and passer in addition to her ability to shoot the ball over defenders and delivers all-out hustle every game.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecebd7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePrep Girls Hoops got a few glimpses of Cothran throughout the travel season as she also wore the signature purple of FCA Eagles. The AAU team had stellar showings throughout the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit including at Music City Showdown in Tennessee and at the Triumph Region Finals at Spartanburg's Upward Star Center. The primary calling card of Cothran's game is the 3-point shot. If she is open from the perimeter, one can count that her team's point total will increase by three. Her versatility shows itself as she can find playing time as either a wing or guard. Cothran throws defenses off with her ability to get to the rim and plays with a high basketball IQ as someone who knows when to pass and when to score.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecec21"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eCoach Dwayne Lytle had to believe prior to the 2020-21 season that his freshman rendition that season would be one to watch. Lytle has been proven right by the stellar play of this multi-talented big. Ezell is listed at 6-foot-1 and is as much of an asset with the ball in her hands as she is when she is away from the rock. She is an at-will scorer that particularly converts on high-percentage opportunities near the rim. That is complimented by what she gets accomplished as a rebounder. During the AAU months of the spring and summer, she wore the FCA Eagles uniform and her team made a few stops on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit's Triumph Region – including the Triumph Region Finals at Spartanburg's Upward Star Center.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecec6e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eEven though she plays for a South Carolina-based high school, it has been with a North Carolina-based travel team (NC Lady Gems) where she has made her mark on the club scene. Young stands at 5-foot-10 and primarily plays as a four. She is difficult to score on with her proficiency for rejecting shots and can draw her fair share of contact that can place her at the free throw line. Much of what Young does occurs near the basket and stays prepared to receive passes in the low post that can turn into high-percentage shot chances. She also will box out in case of an opponent's missed free throw.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eced00"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e[program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] Upstate has mostly been comprised of standouts from either the Cavaliers or Wolverines of Woodruff. Cathcart is one of those veteran stars from Dorman who has hooped with that travel team – formerly Carolina Aces. She can give her team minutes as a wing while typically operating as either a guard or even a small forward. She competed in 25 of the Cavaliers' 25 matchups last season. Her strong points include the ability to efficiently distribute the ball and create extra possessions for her team with her defense. Cathcart also managed to statistically improve last season over when she was a freshman and one can expect the same this season.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eced51"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePhillips first wore the navy blue and gold uniform of the Vikings when she was an eighth grader and has displayed statistical improvement in every season since. Similarly to her teammate Young, she also has played on the AAU circuit with NC Lady Gems. Phillips can be in the right places at the right times for her to grab rebounds. In addition, the defense that she brings on a game-by-game basis can put many opposing ball carriers in precarious positions where they are at risk at turning the ball over. Phillips is a combo guard that stays active away from the ball and can extend the floor with her ability to drain 3-pointers.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eced9a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eIn her first season as head coach of the Cavaliers, coach Ashlen Dewart Dorn will be taking over a stacked team that includes this skilled 5-foot-11. Kelly, who played in the grassroots realm with [program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] Upstate, adds depth to the Cavaliers frontcourt with what she does as a post player. Entering the 2022 travel campaign, she was one of only two from the class of 2024 on the roster for [program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] Upstate 2023 while playing up a year in class. She adds a height dimension to the Cavaliers on both offense and defense and can get from one end of the floor to the other quickly. Kelly is particularly skilled as a transition runner and can get to the rim as if she were a one or two. Ball handling is another element to her game she puts plenty of emphasis on and possesses a 3-point shot as part of her offensive repertoire. Kelly will also make plays in the midrange game along with grabbing rebounds.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecede6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eWest is not only a teammate of Kelly's wearing the two shades of blue for the Cavaliers, but also has been one during the AAU season with [program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] Upstate. West, as is the case with Kelly, also played up a year in class with the 17U team. She previously played junior varsity at Dorman and played in 24 of the Cavaliers' 25 matchups in 2021-22. West can turn defense into offense with her transition play and is willing to absorb contact to get to the free throw line. Her bread and butter may be in the frontcourt but she has the ball handling skills of many guards. West also will get from one end of the floor to the other with the ball in her hands with a great deal of speed.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecee2e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDuring the AAU months of the spring and summer, McMillan also participated with FCA Eagles – a Prep Girls Hoops Circuit Triumph Region team. The team's schedule from the travel slate included the Triumph Region Finals at Spartanburg's Upward Star Center and the Music City Showdown in Tennessee. McMillan can put plenty of points on the board for any team's offense and a key reason for this is what she gets accomplished from behind the 3-point line. McMillan can also put points on the board from inside the perimeter and from the free throw line on the heels of drawing contact. She keeps teams in games even if the score is lopsided and fearlessly attacks the rim.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecee78"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["299560"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eByrnes – Dowling has also set herself nicely as one of the cornerstones of the Rebels' girls hoops program – both now and in the coming seasons. She played for FBC Carolina Elite Sykes on the grassroots circuit and the two AAU seasons she has left will surely draw the attention of many a college coach. On the defensive side, she stays active with her hands and can change directions with the ball in her hands. Dowling also maintains a high level of energy and activity even when the ball is not in her hands. She sets herself up to take a decent number of 3-point attempts and many of those tries will indeed find the sweet spot.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9eceeff"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373426"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eSainvil took to the court on 22 occasions last season for Spartanburg and then competed with KST Academy on the AAU circuit. She approaches defense with a heads-up mentality and that enables her to be at the right places at right times to gather steals. Sainvil keeps many a defense on their toes as they are unsure as to if she will attack the rim or dish the rock out to an open teammate. Those defenses are also kept on their toes from Sainvil's proficiency from behind the 3-point line. She brings an aggressive mentality as well from the start of a game until the moment the final buzzer sounds.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecef4a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["305511"],"_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 if the Cavaliers were not already a major threat in the 5A ranks this season, the transfer of Wallace from nearby Woodruff will surely have Dorman continuing to be contenders in the coming seasons. Travel-wise, she played for Upwars Stars Upstate when the team competed under the name Carolina Aces. Wallace is an effective rebounder while also being a combo guard at 5-foot-3. She makes the right passes at the correct moments and can deliver productive offensive possessions. A team's defensive efforts are also bolstered when having Wallace on its roster. Wallace is just getting started as she has proven throughout her travel career and during her stint with the Wolverines.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecef95"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405529"],"_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":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eOne the many attributes to the Cavaliers that will make the team a tough out for any comer is the frontcourt depth the Cavaliers possess. White stands at a towering 6-foot-4. She played up a year in class with A'ja Wilson Elite and arrives at Dorman from Dawkins MS – a Dorman feeder school. She welcomes the opportunity to play the game on contact, will bring down plenty of rebounds and wins plenty of battles on the boards. Her offensive boards can turn into two-point putbacks. First-year coach Ashlen Dewart-Dorn is sure to be pleased with what she will get out of this rising big who has plenty of upside.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6376ed9ecefd7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Prep Girls Hoops predictions:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dorman</strong> – Two of the Cavaliers' five losses from last season came at the hands of Byrnes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gaffney</strong> – The team only lost three matchups at home in 2021-22. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Byrnes</strong> – Workman is poised for a noteworthy senior season and Dowling is poised to further solidify herself as the program's future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boiling Springs</strong> – The Bulldogs will play its seventh season as a 5A school since moving up from 4A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Spartanburg</strong> – The Vikings' lone win at home last season occurred against Boiling Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->