Under the Radar: 2024s
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South Carolina is jam-packed with talent across all classes. One of those classes that is very bountiful with talent is the state’s junior class. Even the most casual of Palmetto State basketball fans will probably find out very easily who…
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Continue ReadingSouth Carolina is jam-packed with talent across all classes. One of those classes that is very bountiful with talent is the state’s junior class.
Even the most casual of Palmetto State basketball fans will probably find out very easily who some of the primary names among the 2024 class is. But with so many talented juniors having the chance to combine their skills with veteran instincts, a good number of those 2024s could be flying under the radar.
It was difficult to narrow our list down to five as there are a number of them that deserve their kudos for their play. But here are those five that immediately came to mind.
This season has been an improvement over 2021-22 for the 4A Yellowjackets. The team, in large part, because of Collins’ on-court leadership has already won six games – equaling its entire win total from last season. Collins, through 14 games, is averaging 14.4 points per game for Irmo. In addition to how she anchors the Yellowjackets’ scoring attack, Collins also manages to effectively run point, can set up her team’s offense in the halfcourt, makes accurate passes to her teammates and is an efficient runner of the floor. She could be leading the Yellowjackets to darkhorse status in a tough region that includes A.C. Flora and Westwood along with Ridge View.
Speaking of 2024s that play for 4A teams, Prep Girls Hoops recently got a glimpse of Young at a recent matchup the Seahawks played in region against a tough out in Bluffton. The Seahawks were dealt a 50-45 loss to the Bobcats, but Young made sure Hilton Head Island stayed in the game from start to finish as she put 22 points on the board. When one looks at Young, one may automatically assume that she is a four or a five. She rebounds as if she is one, but has ball handling skills more indicative of a two or a three. Combine her rebounding with her scoring and she is a double-double threat on a game-by-game basis.
Another standout 2024 from a 4A power, Davis has once again proved her value this season with the Copperheads. Catawba Ridge may be one of the newer schools in the state, but it has already made a name for itself in the realm of girls basketball and Davis has been a huge part of the Copperheads’ near-meteoric rise. Davis has excelled as both a scorer and a rebounder as she has averaged 9.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in 14 games with Catawba Ridge. She is also a defensive anchor as she can collect steals and block shots. The Copperheads did drop their first region game of the season, but only by seven points against the 4A undefeated juggernaut that is South Pointe.
Any concerns about the Green Hornets losing a trio of standout seniors from the 2021-22 rendition have been erased so far in large part because of the stellar play of Bradley. She is leading Aiken into region play in a landscape where the only team that may pose problems for the Green Hornets is the perennial powerhouse that is North Augusta. Bradley is listed at 5-foot-9 and can play productive minutes either in the backcourt as a two or in the frontcourt as a three. Along with being a primary point-getter for Aiken, she also is an effective rebounder and passer and can come through with key plays on the defensive end of the floor.
The 5A Vikings boast one of the more upscale facilities in the state – and it is fitting that it has a women’s basketball product fitting of the school’s new and improved venues. Speaking of walking double-doubles, Young is averaging 15.3 points and 17.1 rebounds in the 16 games where she has sported the Vikings’ colors. She is also a proficient shot blocker. Spartanburg is in a tough Region 2-AAAAA that includes Gaffney, Dorman, an improved Boiling Springs team and a Byrnes team that defeated the Vikings in what was the first region matchup of the season for both teams.