Class 3A Quarterfinals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was guaranteed at the start of the season that there would be a brand new 3A state champion given that the previous titleholders – Keenan – moved from 3A to 2A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was part of the intrigue around Class 3A entering the 2022-23 season and it has continued to this point as we have narrowed down the tournament field from 32 to the final eight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tuesday is when the 3A tournament resumes to determine which teams will earn berths to the Upper State and Lower State finals and which teams will vie for an opportunity at a state championship at the USC-Aiken Convocation Center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at the upcoming four matchups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Southside (26-3) vs. Walhalla</em></strong> <em><strong>(16-9)</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milton Parks' Tigers squad were 3A Upper State Finalists from last season and have their eyes on an even bigger prize as this season nears its close. Southside's victories so far have come against Seneca and Chapman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for Walhalla, the Byron Wimphrey-coached Razorbacks earned a victory over Fountain Inn in the first round before following that up with a thrilling overtime triumph to dispatch of Travelers Rest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":573624,"width":266,"height":199,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5320.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-573624" width="266" height="199" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For teams looking to defeat Southside, they have to find a way to keep <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196311' first='Kamari' last='Thompson']</strong> in check as she is one of the state's premier veteran bigs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='194863' first='Kamya' last='Hatten']</strong> adds to the Tigers' frontcourt depth and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='197344' first='Lauren' last='Wearbon']</strong> is one of the team's backcourt stalwarts. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='194865' first='Jakayla' last='Lorick']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176203' first='Quayla' last='Nolan']</strong> have also had productive seasons for Southside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":600732,"width":273,"height":178,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2591-crop-3903x2563-1676829464.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600732" width="273" height="178" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Razorbacks, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='412607' first='Marnie' last='Baxter']</strong> has been the team's leading scorer. The junior guard is averaging 14.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587302' first='Kami' last='Roach']</strong> in her 23 games has averaged 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='452376' first='Whitney' last='Winstead']</strong> is in her senior season and has played in 22 games while averaging 9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529247' first='Gianna' last='Ortiz']</strong> is a sophomore who has averaged 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Wren (24-5) vs. Blue Ridge (24-4)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a good chance this one will be the best game of the four quarterfinal 3A contests.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams met in a second-round matchup from last season with the Tigers coming away with a 49-41 victory over the Hurricanes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, Wren and Blue Ridge have once again been among the class of Class 3A. The Hurricanes have earned victories over Crescent and Broome to earn its berth into this season's 3A quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers were also the team that last season gave a scare to Keenan in last season's playoffs. This season, Blue Ridge's victories have come at the expense of Chester and West-Oak to set up Tuesday vs. Wren. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":367672,"width":266,"height":199,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/12/0627A5DB-C8E1-4116-AD21-C8008040FF07.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-367672" width="266" height="199" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='175308' first='Raina' last='McGowens']</strong> has been difficult for opposing defenses to contain all season long – and the same holds true for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124113' first='Riley' last='Stack']</strong>, Wren's resident 6-foot-4 big who will play Division I ball at Coastal Carolina next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268139' first='Deyana' last='Hayes']</strong> is another one of the Hurricanes' key players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":573640,"width":261,"height":170,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5534-crop-3226x2118-1672313436.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-573640" width="261" height="170" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252636' first='Zikira' last='Henderson']</strong> has averaged 17 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 28 games for Blue Ridge. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252633' first='Anyah' last='Henderson']</strong> has chimed in with 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 3.1 steals per contest. <strong>Claire Skinner</strong> gives the Tigers a presence in the frontcourt as she has averaged 8.2 rebounds, 7.3 points and 1.5 steals per game. <strong>Alla Hutchins</strong> gives Blue Ridge frontcourt depth. She has averaged 5.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Camden (26-2) vs. Loris (18-9)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there was ever an avatar for the phrase “Unfinished Business,” the 2022-23 rendition of Camden girls basketball would be just that. The Bulldogs came so close in last season's 3A final and coach Natalie Jeffcoat-Norris' team is looking to finish the job this season. Camden has defeated Dillon and Battery Creek so far these playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for Loris, they have compiled 18 wins so far this season – only two off of their total from the 2021-22 when they won 20 games. The Lions earned wins over Darlington and Orangeburg-Wilkinson to earn berths to the quarterfinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":559689,"width":264,"height":198,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/43848FAF-165C-4562-9C7B-5851D0A60829-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-559689" width="264" height="198" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camden presents a stacked roster led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171798' first='Joyce' last='Edwards']</strong> – one of the premier 2024s in the nation. She has averaged 28.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324555' first='Braylin' last='Mungo']</strong>, an eighth grader already with Division I offers, represents the future of the Bulldogs program. She has averaged 10.1 points and 3.6 steals per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='175325' first='Morgan' last='Champion']</strong> has also played in all 28 games having averaged 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals a game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171806' first='Zyasia' last='Carter']</strong> has chimed in with seven points, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game. As for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254155' first='Tateyoina' last='Harris']</strong>, the recent Mars Hill commit, she has averaged 8.8 rebounds, 6.6 points, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals in 22 games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":569834,"width":272,"height":204,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/493ECFC5-6A83-4230-B42D-4F5C99150BCF.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-569834" width="272" height="204" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Lions, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='342513' first='Janiya' last='Richburg']</strong> has played in 27 games while averaging 12.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.7 steals as a sophomore. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='552624' first='MariAsia' last='Moody']</strong> has also played in all 27 Loris contests having averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Another 2025, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353260' first='Teanna' last='Perry']</strong> has posted number of 8.6 points, 4.9 steals and 4.5 rebounds per game. <strong>Zamara Wilson</strong>, a junior, has averaged 6.2 points and 3.3 steals per game while <strong>KeAsia Smith</strong> is another of the team's leading rebounders averaging 7.8 boards per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Crestwood (20-6) vs. Lower Richland (18-6)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights have already succeeding in ensuring this season would see a deeper playoff run that last season. Crestwood was eliminated in the second round last season and now is a quarterfinal team this season. The Knights have scored wins over Manning and Philip Simmons to get to this point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for the Diamond Hornets, coach Aaron Lucas once again has his team prepared for tournament play. Lower Richland's wins have come against Hanahan and Marlboro County – and both wins were by double-digits.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights and Diamond Hornets last met up in early February of 2020 when both were Region 4 rivals as part of Class 4A. Crestwood got the better of Lower Richland with the final score being 52-41. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":569850,"width":304,"height":228,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/E77AB937-FCE9-499A-8A9B-3C2F52884B4E.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-569850" width="304" height="228" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A senior, a junior and a sophomore have been key players in the Knights' success this season. The senior is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171786' first='Tashiana' last='Farmer']</strong> – a six foot forward. The junior in question is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='370273' first='Taliya' last='Harris']</strong> who adds to Crestwood's frontcourt depth. The sophomore is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='370272' first='London' last='Vaughn']</strong>, a 5-foot-5 point guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":573050,"width":311,"height":203,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/IMG_5061-crop-2089x1372-1672213756.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-573050" width="311" height="203" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405364' first='Jhnai' last='Sumter']</strong> has been the team's leading scorer as she has averaged 14.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 steals and three assists per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496217' first='Chi'nya' last='Isaac']</strong> recently had a 30-point performance against Marlboro County. She has averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 assists and 3.1 steals a game. Claflin commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='234751' first='Tyra' last='Floyd']</strong> has averaged 11.6 points and 2.9 steals per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361185' first='Taniyah' last='Weston']</strong> has also played in 23 games averaging 6.5 points and 4.9 rebounds. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235335' first='Chanyse' last='Green']</strong> has been one of the team's leading rebounders averaging 5.3 per contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->