CGHR March Madness: 2024-25 Standouts
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When travel teams were setting their schedules for the 2023 AAU campaign, a few of those from the Carolinas would be making a weekend stop in the Pee Dee for the final weekend of March. That pitstop in the Pee…
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Continue ReadingWhen travel teams were setting their schedules for the 2023 AAU campaign, a few of those from the Carolinas would be making a weekend stop in the Pee Dee for the final weekend of March.
That pitstop in the Pee Dee would be at the Pearl Moore Basketball Center as Carolina Girls Hoops Report hosted its CGHR March Madness event. A number of teams from a variety of classes converged on Florence for what was two days of scintillating basketball.
We at Prep Girls Hoops made the trip to the Pee Dee to catch Sunday’s games. Here is who stood out among the juniors and sophomores who were on hand.
With Raeleigh Rivers Raeleigh Rivers 5’5″ | SG Chesterfield | 2023 State SC graduating from Chesterfield, Diggs is certain to assume the primary leadership for the 2023-24 rendition of the 2A Rams. Her performance at CGHR March Madness is a sign that she is, indeed, ready for that role. Diggs brings plenty of stature and compliments that with her impressive length. Passes that may typically sail out of bounds are maintained possessions thanks to Diggs. She is a skilled attacker of the rim and that length can particularly display itself as a defender. Diggs tallied 10 points as Carolina Hoopers 2024 earned a hard-fought 54-53 victory over Reign Academy 2024 in overtime.
Jalayah Ray
Jalayah Ray
Central Cabarrus garnered statewide headlines earlier this month for its boys basketball team winning a state championship. The girls basketball program of the 3A Vikings has experienced its fair share of success as well. Ray’s play was a major factor in that for Central Cabarrus in 2022-23. She was part of what was arguably the most entertaining matchup of the weekend when Hoop State-based Reign Academy 2024 matched up with Palmetto State-based Carolina Hoopers 2024. It may not have been the result she was looking for in that matchup, but she did finish with eight points in a 54-53 decision. Ray, while playing primarily as a guard, is a gifted rebounder and scorer and ball hawk as she displayed by averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals in 28 games this past season at Central Cabarrus.
Khiaisha Phillips
Khiaisha Phillips
Overall, Carolina Rattlers 2025 had a rough go of things on Sunday at CGHR March Madness. In one of the games the team played in, Phillips was a bright spot. She scored six points to pace her team’s attack in what was a tough contest against Palmetto Stampede 2026. An important element to her complete game is how she manages to attack the rim, which can include converting on tough shots close to the basket. Phillips has also participated in track and field events throughout her career and has attributes from that discipline that translate seamlessly to the basketball court.
Coach Henry Middleton’s Team USC Unleashed 2024 squad may have had a rough go of things matching up against Carolina Hoopers 2024 on Sunday afternoon, but Lauren proved to be the bright spot she is game in and game out. The 1A Trojans’ standout made plays left and right for Team USC Unleashed 2024 en route to a 20-point showing. Middleton can effectively run point and throws defenses for a loop with her ability to either score or pass. When she does attack the rim, she is particularly difficult to contain and she possesses the ability to place points on the board from long range.
Dennis did not have far to go to get to the Pearl Moore Basketball Center given she plays during the regular season a short drive west on Interstate 26 at Lee Central. She was a bright spot in what was otherwise a tough go of things against Confidence Cougars 2024. Dennis finished with 11 points. She displays her athleticism not only as a basketball player, but also in volleyball and in track and field – two other sports she has played. Dennis is also versatile with an ability to play productive minutes at either of the guard spots in the backcourt or at the three.
Abigail Fusco
Abigail Fusco
With as many young teams that were on display at CGHR March Madness, one can certainly say the region’s youth movement was on full display. Fusco was a key element of that youth movement as she led the way to victory for Confidence Cougars 2026. It was a 38-28 victory over Cap City Clutch 2026 as she scored 13 points to lead her team to a victory. Fusco plays with a high basketball IQ as she managed to keep herself out of foul trouble from start to finish. She added a 3-point shooting dimension to her team’s offense and also made things happen at the line.