Hoopin in the ‘Ville: Final Thoughts

Prep Girls Hoops was able to take in the action from the 3rd Annual Hoopin in the Ville in Hartsville to start the season. The 2-day event featured 12 teams from around the Palmetto State. Remember to SUBSCRIBE today for all the latest action and it’s time to #RecruitThePalmettoState

Bracket Winners:

Lee Central HS, Northwood Academy and Sumter HS all won their respective brackets in the event. Lee Central HS based out of Bishopville finished with wins over Socastee HS 31-30 and St James HS 21-18. The Lady Stallions who play in Class 2A

Northwood Academy based out of Summerville defeated Carolina Forest HS 48-45 and the host Hartsville HS 51-42. The Lady Chargers play in SCISA Class 4A.

Sumter HS is no stranger to winning and the Lady Gamecocks cruised this weekend to start the season at (2-0). Sumter HS defeated Marion HS on the opening night 74-20 and Westwood HS the following day 61-21.

Lady Red Foxes Play 3 Games:

Hartsville HS started the season in the old Ulmer Gym in a win over a feisty Carvers Bay program 44-34. Senior guard Jasmine Frierson Jasmine Frierson 5'6" | CG Hartsville | 2024 State SC led the charge with 14 points. Frierson who eclipsed 1,000 points in her career a year ago provides production from both guard positions. Jasmine was able to connect on some short baseline jumpers here today. Senior post player Tatiana Fisher Tatiana Fisher 5'11" | PF Hartsville | 2024 State SC finished with 11 points in the win. Fisher has nice footwork around the paint and does a really good job of rebounding the ball outside of her area. Freshman guard Chaniya Thompson Chaniya Thompson 5'3" | PG Hartsville | 2027 SC made a nice first impression with 10 points in the opener.

The Lady Red Foxes played 3 games in a 24 hour span this past weekend. The Lady Red Foxes picked up an extra game when Cross HS had to back out. Hartsville HS defeated Socastee HS behind the strong play freshman guard Chaniya Thompson Chaniya Thompson 5'3" | PG Hartsville | 2027 SC . Thompson was able to knockdown several three-pointers here today in a victory over the Lady Braves 46-18. Chaniya finished with 15 points while senior post player Tatiana Fisher Tatiana Fisher 5'11" | PF Hartsville | 2024 State SC added 9 points and 11 rebounds according to our unofficial stats. Senior guard Jasmine Frierson Jasmine Frierson 5'6" | CG Hartsville | 2024 State SC added 7 points in the lopsided win.

The Lady Red Foxes fell to Northwood Academy in the final game of the Hoopin in the ‘Ville 51-42.

Birch is Back for Lady Chargers who move to 2-0 on season:

Alayah Birch Alayah Birch 5'9" | CG Northwood Academy | 2024 State SC missed all of last season with an ACL injury for the Northwood Academy Lady Chargers. Birch senior combo guard finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists in an opening round victory over Carolina Forest HS. Alayah was able to finish drives on the way to the cup and played aggressive all game long. The following day she finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in the win over Hartsville HS. Alayah will provide plenty of senior leadership for the Lady Chargers this coming season.

Teammates Maliyah Birch Maliyah Birch 5'3" | PG Northwood Academy | 2027 SC just a 9th grader finished with 9 points in the game vs Hartsville HS while fellow senior shooting guard Morgan Jones Morgan Jones 5'6" | SG Northwood Academy | 2024 State SC added 8 points and 6 rebounds. Senior guard Ashton Wyndham Ashton Wyndham 5'5" | SG Northwood Academy | 2024 State SC finished the night with 8 points.

Lady Gamecocks Roll:

The Lady Gamecocks will rely on some solid senior leadership this season. Rickell Brown Rickell Brown 5'7" | SG Sumter | 2024 State SC and Kiara Croskey Kiara Croskey 5'6" | PG Sumter | 2024 State SC got things started on the opening night with 23 points and 21 points respectively over Marion HS. This duo has been making noise for several years over at Sumter HS.

Brown has really looked to bring her game to both guard positions at times with her play. Rickell is a feisty defender with an all-out attack attitude on defense. Surely don’t leave her open on the wing – she will hurt with her ability to knockdown shots on the perimeter.

Croskey is no stranger to basketball fans here in the Palmetto State. Kiara missed all of last season with a injury for the Lady Gamecocks. She can get the ball to the cup with her ability to finish on both sides of the rim. Kiara will touch the paint and look to penetrate and kick to an open teammate. She really plays the game with a good basketball understanding.

The Lady Gamecocks rolled in a win over Westwood HS. Brown led the charge with 19 points while Croskey finished with 18 points. Youngster A’raina Ross A’raina Ross 5'7" | SF Bates M.S. / Sumter | 2028 SC finished with 10 points in the win. Can the Lady Gamecocks make a run this season in Class 5A?