Battle at the Border: Day One Recaps

If one is looking for a midseason tournament where one gets scenic views along with scintillating basketball, the Battle at the Border is that event.    This year's rendition marked the 24th annual Battle at the Border. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum HS, which received a newly designed court last season, again welcomed 16 teams – eight girls and eight boys – to “The Cage” for the annual get-together. Also a feature of the event – a 35-second shot clock.   We at Prep Girls Hoops made the trip to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line for the day-long festivities. Here is our recap of the four girls games that emanated from the home of the 2A Cardinals.    Woodruff vs. Shannon Forest   Leading off…or tipping off (in basketball vernacular) this year's tournament were a pair of 3A teams – one of them being from the SCISA realm.    Shannon Forest was not involved in last season's Battle at the Border, but they did put together a 21-4 season last year. In 2023-24, the Crusaders have yet to get in the win column.    As for the Wolverines, they had a rough time at last year's tournament at Landrum. Woodruff picked up a close win over Chapman but also lost to Gaffney and the Cardinals.    The first game on the eight-game card went the way of the Crusaders as they picked up a 40-32 victory over the Wolverines.    Quarter-By-Quarter   The opening eight minutes may not have been the most offensively sound, but that is why there are two primary elements to the game. A defensive-minded first quarter went the way of Shannon Forest with the scoreboard reading 9-5 with one complete.   At one point in the second, the Shannon Forest lead was 12-8 prior to Woodruff tying it up at 12 which prompted a timeout from the Crusaders. Ironically, Shannon Forest would go into halftime with a four-point lead – 18-14 – ahead of Woodruff.   That lead would grow to eight at the conclusion at the frame – and in a contest where scoring appeared to be at a premium, the object that is an eight-point advantage seemed to be larger than it appeared. With three complete, it was Shannon Forest 27, Woodruff 19.    The Wolverines showed signs of making a run early in the fourth quarter, but any rally Woodruff had would be answered by the Crusaders. At the conclusion of this game, Shannon Forest knew they were heading to the Gold Bracket.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7213.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829197" style="width:408px;height:auto" /></figure>   Peyton Thompson paced the Crusaders' attack with a 16-point effort. Along with an ability to score at all three levels, Thompson displayed her ability to effectively run point. Thompson stands at 5-foot-9.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7216.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829198" style="width:405px;height:auto" /></figure>   A pair of eight-point scorers from opposite ends of the class spectrum also paved the way for the Crusaders. One of those was a senior – Meghan McGovern. She also spearheaded Shannon Forest's rebounding efforts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7215.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829199" style="width:363px;height:auto" /></figure>   The other was a freshman – Bryson McGrath. Shannon Forest made a total of three 3-pointers as a team. Two of those triples departed from McGrath's hands. She also plays volleyball at Shannon Forest.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7209-crop-2245x1474-1703853884.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-829201" style="width:366px;height:auto" /></figure>   Woodruff's leading scorer also finished her morning with a 16-point effort. That would be [player_tooltip player_id='305507' first='Sadie' last='Burnette']. The Wolverines made a total of four 3-pointers for Thursday's game. All four were courtesy of Woodruff's star 2025.   It was also the first game back for sophomore Jasmine McKnight. She put her imprint on this contest by tallying nine points. McKnight typically plays at the four and is listed at 5-foot-6 on the Woodruff roster.    What's Next?   The win for Shannon Forest got them in the Gold (winner's) Bracket while Woodruff was placed in the Silver (consolation) Bracket. Their opponents for their next games would be determined in the following contest.    West Henderson vs. Gaffney   Two years ago, the Battle at the Border welcomed the girls from Asheville HS in North Carolina to Landrum HS for the three days of basketball. This year's rendition also included a team from the Hoop State.    That team was 3A West Henderson. The Falcons entered play with a 7-2 record with the only two defeats against two tough teams in Mountain Heritage and North Buncombe.    As for Gaffney, their tournament schedule is picking up towards the tail end of the month. The Indians are coming off an appearance in the She Got Next Christmas Tournament. Gaffney finished 2-1 in last season's Battle at the Border – the Indians defeated Woodruff and Carolina Forest but lost to Southside.    The win in this one would go to Gaffney as it dispatched West Henderson by a final score of 79-40.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Whereas the first quarter between Shannon Forest and Woodruff was mostly defensive-minded, the opening stanza of West Henderson and Gaffney was more uptempo. It was to the Indians' advantage through the first eight minutes as they had a 17-8 lead over the Falcons.    The second quarter would be all Gaffney, all the time. The Indians would outscore the Falcons by a margin of 24-5 and would bring a commanding 41-13 advantage into their locker room at halftime.   With plenty of breathing room – and then some – that Gaffney had put between them and West Henderson, that made the task really tall if the Falcons were to get back in this one. It was 59-29 Indians after three.    As the time continued to elapse, it became not a matter of if the Indians would win, but what the final point margin would be. When that final buzzer sounded, that point margin would be 39 (79-40) in Gaffney's favor.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7229.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829202" style="width:397px;height:auto" /></figure>   The one-sided contest had a pair of 22-point scorers leading the charge for Gaffney. One of them was freshman [player_tooltip player_id='637610' first='Tianah' last='Hopper']. The 5-foot-10 forward converted on many high-percentage shot opportunities.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7225-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829203" style="width:400px;height:auto" /></figure>   Another of those was sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='567025' first='Korbyn' last='Lydia'], who also had 22. She led the Indians' efforts from behind the arc as both of Gaffney's made attempts from downtown were courtesy of Lydia. Lydia is one of four sophomores on this year's team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7227.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829205" style="width:401px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='855423' first='Izzabella' last='Sarratt'] also added 15 points to the Gaffney total. She is one of four juniors on this year's rendition of Gaffney basketball. Sarratt was another element of the Indians' offensive attack which was predicated on getting baskets near the rim.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7232.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829206" style="width:401px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of sophomores – [player_tooltip player_id='567026' first='Shiriah' last='Harris'] is another one of those and she added 14 to the Gaffney cause. As effective as she is in the interior, Harris also has the ability to attack the rim and slash her way through defenders.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7223.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829207" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure>   The bright light in the dark night for the Falcons came in the form of Maya Amin. She had 13 points to lead the West Henderson effort. The team did hit eight 3-pointers for the game – three of them via Amin.   What's Next?   Gaffney's victory meant they would face Shannon Forest in the Gold Bracket while West Henderson would head to the Silver Bracket against Woodruff.    St. Joseph's Catholic vs. Chapman   Two boys games took place before the girls once again had their turn at the mic. It was a matchup that could have been brought to us by the number seven given both teams had seven victories this season entering Thursday's play.    St. Joseph's Catholic did not take part in last year's Battle at the Border as they were participating at a tournament at 4A Eastside around the same time. The Knights entered play with a 7-4 record.    Meanwhile, the Panthers of 3A Chapman have been a mainstay at this tournament. Last year's was one the Panthers would rather forget – losses to Southside, Woodruff and Boiling Springs.    The less than desirable results for Chapman would continue as the Panthers would fall to the Knights with the final being 54-49 despite a noteworthy comeback bid.    Quarter-By-Quarter   The St. Joseph's Catholic boys already picked up a win over Chapman's boys earlier in the day. Perhaps, the Knights girls got inspiration from what the boys did. The Knights began its contest with a 13-0 run before the Panthers answered to get right back in the game. It was 16-9 in favor of St. Joseph's after the first quarter.    The Knights managed to grow its lead again in the second quarter into the double digits. It would also be there as the first half reached its crescendo. At the break, St. Joseph's would lead by a tally of 30-15.   A comeback trail would begin to get blazed in the third quarter as the Panthers would cut its deficit back into the single digits. It was only a three-possession game at the end of the third with St. Joseph's Catholic only leading by a margin of 42-33.   If the Knights were going to pick up this victory, the Panthers were going to ensure they would earn every single bit of it. Chapman was within striking distance late, but St. Joseph's Catholic would hold them off to clinch a Gold Bracket berth.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7348.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829208" style="width:434px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was a 17-point outing for St. Joseph's Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='380650' first='Tiffany' last='Helmer']. While her 3-point shooting is one element to her overall skillset that gets her praise, she can also deliver big time baskets from the free throw line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7345.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829209" style="width:432px;height:auto" /></figure>   Helmer would provide much of what the Knights needed late. It would be Harper Greer would provide much of what St. Joseph's Catholic needed early. She finished the game with 14 points – including 10 in the first half.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7343.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829210" style="width:431px;height:auto" /></figure>   The same was true of eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='831267' first='Evie' last='Adams']. She added 13 points to the St. Joseph's Catholic total – including 10 in the first 16 minutes of play. Adams is an eighth grade guard who is listed at 5-foot-7 on the Knights roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7324-crop-2236x1469-1703855330.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-829212" style="width:438px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='249923' first='Krislyn' last='Wilder'] had herself another productive contest even in a losing effort. She scored 19 points – including 10 in the second half of action. What she was able to get accomplished on both ends of the floor gave Chapman hope late.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7339-crop-2236x1469-1703855471.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-829214" style="width:442px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Panthers also received a boost courtesy of one of their 2027s. That was [player_tooltip player_id='659988' first='Annastyn' last='Smith'] who added 13 to Chapman's output. All 13 of hers occurred in the second half. She made several 3-pointers in the second half that sparked a Panthers rally.   What's Next?   The victory for St. Joseph's Catholic would send them to the Gold Bracket while the defeat for the Panthers would send them to the Silver Bracket. Their opponents would be determined in the final girls game of the day – with the host team looking to defend its home court.   Boiling Springs vs. Landrum   The final girls contest of the day would also feature a team that has been a mainstay at the tournament – as well as, of course, the host team.   The 5A Bulldogs have a tournament schedule that is picking up towards its closure. Boiling Springs participated in the She Got Next Christmas Classic at J.L. Mann. Last season, the Bulldogs suffered losses to Blue Ridge and Landrum but picked up a win over Chapman.    As for the Cardinals, they entered play with a 9-1 record with the only defeat coming at Blue Ridge. Last season, Landrum was defeated by Carolina Forest but bounced back with victories over Boiling Springs and Woodruff.    How would the rematch unfold? In the way of the Cardinals as they defeated the Bulldogs by a final of 57-38.    Quarter-By-Quarter   What happened in the first was certainly unusual. Boiling Springs led for much of the frame, but the majority of its points were courtesy of free throws. The Bulldogs did not make a field goal until just over a minute was left in the frame. Eventually, Landrum rallied back to take the lead. It was 16-12 in the Cardinals favor with one in the books.    As the second quarter wore on, Landrum continued to slowly, but surely expand its lead – and it grew into the double digits. As both teams went into their respective locker rooms for halftime, the Cardinals led by a margin of 32-21.   Both teams went cold in the third quarter as a total of 11 points were put on the board those eight minutes between the Bulldogs and Cardinals. With one quarter left, Landrum held a 37-28 lead over Boiling Springs.    If the Bulldogs were within striking distance in the third, the Cardinals made sure that was no longer the case as the fourth quarter elapsed. In the final girls game of the evening, Landrum knew it would be part of the Gold Bracket.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7366.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829217" style="width:394px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Cardinals big three did plenty of big three things against the 5A Bulldogs. Beginning with [player_tooltip player_id='399239' first='Kaylee' last='Cortez'] who would lead all scorers with 17 points. Among those 17 were three from behind the arc.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7363.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829218" style="width:396px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was another productive evening for [player_tooltip player_id='251758' first='Savannah' last='Brown']. She placed 15 points on the board. Her overall skillset fuses together traits of both guards and bigs. The two biggest words that come to mind regarding both Cortez and Brown are “unsigned” and “senior.”    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7364-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-829219" style="width:396px;height:auto" /></figure>   It takes three to make a big three and the third of Jared St. Charles' equation at Landrum is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='587300' first='Kylie' last='Fortner']. She helped defend The Cage with a 13-point performance – in addition to showcasing her value as a ball distributor.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7355-crop-2236x1469-1703855930.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-829221" style="width:396px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='444375' first='Sarah' last='Ezell'] – another unsigned senior – proved to once again be the focal point of the Boiling Springs offensive attack. Ezell finished with 16 points – despite only two field goals because of the numerous occasions she was at the free throw line.    What's Next?     Landrum would go to the Gold Bracket where they would face St. Joseph's Catholic the next day. Next on the schedule for Boiling Springs would be Chapman in the Silver Bracket.

If one is looking for a midseason tournament where one gets scenic views along with scintillating basketball, the Battle at the Border is that event.