Y.C. Winborn Showcase: Late Afternoon and Evening

Holiday season means the year 2023 is in its final days. It also means that we are at the apex of the midseason tournament portion of the schedule prior to region play dominating January.   Rock Hill HS, which boasts one of South Carolina's premier girls basketball programs, staged its annual Y.C. Winborn Showcase the weekend prior to Christmas Day. The three-day gathering hosted a large number of teams primarily from both Carolinas and even one from out of the country.   We at Prep Girls Hoops also made the trek up Interstate 77 to the Metrolina area for this year's festivities. Here is a look at how the latter four contests unfolded.    Butler vs. A.C. Flora   At this point, four games were in the books on Winborn Showcase Saturday at Rock Hill HS. The next two games would once again pit one of the Hoop State's premier teams against one of those from the Palmetto State.   The Bulldogs of 4A Butler have began this year's season with a 7-1 record with its lone blemish coming against another 4A school in Ardrey Kell. Butler is very familiar with the Winborn Showcase as they competed against all South Carolina teams in last year's event. The Bulldogs went 2-1 with wins over River Bluff and Chesterfield but a loss to Blythewood. This time, the Bulldogs defeated Lancaster but were defeated by Fort Mill.    As for A.C. Flora, one of the Palmetto State's premier 4A assemblings, the Falcons are also familiar with making the trip up Interstate 77 to the Winborn Showcase. A.C. Flora went a perfect 3-0 for last year's rendition with wins over Marvin Ridge, Fort Mill and Chambers. The Falcons entered Saturday's play with a 10-3 record – and Winborn wins over Ivanhoe Australia and 5A Spartanburg.    On paper, this game looked like a coin flip. It went the way of the Falcons as they defeated the Bulldogs by a final score of  52-38.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   These two teams last met at the 2021 Y.C. Winborn Showcase. The Falcons got the better of the Bulldogs that time around by virtue of a 57-44 decision.    Quarter-By-Quarter   In the early going of this one, the Bulldogs had built up a lead that was as much as seven in the first quarter. Butler vs. A.C. Flora had all the makings of one of the better games of the day's play, but the Bulldogs had the advantage over the Falcons early.   The tide began to turn in A.C. Flora's direction in the second quarter – and it led to a lead for the Falcons. It was time for the eight minutes of halftime – with the Falcons ahead by a score of 27-23.   That four-point advantage would grow to a nine-point Falcons edge by the time the third quarter had concluded. A.C. Flora would bring a 36-27 lead as the fourth quarter had commenced.   And that nine-point lead eventually got into the double digits. It was also there for A.C. Flora when the contest concluded. The Falcons would conclude its portion of the Winborn Showcase exactly as it did last year's – unbeaten.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6940.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826855" style="width:328px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='496281' first='Skylar' last='McCray'] led all point-getters with 18. She displays superb ball handling skills and approaches the game by fusing together talent with a high basketball IQ. McCray maintains a high degree of activity even away from the ball.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6941.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826856" style="width:328px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was another productive day for [player_tooltip player_id='185224' first='Terriana' last='Gray']. She contributed 11 points to the Falcons' cause. Gray also had the final two points of the game at the free throw line. Gray is also a fearless rim attacker and confident 3-point shooter – two attributes she will surely bring to Alabama A&M.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6939.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826857" style="width:327px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='393661' first='Brooklyn' last='Saunders'] put together another stellar effort for Butler as she amassed 16 points to key the Bulldogs' offensive efforts. Saunders has worn the uniform of [program_tooltip program_id='713538' first='Carolina' last='Flames'] 17U during the AAU months of the spring and summer.   What's Next?   Butler's next game will also be against a Palmetto State adversary when it hosts Indian Land on Jan. 3. As for A.C. Flora, it will be locked in a battle of 4A titans when it hosts defending champion North Augusta the day after New Year's Day.   Easley vs. Marvin Ridge   The 4A vs. 4A North Carolina vs. South Carolina theme would continue with the next contest on the card.    A few days ago, the Green Wave were 2-7, but came into Saturday's play having won three consecutive games – including two at this year's Winborn Showcase. Easley began this year's event by claiming victories over Hunter Huss and River Bluff after being absent from last year's Winborn Showcase.    The final matchup of the Green Wave's Winborn Showcase schedule was perhaps its toughest yet – a Marvin Ridge assembling that only has two losses on the season – one to West Cabarrus and another at this year's Showcase to Blythewood. The Mavericks began this year's Winborn Showcase with a victory over Clover.    When the final buzzer sounded on this contest, Marvin Ridge prevailed as the victor by a final score of 50-38 over Easley.   Quarter-By-Quarter   Fortunes were positive for Marvin Ridge to start as they began Saturday afternoon's contest with an 8-0 run. Easley then closed to frame with a 14-2 scoring binge to exit the first quarter ahead 14-10.   The Mavericks managed to weather that late first quarter Green Wave storm and pull ahead in the ensuing frame. At the midway point, Marvin Ridge had a 23-17 advantage over its adversaries from Easley.   Marvin Ridge had become used to playing close contests at this year's Winborn Showcase – the Mavericks' previous get-togethers with Clover and Blythewood were decided by single digits. An 8-2 Mavericks run grew their lead into the double-digits, prompting a timeout from the Green Wave. A late Easley run trimmed the deficit back into single digits. It was Marvin Ridge 35, Easley 30 with one quarter left to play.   The Green Wave were within striking distance for much of the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks managed to hold Easley off. Marvin Ridge snapped Easley's three-game winning streak and posted the first win for a North Carolina team over a South Carolina team that Saturday.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6949-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826860" style="width:353px;height:auto" /></figure>   A game-high 24 points was put on the board by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='612328' first='Ella' last='Chepul']. A consistent scorer of the basketball, She had 13 of her 24 in the second half. Chepul is listed at 5-foot-11 on the Mavericks roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6943.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826861" style="width:354px;height:auto" /></figure>   Player of the Game honors were bestowed upon junior forward Cadence Douglas. She finished with eight points. Douglas stands at 5-foot-9. Defense and getting out in transition are among Douglas' strengths.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6952.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826862" style="width:350px;height:auto" /></figure>   Another eight-point scorer – [player_tooltip player_id='622006' first='Kate' last='Schindler'] – played important minutes that got the Mavericks in the win column once again. Schindler made a few clutch free throws that gave Marvin Ridge breathing room late.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6946.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826863" style="width:364px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='831281' first='Ava' last='Proctor'], a freshman, led all Easley point-accumulators with 10. Proctor gained valuable varsity experience in her eighth grade season last year. As she develops, her ability to find lanes to rim is one of her game's many strengths.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6956.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826864" style="width:362px;height:auto" /></figure>   Karson Bigham gave the Green Wave plenty of worthwhile minutes off the bench. The Easley senior scored seven points and was key in keeping the Green Wave in the game. Bigham can play productive minutes either as a guard or as a forward.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6953-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826865" style="width:362px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was a seven-point outing for another one of the team's seniors – [player_tooltip player_id='781437' first='Olivia' last='Gramblin']. She is listed at a tall 5-foot-11 per the Green Wave's roster. Gramblin gives Easley a veteran presence and rebounding depth.   What's Next?   Marvin Ridge will be part of the Catawba Ridge Christmas Tournament. The Mavericks will face Fort Mill on the event's first day Thursday. Easley's next matchup will be in the new calendar year on Jan. 2 as it hosts Wren.    Bethune-Bowman vs. York   The final all-Palmetto State tilt of the day featured one of the state's top 4A teams matching up against a 1A squad that has been a pleasant surprise thus far.    The Mohawks of Bethune-Bowman have opened the season with a 6-3 record with two of those defeats coming against an area rival in 3A Orangeburg-Wilkinson. Bethune-Bowman was also part of last season's Winborn Showcase and encountered plenty of hard luck via defeats to Indian Land and York.    Speaking of those same 4A Cougars, they were 5-6 going into the Saturday at Rock Hill HS. Last year at the Winborn Showcase, the Cougars defeated White Knoll and were defeated by Airport in addition to the win over Bethune-Bowman.    How would the rematch go? In favor of the Cougars who earned a low scoring, 33-24 victory over the Mohawks.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Even though Bethune-Bowman would have the lead for the majority of the first quarter, a buzzer-beating triple from York gave the Cougars a slim lead heading to the second. With one complete, the Cougars had a 9-8 edge over the Mohawks.    The second quarter seemed to tell a tale that Bethune-Bowman vs. York would be a contest where points would come at a premium and defense would rule as queen. As both teams went into their respective lockers to discuss second half strategy, the scoreboard would read Cougars 16, Mohawks 12.   With three in the books, the score between these two teams resembled that of their football teams playing on a Friday night as opposed to their girls basketball teams. York continued to get the better of this low-scoring affair by a margin of 24-16 over Bethune-Bowman.   When York and Bethune-Bowman matched up at last year's Winborn Showcase, the final was 41-16 in favor of the Cougars. While this year's contest was much closer than last year's, York prevailed once again over the Mohawks.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6967.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826866" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure>   A low-scoring, defensive-minded matchup such as this one needs all the scoring it can get. Makayla Blanton provided plenty of that – and some – for York. She led all scorers with 15 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6965.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826867" style="width:404px;height:auto" /></figure>   Blanton was one of two to get into double-digits for the Cougars. The other was sophomore guard Raegan Harvey who concluded her evening with 10 points. Harvey is one of four 2026s on York's 2023-24 roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6957.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826869" style="width:403px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of 10-point scorers, the Mohawks' leading point-getter finished with that amount as well. That would be freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='831284' first='Zaniyah' last='Pelzer']. She played her first varsity season last year as an eighth grader and also plays volleyball at Bethune-Bowman.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6960.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826870" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure>   Makaiyah Thompson also chimed in with seven points. Thompson is a sophomore who assumes team captaincy duties for the Mohawks. She is one of only two 2026s that is part of this year's Bethune-Bowman rendition.   What's Next?   Bethune-Bowman's next contest will be in the new year 2024 when they travel to Bridges Prep the day after New Year's Day. As for York, their next matchup will also be in the new year on Jan. 3 at Piedmont in North Carolina.    Charlotte Country Day vs. Rock Hill   If the object of a midseason tournament or showcase is to save its best for last, Rock Hill understood the assignment.    Charlotte Country Day entered Saturday's play with a robust 11-4 record – including victories in its first couple of Winborn Showcase get-togethers against 5A Fort Mill and 4A Catawba Ridge. The Buccaneers were not part of last year's Winborn festivities.    Of course, the Bearcats had to put forth a great showing at its own showcase. Coach Kenny Orr's Rock Hill bunch did just that the previous day with a 69-21 win at the expense of Ivanhoe Australia.    The final victor of this year's Y.C. Winborn Showcase would be the host Bearcats as they earned a 67-52 victory over Charlotte Country Day.   Quarter-By-Quarter   Any observer when looking at this matchup on paper had to understand that it would likely be back-and-forth given these are two teams that are among the elite in their states. That was the case following the first eight minutes of play as the Bearcats assumed an early 19-13 advantage over the Buccaneers.   In the second quarter, two things happened that were net positives for Rock Hill. Charlotte Country Day's coach was assessed a technical foul and the Bearcats rode a wave of momentum to a double-digit lead. Shots began falling for the Buccaneeers towards the end of the half. At the break, it was 36-22 in Rock Hill's favor.   That 14-point edge that was the case at the half only grew and grew and grew in the ensuing eight minutes. Through three frames, the Bearcats were indeed defending their home court with the score being 50-29.    One had to believe that a team as talented as Charlotte Country Day would have one more run in them – they did. The Buccaneers managed to cut what was a 21-point deficit into the single digits in the closing moments of the fourth. A few late game adjustments and Rock Hill managed to hold off the Buccaneers.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6976.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826871" style="width:368px;height:auto" /></figure>   The list of deep threats across South Carolina that are more lethal than [player_tooltip player_id='452369' first='Chloe' last='Hudson'] is an extremely short list. Hudson led all scorers with 22 points – including another [player_tooltip player_id='452369' first='Chloe' last='Hudson']-esque game from behind the arc with five triples.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6977.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826872" style="width:367px;height:auto" /></figure>   There was also so much Charlotte Country Day's defense could do to contain [player_tooltip player_id='253658' first='Aubrey' last='Stevenson'], who added 16 to the Bearcats' total. Footwork and toughness are among the hallmarks to Stevenson's game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6981.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826873" style="width:361px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='190149' first='De'Ashaj' last='Crawford'] also had herself another productive game. It was a 13-point game for the Bearcats star senior. Out of those 13 points, nine were placed on the board occurred in the first sixteen minutes of play.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6973.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826874" style="width:362px;height:auto" /></figure>   This year's Winborn Showcase concluded with a 20-point performance for [player_tooltip player_id='1215103' first='Margaret' last='Blythe']. The junior guard has worn the uniform of [program_tooltip program_id='715685' first='EA' last='Lady Stars'] during the AAU months of the spring and summer. She had 12 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_6972.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826876" style="width:361px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='922564' first='Olive' last='Bigham'] was also a tall task for Rock Hill to deal with. She contributed 17 points. Her production close to the basket along with her rebounding were key factors in the Buccaneers' late run.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6970-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826877" style="width:359px;height:auto" /></figure>   Charlotte Country Day was also the beneficiary of 10 points from [player_tooltip player_id='686469' first='Sam' last='Vanderhave']. She too also played a major role in the Buccaneers' fourth quarter comeback effort. A grand total of 47 of the Buccaneers' 52 points came from three players.   What's Next?   The Bearcats will host Ross – a team out of Ohio – for its next matchup on Thursday. The Buccaneers' next contest will be on Jan. 3 at Wesleyan Christian Academy.

Holiday season means the year 2023 is in its final days. It also means that we are at the apex of the midseason tournament portion of the schedule prior to region play dominating January.