Around The State: Richland County District One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the build-up to the 2024-25 regular season, which has recently commenced, Prep Girls Hoops has spanned the Palmetto State, going from county to county to give fans a refresher as to which teams to keep an eye on and which players are poised for big seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our latest article in our series takes us to the always talent-rich area that is Richland County – specifically its District One.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven schools are in this district – mostly comprising the western and southern regions of Richland County. A number of these schools were also affected by realignment and reclassification. Without further ado, here is a look at Richland County's District One.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>A.C. Flora (23-8, 8-2)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":826855,"width":"456px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <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:456px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off a berth in the 4A state championship game against now 5A Riverside, the lone task remaining for coach Jacob Thompson's Falcons is to bring state hardware to the nest in Forest Acres.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Falcons managed to maintain its 4A classification, A.C. Flora was realigned into a new Upper State region where the likes of Camden, South Pointe, Lancaster, Richland Northeast, York and Dreher are lurking.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four of the Falcons' defeats last season occurred by way of North Augusta and Ridge View (which is now in 5A). New region and all, the Falcons still do have the roster to ensure it remains firmly in the 4A state conversation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key players include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='257992' first='Teonna' last='Draughn']</strong>, a transfer from SCISA 4A Cardinal Newman and also played a portion of her career at Georgetown. She averaged 19.7 points, 4.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 steals in her sophomore season with the Cardinals. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496281' first='Skylar' last='McCray']</strong> first played at the varsity level as an eighth grader and competed in 31 games last season. She averaged 10.3 points and 2.1 steals last season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='670334' first='Madison' last='Mickens']</strong> will be beginning her senior season in 2024-25. She saw playing time in 28 games last season and averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals a game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='429827' first='Tamira' last='Delaney']</strong> is a 2026 as is Draughn and McCray. She averaged 8.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals a contest. She also first played at the varsity level as an eighth grader. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Columbia (0-22, 0-8)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When a team goes zero for the regular season there can be no other place to go but up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is the task awaiting this year's rendition of the 2A Columbia Capitals. Columbia will have a new coach starting this season as the Norrisha Victrum era begins. Victrum is also assuming a role as the volleyball coach at Columbia.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Columbia was one of the four region rivals that forfeited both of its contests against Gray Collegiate (which is now in 4A). This season, teams such as Fairfield Central and Eau Claire are back as regional rivals but Chester, Clinton and Mid-Carolina are also joining the mix as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the noteworthy names familiar to Capitals fans are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587301' first='Emani' last='English']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587303' first='Janiyah' last='Tucker']</strong>. Both are juniors who play mostly in the frontcourt yet English's primary position is at the four while Tucker typically does most of her work as a three. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>C.A. Johnson (8-13, 4-4)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":924692,"width":"511px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/IMG_8171.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-924692" style="width:511px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For many teams an 8-13 showing would not be considered a success. But given that 1A C.A. Johnson went winless the previous two seasons an eight-win campaign had to feel like a state championship victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Detractors may say that the Green Hornets' victories last season came against teams such as Columbia, Great Falls and Governor's School for Science &amp; Math, but those teams were on C.A. Johnson's schedule last season and those games resulted in victories.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And those wins earned the Green Hornets a 1A state tournament berth. This season, tough outs such as Lewisville and McBee return as region rivals as well as a new tough out in Lee Central. Lamar is another regional rival.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Dreher (0-18, 0-10)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":905121,"width":"457px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/IMG_8074-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-905121" style="width:457px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Midlands-area school that went winless for the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Usually that leads to changes and the Blue Devils are no different. This season, Dreher chose Kristen Fortenberry to steer the Blue Devils back in the right direction. In addition to a change of head coach, Dreher also underwent a change in classification, moving up from 3A to 4A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This meant new regional rivals for the Blue Devils. Realignment did not do Dreher any favors. An Upper State Region 3-4A field that features the likes of A.C. Flora, Camden, South Pointe and Richland Northeast is every bit the beast their previous region was where Dreher matched up against Lower Richland, Gilbert and Orangeburg-Wilkinson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps the presence of a pair of talented freshmen in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885802' first='Kynadi' last='Breland']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885801' first='Mallory' last='Gosselin']</strong> could spark a turnaround at Dreher. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Eau Claire (11-11, 3-5)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1060352,"width":"451px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/IMG_0107.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1060352" style="width:451px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the last several years, few programs have defined “middle of the pack” more than Eau Claire has.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Think about the last three seasons for the 2A Shamrocks. The team has gone a combined 34-32 since 2021-22. Last season, the Shamrocks did qualify once again for the 2A playoffs before its season came to a close at the hands of Silver Bluff (now in 3A).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eau Claire may have remained in the 2A classification but realignment allowed for the Shamrocks to say hello to new regional rivals. Those include Chester, Mid-Carolina and Clinton. Familiar foes such as Fairfield Central and Columbia are also returning.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The nucleus of Eau Claire is comprised of seniors which should help the Shamrocks fortunes. The leading 2025 is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378764' first='Destinee' last='Tiller'] </strong>– a combo guard who earned All-2A Preseason Senior honors. Tiller played in 20 games last season and averaged 17.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals. Two words. Unsigned. Senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolstering the Shamrocks' efforts is <strong>Milaysha Chisholm</strong> who plays primarily as a two guard. She also saw playing time in 20 games and posted average numbers of 11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals a contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One can expect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='444361' first='Syteria' last='Bethel'] </strong>– another senior – to be an integral piece to the winning puzzle this season for Eau Claire. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Keenan (17-9, 6-2)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":823819,"width":"443px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6447.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-823819" style="width:443px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All one has to do is go back a few years and see Keenan in headlines as the team to beat in 3A play. Those times are here once again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Reggie McLain's Raiders earned the top ranking in the 3A coaches' poll a year after advancing to the 2A Upper State semifinal contest against Landrum. Thanks to realignment, Keenan is back in the 3A realm – and with a new (old) classification means new regional rivals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keenan stays in the Upper State – but will deal with the likes of Silver Bluff, Newberry, Fox Creek and Swansea. Many a prognosticator has the Raiders as heavy favorites to claim the top spot in Region 4-AAA.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And a reason for that is the play of freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='637593' first='Taelor' last='Lee-Sutton']</strong>. She played in 24 of Keenan's 26 games as an eighth grader and averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.4 steals a contest. Opponents at The Cove also are given problems thanks to junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='651709' first='Kristin' last='Brown']</strong>. She also played in 24 games last season and averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and two steals per matchup. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='562110' first='Aareonna' last='Caughman']</strong> gives Keenan a formidable interior presence. She averaged 8.7 rebounds, 8.1 points and 2.2 steals in 2023-24. Adding depth to the Raiders in the backcourt is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='305001' first='Jayla' last='Fulwiley']</strong> who averaged 7.6 points, three rebounds and 1.8 steals in 21 contests. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Lower Richland (20-7, 10-0)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1060366,"width":"482px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/IMG_0151.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1060366" style="width:482px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From a geographical perspective, reclassification and realignment may not have done a team less favors than it did Lower Richland.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Aaron Lucas' Diamond Hornets moved back up from 3A to 4A but his Midlands-based assembling was placed in a Pee Dee-centric region. Lower Richland, appropriately, remains in the Lower State, but will make several treks east to take on the likes of South Florence, Crestwood, Darlington, Hartsville, Lakewood and Wilson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Diamond Hornets put together another solid season – including going a perfect 10 for 10 against regional opponents.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chi'Nya Isaac</strong> has already had herself a November to remember. In addition to earning SCBCA Elite Girls honors, she announced her commitment to the Dust Devils of Texas A&amp;M International. Isaac averaged 12.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals in 2023-24. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405364' first='Jhnai' last='Sumter']</strong> is already ready to put together another stellar season at The Creek. She averaged 10.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season. The imposing interior presence that is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831277' first='Taelor' last='Hiller-Johnson']</strong> also gives Diamond Hornets opponents problems. She averaged 8.1 points and 7.3 rebounds a game plus 1.7 blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903679' first='Morgan' last='Shiver']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='875403' first='Mikayla' last='Foster'] are also names to watch out for. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->