Coach Varner Tip-Off Classic: Day One Recap

It has become somewhat of an annual tradition for us at Prep Girls Hoops to attend the Coach Varner Tip-Off Classic at Woodruff HS as one of our first early season tournaments on our schedule.    This is the third consecutive occasion that we have made the trek to the home court of the Wolverines for the early-season festivities.    For this year's version, a few familiar teams from previous tournaments returned once again – including Landrum, Seneca, Laurens, Broome, Boiling Springs and Chapin alongside the host Wolverines. But this time, a newcomer in Greer also decided to join in on the fun.    Here is our recap of the Saturday it was at Woodruff HS.    Landrum vs. Laurens   A pair of schools whose names begin with “L” were vying to ensure they did not begin the 2024-25 Coach Varner Classic with an “L” on its resume.    Laurens began last season's Varner Classic with a victory over Greer Middle College prior to defeats to Landrum and Woodruff. The 4A Raiders struggled last season against region opponents going zero for eight in Region 2-AAAA, keeping Laurens on the outside looking in of the 4A postseason.    As for the Cardinals, Landrum won its appeal against the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) which prevented a move from 2A to 3A. The Cardinals were 2A state championship participants from last season - and that odyssey including winning last season's Varner Tip-Off.    The first win of this year's Coach Varner Classic went to the Raiders with the final score reading a dominant 59-26.    Last Season's Records   Landrum finished the 2023-24 campaign with a 27-4 mark (9-1 in its region). The Raiders concluded last season having gone 7-16 (0-8 in its region).    Quarter-By-Quarter   While the opening moments of the first quarter appeared to be advantage Landrum, much of the frame actually unfolded to Laurens' benefit. After eight minutes, the Raiders built a 15-8 advantage over the Cardinals.    The Raiders not only expanded its lead in the second quarter, but they held the Cardinals to only one field goal in the second stanza. It was all Laurens as the green and gold entered halftime with a 27-10 edge.    Landrum showed signs of life early in the third quarter but the gap was simply too big between them and the Cardinals. As three quarters had taken place at Woodruff HS, Laurens was cruising with their 43-24 advantage.    At this point, it was not a matter of if the Raiders would win, but what the final margin of victory would be for Laurens. The team's dominant 59-26 performance would earn the Raiders a spot in the tournament's winner's bracket.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0484.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067510" style="width:433px;height:auto" /></figure>   Three for the Raiders concluded their mornings with double-digit point performances. One of those was [player_tooltip player_id='297889' first='Za'Nyri' last='Allen'] who would lead all point-getters with 21. She got her junior campaign off on the right pair of sneakers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0485.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067511" style="width:439px;height:auto" /></figure>   Complimenting the 21 points of Allen was the 19 that came courtesy of senior big [player_tooltip player_id='399197' first='Zoe' last='Young']. She dominated the interior both in terms of scoring and rebounding, taking advantage of Landrum not having the height to match hers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0483.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067512" style="width:433px;height:auto" /></figure>   The third with a double-digit point performance was sophomore Keyorie Yeargin. She contributed 10 points to the Raiders' cause. Her AAU career has included a stint with SC Upstate Heat.   What's Next?    Laurens would be placed in the winner's bracket against the victor of the next contest on the 2024 Varner Tip-Off Classic schedule. Landrum would head to the consolation bracket.    Greer vs. Chapin   The second contest on the docket would also feature a 4A team – except its opponent would be from the 5A ranks.    Instead of Greer Middle College, it would be the Yellow Jackets of 4A Greer that would give the Coach Varner Tip-Off a try this time. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a down season in 2023-24 where they did qualify for the 4A postseason but concluded with an uncharacteristic 9-13 record (4-4 in its region).    As for the Eagles, Chapin's 2023-24 rendition put together its winningest season since 2015-16 when the Eagles got in the win column on 11 occasions. Chapin finished last season with a 12-10 mark, a 4-4 region showing and a 5A tournament berth. The Eagles earned wins over Broome and Woodruff at last season's Varner Tip-Off but lost to Landrum in the championship game.   Laurens' opponent on Monday would be the Eagles by virtue of its emphatic 65-39 victory over Greer.    Last Season's Records   Greer went 9-13 (4-4 in its region). Chapin finished 2023-24 with a 12-10 record (4-4 in its region).    Remember What Happened Last Time?    Greer and Chapin have not shared a court together since 2016. That get-together took place in the playoffs when both the Yellow Jackets and Eagles competed in the 3A realm. That first-round playoff matchup saw Greer get the better of Chapin with the final being 70-52 on February 16.   Quarter-By-Quarter   Things began auspiciously for Greer as they assumed an 8-3 advantage in the first quarter before Chapin responded with a 9-0 to close out said frame. The Eagles had an advantage of 12-8 with one complete.    That run that began in the first quarter for Chapin extended to an 11-0 run. The Yellow Jackets had a bit more success finding the basket in the second quarter, but the Eagles still went into halftime with a 12-point, 31-19 lead.   Chapin's lead grew significantly in the third quarter – and the combination of time and the wide margin was putting the contest further out of reach for Greer. It was a 51-27 advantage for the Eagles with one quarter left to play.    Similar to the first contest between 4A Laurens and 2A Landrum, this one became a matter of what the winning point margin would be for the Eagles as opposed to if a Chapin win was guaranteed. With two games having been played at Woodruff HS, schools in higher classifications were 2-0.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0505-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067515" style="width:476px;height:auto" /></figure>   It was a 14-point performance for [player_tooltip player_id='589679' first='Brooke' last='Holmes'] as she was one of three Eagles who concluded their afternoons with double-digit point performances. Holmes displayed her accuracy from behind the 3-point arc as she connected on two of Chapin's five made attempts from deep.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0503.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067516" style="width:429px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Eagles also benefitted from the 12 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of Atyria Douglas. The six-foot sophomore center contributed to Chapin's offensive clinic by keying her team's efforts in the interior.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0504.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067517" style="width:428px;height:auto" /></figure>   With 11 points, junior Avery Belton also had herself a productive day at the office. At 5-foot-6, she primarily plays as a two guard in the backcourt. As did Holmes, she also connected on a pair of three-pointers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/11/IMG_2163-scaled-crop-2505x1645-1669554945.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-555705" style="width:432px;height:auto" /></figure>   Saturday was mostly rough for the Yellow Jackets, but a pair of bright spots did appear for Greer. One of those was senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='371890' first='Samora' last='Moody']. She led all point-getters for Saturday's contest with 17.   The Yellow Jackets also presented a formidable interior presence which gave the Eagles problems. That occurred in the form of Heaven Jones-Kesiah who contributed 13 points to the Greer cause.    What's Next?   While Chapin would look ahead to the winner's bracket and a matchup with Laurens on Monday, next up for the Yellow Jackets would be a consolation bracket matchup with Landrum.    Seneca vs. Broome   Following the roughly two-hour break in between the two sets of games, we returned to Woodruff's home court to watch a pair of teams with similar colors.    While both the Bobcats and Centurions qualified for the 3A tournament last season, they had different experiences on the court at the Varner Tip-Off Classic. Broome lost its first two games of the tournament – including one to Seneca. Its other loss occurred to Chapin. The Centurions concluded last season's Varner Tip-Off with a win of Greer Middle College.    As for the Bobcats (who moved up from 3A to 4A), it was dealt a defeat at the hands of host Woodruff at last season's Varner Tip-Off Classic but bounced back in the consolation bracket with the win over Broome plus another over Boiling Springs.    The rematch between the Bobcats and Centurions would go the way of Seneca once again with the final being 50-32.    Last Season's Records   Broome compiled an 11-16 (4-4) mark last season while Seneca finished with an 8-17 (4-6) showing.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Points came at a premium for both teams – but both Seneca and Broome would conclude the first quarter with the exact same amount. As the first quarter was finished, it was a 7-7 tie between the Bobcats and Centurions.   For much of the second quarter, Broome struggled to find an offensive rhythm and Seneca – which managed to find one – took advantage. As both teams entered their respective locker rooms to discuss second half strategy, the Bobcats had a 23-14 advantage over the Centurions.   Broome struggled for much of the third quarter before a late run got them back within striking distance of Seneca. With one frame left to play, it was a two-possession game. The Bobcats' lead was five – 34-29 to be exact.    Seneca delivered a strong close to the contest. How strong? The Bobcats outscored the Centurions by a margin of 16-3 in the fourth quarter. That wins games more often than not and this time was no exception.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0546.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067578" style="width:439px;height:auto" /></figure>   The interior play of Savannah Weston made all of the difference. She scored 20 points which led all point-getters. If she had the ball in the interior, Weston was likely to score and Broome's defense had no answers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0543.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067579" style="width:436px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Centurions defense also had little answers for what the Bobcats were able to get accomplished from behind the 3-point arc. Two of those triples were courtesy of senior Maddy Ivey who had 10 points overall. Ivey is listed as a center and power forward on Seneca's roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0545.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067580" style="width:431px;height:auto" /></figure>   Two more of those triples also were drained by Ja'nyce Floyd who also finished with 10 points. Floyd is listed as either a one or a two on Seneca's roster. Her 5-foot-8 stature has her taller than conventional guards.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0540-crop-1833x1204-1732457961.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1067583" style="width:424px;height:auto" /></figure>   Maggie Humphries, a sophomore two guard, served as a bright spot on the Centurions roster in what was otherwise a rough game for Broome. She led the Centurions attack with 15 points – including connecting on three of the team's four successful 3-point attempts.   What's Next?   A winner's bracket contest awaited Seneca on Monday while a consolation bracket matchup awaited Broome that same day. As for who the respective opponents for both teams would be, that was yet to be decided.    Boiling Springs vs. Woodruff   Woodruff takes the more traditional “host team goes last” approach for its early season tournament – even though some invites will buck this trend at times.    The Wolverines' time at last season's Coach Varner Tip-Off Classic was similar to a roller coaster – a win over Seneca then a loss to Chapin before defeating Laurens for third place at its own tournament.    The same could be said for Boiling Springs. The Bulldogs began last season's Varner event with a loss to Landrum prior to a victory over Greer Middle College before closing things out with a loss to Seneca.    The home fans departed from Woodruff HS early Saturday evening with smiles on their faces as the Wolverines advanced to the winner's bracket with a 41-35 win over Boiling Springs.    Last Season's Records   Woodruff concluded its 2023-24 season with a 10-14 record plus a robust 6-2 showing against its region foes. As for Boiling Springs, its 2023-24 finished at 7-18 but a very forgettable 0-8 in its region.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   It was at last year's Battle at the Border tournament at Landrum HS where Wolverines burgundy and gold matched up with Bulldogs red and black. A competitive contest in the third place game of the Silver Bracket saw Boiling Springs prevail over Woodruff with the final score being 45-40.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Up to this point, teams in higher classifications were 3-0 at the Varner Tip-Off Classic. Apparently, 3A Woodruff did not get the memo that its first-round opponent was a 5A in Boiling Springs. With one stanza in the books, the Wolverines held a 13-7 advantage over the Bulldogs.   Woodruff continued to show signs of bucking that earlier trend as the second quarter wore on. As both the Wolverines and Bulldogs went into their respective locker rooms to discuss second half strategy, it was 25-13 in Woodruff's favor.    Boiling Springs managed to trim the deficit and get into striking range of Woodruff. What appeared as if it would be a Wolverines rout had turned into one where the Bulldogs had a chance going into the fourth quarter.    The Bulldogs had plenty of chances to take advantage of occasions when the Wolverines went cold from the field - but were unable to do so. At the conclusion of the game, Woodruff would successfully defend its home court.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0615.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067584" style="width:437px;height:auto" /></figure>   Woodruff has seen itself in the win column on many occasions thanks to the sharpshooting of [player_tooltip player_id='305507' first='Sadie' last='Burnette']. Saturday afternoon was no exception. She scored 18 points and drained six triples which broke her own record.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0617.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1067586" style="width:371px;height:auto" /></figure>   Of course, the Wolverines' star senior could not have got it done by herself. The eight points that came courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='496240' first='Jensyn' last='Turner'] also played a huge part in Woodruff's victory. Six of her eight were at the free throw line.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0549-crop-2828x1857-1732458284.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1067588" style="width:374px;height:auto" /></figure>   Boiling Springs has a name that South Carolina high school sports fans will be hearing plenty about over the next few years. That name is [player_tooltip player_id='1068009' first='Makenzie' last='Kinard'] – a seventh grader. She led all Bulldogs point-getters with 12.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_0571-crop-1833x1204-1732458411.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1067590" style="width:377px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Bulldogs were also the beneficiaries of the eight points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of junior guard Brynn Tipton. Out of the eight points she scored, five were at the free throw line.   What's Next?   With the result being a reversal from what it was at Landrum last December, the Wolverines would be in the winner's bracket of this year's Varner Tip-Off Classic. Seneca would be Woodruff's opponent on Monday while Boiling Springs was sent to the consolation bracket – and a Monday date with Broome.

It has become somewhat of an annual tradition for us at Prep Girls Hoops to attend the Coach Varner Tip-Off Classic at Woodruff HS as one of our first early season tournaments on our schedule.