CNHY Showcase: Saturday Recap

The first couple weeks of December are typically when the high school basketball schedule enters somewhat of a lull before things get really busy once again towards the latter part of the month.    One of the midseason showcases that still does occur during this part of the month occurs at Columbia's Cardinal Newman School – the CNHY Showcase.    This year's girls field welcomed all eight of the teams that participated in last year's event with the exception of 4A Richland Northeast. SCISA 1A Curtis Baptist and 5A James Island took the Cavaliers' place for this year's CNHY rendition.    We at Prep Girls Hoops also made the trip out to the Cardinals' nest for the Saturday slate of games. Her is our recap of how the day unfolded at Cardinal Newman.    Lexington vs. Ridge View   Both of these 5A teams fondly remember their results from last season's CNHY Showcase.    The Wildcats earned a close victory over Lower Richland in a 47-42 decision while the Blazers came away with a 43-33 victory over Hammond.    So far, so good for Molly Goodrich's Lexington bunch as it has began the 2024-25 campaign with three victories – over 2A Eau Claire and 4A Greer at the She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament plus a win over Cross Creek out of Georgia. As for Terrence Gibson's Ridge View assembling it entered the CNHY Showcase with four wins (Keenan, J.L. Mann, Cardinal Newman, A.C. Flora) and two losses (2A Andrew Jackson, 4A North Augusta).    Would Lexington remained unblemished for the season? The answer was yes. The Wildcats pulled off a 58-44 win to begin the girls portion of this year's CNHY Showcase.   Remember What Happened Last Time?    The last time these two teams matched up was during the 2022 She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament – the first year it moved from Brookland-Cayce to White Knoll. The Wildcats earned a 47-38 victory over the Blazers.    Quarter-By-Quarter   The tone for this one was set early when Lexington and Ridge View traded 3-pointers. The Blazers were only one point better than the Wildcats through the first eight minutes as Ridge View's lead was 14-13.   It was all Lexington, all the time in the second quarter. The Wildcats outscored the Blazers by a margin of 19-3 with Ridge View being held scoreless from the field. At the half, the Wildcats established a 32-17 advantage.    Ridge View managed to trim its deficit slightly in the third quarter. At one point the Blazers managed to cut the gap to single digits before Lexington extended its advantage out again. It was 42-30 in the Wildcats favor with three in the books.    Ridge View tallied 14 points in the fourth quarter – the most of any frame in Saturday's matchup but it was not enough to overcome the gap established by Lexington. When all was said and done, it was a 58-44 win for the Wildcats.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1550-crop-2172x1426-1733669829.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099710" style="width:473px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='452367' first='Sydni' last='Anderson'] was established early and often by the Wildcats offense. She placed 19 points on the scoreboard. A good bit of what she did occurred in the first half of play. Anderson had 14 at the half and eight in the first quarter.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1609-crop-2172x1426-1733670010.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099712" style="width:480px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='674609' first='Cassidy' last='Harry'] proved to be a formidable sixth woman off the bench for the Wildcats. She finished Saturday morning's game with 14 points. Out of those 14, eight were scored in the second half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1544-crop-1833x1204-1733670143.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099714" style="width:482px;height:auto" /></figure>   Izzy Saville also got herself into double-digits late and she finished with 10 points. The Wildcats drained three 3-pointers for the game and two of them departed from the hands of Lexington's senior guard.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1586-crop-2172x1426-1733670340.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099717" style="width:476px;height:auto" /></figure>   Leading all Ridge View scorers was [player_tooltip player_id='268137' first='Simone' last='Johnson'] as she scored 15 points. Johnson was particularly efficient from behind the 3-point arc as she had five 3-pointers. The Blazers as a whole had seven from deep.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1600-crop-2172x1426-1733670448.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099719" style="width:472px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Blazers also got a boost from the 10 points that were tallied by senior [player_tooltip player_id='992667' first='Samaria' last='Smith']. She had the other two 3-pointers for Ridge View. Smith is one of five seniors on this year's Blazers roster.   Next Up   Both of Lexington's and Ridge View's next contests would be at home against 4A teams. The Blazers returned to the court that following Monday to host Dreher while the Wildcats would await A.C. Flora on Tuesday.    James Island vs. Hammond   Following a boys contest between C.A. Johnson and Lower Richland (one where the Green Hornets got the better of the Diamond Hornets in an 89-73 decision), center stage at Cardinal Newman once again belonged to the girls.    While the Trojans were not part of last season's CNHY Showcase, Hammond was. The Skyhawks suffered a defeat at the hands of Ridge View.    So far, this has been a rough season for both the Trojans and Skyhawks. James Island began the season with losses to First Baptist, Lucy Beckham and Oceanside Collegiate before scoring a dominant victory over Cane Bay. As for Hammond, the season for the Skyhawks included the GRAD Athletics Thanksgiving Tournament at Heathwood Hall which saw the team fall to both Dutch Fork and Aiken.    Lowcountry prevailed over Midlands at the Cardinals' nest as James Island finished with a 47-25 win to dispatch Hammond.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Early indications were that the momentum James Island had from its rout of Cane Bay had translated to Saturday afternoon. The Trojans scored the first nine points of the game and concluded the first quarter with a 13-4 lead over Hammond.    The Skyhawks improved in the second quarter relative to their first quarter performance but the Trojans upped their advantage into double-digits at the break. James Island's lead at this point was 24-13.   In spite of the overall defensive nature of this game, the Skyhawks were still within striking distance with eight minutes left to play. The Trojans' lead at the conclusion of three stanzas was 33-22.    But being within striking distance matters little when the team on the other bench can stifle an offense. Hammond only managed three points in the fourth quarter and that was key in sealing the James Island 47-25 victory.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1610.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1099720" style="width:489px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='635481' first='Tiana' last='Graf'] finished with 12 points which keyed James Island's efforts. Eight of those 12 occurred in the first quarter of play. Graf connected on a pair of 3-pointers early in the contest and understands when to pass and when to attack.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1611.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1099721" style="width:482px;height:auto" /></figure>   As was the case for Lexington in its win over Ridge View, James Island also had a formidable sixth woman off the bench in its victory. That sixth woman was Sarah Ross. The sophomore added 10 points to the Trojans' total.   Up Next   Both Trojans and Skyhawks will be on the road this Tuesday. Hammond will travel to Laurence Manning Academy while 3A North Charleston is next on the docket for James Island.    Lower Richland vs. Spring Valley   A good case could be made that this would be the girls game to watch for the day.    At least season's CNHY Showcase, the Diamond Hornets were on the receiving end of a 47-42 defeat to Lexington while the Vikings put together a commanding 64-25 victory over host Cardinal Newman.    When Lower Richland moved to 4A it was expected that coach Aaron Lucas' Diamond Hornets would do the same as they were as a 3A combatant – be one of the top teams. Lower Richland's wins over Atlantic Collegiate, Westside, Irmo and White Knoll have proven coaches pollsters correct so far. Coach Megan Assey's Vikings have begun the season with wins over Irmo, Richland Northeast and an impressive one-point win over Ashley Ridge at the She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament. Spring Valley's lone defeat also came at that same event to 4A South Pointe.    Saturday saw black and gold earning the victory over green and gold as the Diamond Hornets remained undefeated with its 65-54 win over the Vikings.   Remember What Happened Last Time?   This meeting between the Diamond Hornets and Vikings represents the first time these two Midlands teams have shared the same court since the 2017-18 season. In November of 2017, Spring Valley prevailed by a margin of 56-36 over Lower Richland.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Early on, it appeared as if Lower Richland vs. Spring Valley would indeed be the girls' contest of the day – and it was advantage Diamond Hornets after the first eight minutes. Lower Richland had built a 17-10 edge over the Vikings after one frame.    Then – the second quarter happened. The Diamond Hornets are a team that prides itself on using defense to create offense and its defense overwhelmed Spring Valley. At one point, Lower Richland had a 24-14 lead which prompted a Vikings timeout and went into the half leading 34-18.   By virtue of a late Lower Richland run in the third quarter it appeared as if little doubt remained about this one. With three complete, the Diamond Hornets had built a 52-30 advantage over the Vikings.    Spring Valley did display signs of life late in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Vikings it was too little too late and Lower Richland – similar to Lexington earlier in the day – kept its 2024-25 record unblemished.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1630-crop-2780x1825-1733670936.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099725" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure>   In a game such as this one that became a track meet late, there were plenty of names to highlight. One of those names is senior [player_tooltip player_id='496217' first='Chi'nya' last='Isaac']. The senior and Texas A&M International Dust Devils commit finished with 19 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1730-crop-2172x1426-1733671104.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099727" style="width:426px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Diamond Hornets also benefitted greatly from the 16 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='405364' first='Jhnai' last='Sumter']. She got to the free throw line on a number of occasions and was true on six of her attempts from the stripe.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1674-crop-3267x2146-1733671197.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099729" style="width:425px;height:auto" /></figure>   Fittingly, Lower Richland had big games from a senior in Isaac, a junior in Sumter and a sophomore in [player_tooltip player_id='875403' first='Mikayla' last='Foster']. She contributed to the Diamond Hornets' scoring barrage with 10 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1642-crop-2399x1576-1733671337.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099732" style="width:439px;height:auto" /></figure>   A 13-point showing courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='320740' first='Lauren' last='Crosland'] was what paced the Spring Valley efforts. Crosland has been offered by Coker, Dakota and St. Clair Community College and she displayed exactly why those programs has her on their radars.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1715-crop-1833x1204-1733671468.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099734" style="width:437px;height:auto" /></figure>   Stellar bench play had been one of the stories throughout the day at Cardinal Newman. Domonique Briggs continued that theme. The 5-foot-11 sophomore concluded her afternoon with 12 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1710-crop-2172x1426-1733671653.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099737" style="width:433px;height:auto" /></figure>   A pair of Vikings finished the day with 11-point performances. One of those Spring Valley players was [player_tooltip player_id='651707' first='Mariana' last='Moody']. The Vikings made three 3-pointers for Saturday's contest. The Francis Marion signee had two of them.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1623-crop-2904x1907-1733671834.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099741" style="width:433px;height:auto" /></figure>   Also with an 11-point effort was [player_tooltip player_id='895003' first='Kelsey' last='Chisholm'] – a 5-foot-5 senior guard. She connected on the other 3-point shot for the Vikings. Chisholm is one of five 2025s on this year's Spring Valley rendition.   Up Next   Both Lower Richland and Spring Valley will be on the road on Tuesday against 5A foes. The Diamond Hornets will travel to take on Lugoff-Elgin while an all-green battle will take place when the Vikings hit the road to face Dutch Fork.   Curtis Baptist vs. Cardinal Newman   A boys matchup featuring James Island and Hammond took place prior to the final girls game on Saturday's card. That game saw the Trojans complete a clean sweep over the Skyhawks in a 54-51 decision.   The Crusaders of Curtis Baptist are anything but an easy draw – after all there is a reason why they were last season's SCISA 1A runners-up to Cross Schools. This season, Curtis Baptist has once again looked like contenders with wins over 3A Westside (Georgia), Andrew Jackson Academy, Augusta Christian, Wardlaw Academy and Mead Hall.    Only 4A Gilbert at the GRAD Athletics Thanksgiving Tournament at Heathwood Hall has accounted for the Cardinals' lone win of the season with Richland Northeast, Ridge View and Laurence Manning Academy placing Cardinal Newman in the loss column.    Would the above themes continue? The answer was no as Cardinal Newman rallied from behind for a 52-48 victory that dealt Curtis Baptist its first loss of the season.     Quarter-By-Quarter   Curtis Baptist began the game with a 7-2 run prior to Cardinal Newman responding with an 8-1 scoring binge of its own. At the conclusion of one, the Crusaders had a 13-10 edge over the Cardinals.    The Crusaders outscored the Cardinals 20-8 in the second quarter and went into halftime with a double-digit advantage. As both teams went into their respective locker rooms to strategize for frames three and four, Curtis Baptist had built a 33-18 lead on Cardinal Newman.   Here came the Cardinals in the early third. Cardinal Newman opened the frame with an 8-0 run which brought its deficit within single digits. It remained that way as the third concluded with the Crusaders still leading 45-36.   The Cardinals' furious comeback continued into the fourth quarter – and was one where Curtis Baptist was held to a mere three points in the final frame. By outscoring the Crusaders 16-3 in the final eight minutes, the Cardinals put together, arguably their most impressive victory on the young season.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1773-crop-2319x1523-1733672027.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099743" style="width:528px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Crusaders defense had no answers for imposing interior presence presented by the 6-foot-4 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='429820' first='Zaria' last='Thompson']. She led all scorers with 23 points. Fourteen of those were placed on the scoreboard in the second half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1797-crop-3024x1986-1733672150.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099750" style="width:524px;height:auto" /></figure>   Also giving Curtis Baptist's defense problems was Kristin Moye. She added 15 to Cardinal Newman's total. The Cardinals had three 3-pointers as a team – all three were courtesy of Moye.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1802-crop-1833x1204-1733672565.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099755" style="width:512px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of difference makers, Irene Bocanegra Garcia was another of those for the Cardinals. She added nine points to the Cardinals' efforts. Close games are won and lost at the free throw line and Garcia made clutch shots at the stripe to secure the Cardinal Newman victory.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1781-crop-2172x1426-1733672715.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099757" style="width:509px;height:auto" /></figure>   With 19 points, seinor guard [player_tooltip player_id='1005150' first='Jaliyah' last='Terry'] spearheaded the Curtis Baptist attack. She did reach a milestone early in the contest as she crossed the 1,000-point threshold for her career with the first bucket she mustered.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/IMG_1805-crop-2598x1706-1733672841.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099759" style="width:504px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Crusaders also benefitted from the 12 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of junior Maci Butler. Out of the 12 that she scored, eight were tallied in the first half. Butler is listed at 5-foot-10.   Up Next   This Tuesday, the Crusaders will return to the court as they will host Alleluia Community. The next time the Cardinals will be on the court will be on Dec. 17 as they host Indian Land.

The first couple weeks of December are typically when the high school basketball schedule enters somewhat of a lull before things get really busy once again towards the latter part of the month.