CNHY Showcase: Top 6 Performers

The CNHY Showcase at Cardinal Newman is always a much-anticipated event on the high school basketball calendar not only for its scintillating hoops but also for how it gives back to the local community.    It was an all-day movie ticket of hoops with four girls games and five boys contests emanating from the home of the SCISA 4A Cardinals.   We at Prep Girls Hoops made the trip out to Cardinal Newman for the day's festivities. A large number of impressive performances were turned in that Saturday, but here are the six that stood out to us from this season's CNHY Showcase.    Anderson's 5A Lexington assembling entered Saturday's matchup with another 5A Midlands foe in Ridge View undefeated. The Wildcats left Cardinal Newman unbeaten and a huge reason was Anderson's play. The Blazers defense had no answers for Anderson as she led the Wildcats to a 58-44 victory. Anderson not only scored 19 points but she utilized her 6-foot-1 stature to haul in rebounds and limit Ridge View second-chance point opportunities. There were plenty of occasions when she called for the ball in the interior – and when she has games like she did on Saturday morning one can see why. Anderson had 14 of her 19 in the first half – including eight in the first quarter.     Prior to James Island participating in this year's CNHY Showcase, the Trojans were fresh off a blowout win over Cane Bay. Graf ensured that momentum for 5A James Island continued as she led her Trojans with 12 points to claim victory over SCISA 4A Hammond. Eight of those 12 points occurred in the first quarter of play. Graf displayed her accuracy from behind the 3-point line with a pair of 3-pointers. She also understands when the right time is to score and when the correct time is to distribute. Add in defense as part of her game and one can see why she is a focal point of all things James Island.     Johnson's 5A Ridge View team may not have got the result it was in search of against undefeated 5A Lexington, but she still willed her team with a 15-point outing. She still displayed her accuracy from deep as she connected on five of her 3-point attempts. In that game, the Blazers drained seven from behind the arc. As one of six juniors on what is a veteran-centric team, Johnson fuses together skillset with experience. Accurate 3-point shooting is not something that is conventionally seen from many 5-foot-10 players but Johnson is not the typical 5-foot-10 standout. She will certainly haul in her fair share of rebounds but versatility is a central point of what she can get accomplished.     The reclassification of Lower Richland to 4A certainly made its field even more competitive than what it already was. Isaac – a preseason SCBCA Elite Girls selection – has been a key reason why the Diamond Hornets have began the 2024-25 season unblemished. That unblemished mark continued with a 65-54 win over 5A Spring Valley. Isaac led all scorers with 19 points. If she has an opportunity to connect from 3-point range, she will take – and likely make – said attempt. Isaac's veteran instincts also come into play when attacking the rim – as does her speed. The steals she collects – and she can collect a few – will translate into her offensive production.     A 6-foot-4 paint-patrolling big is very difficult to guard against. Said center is also very difficult to play defense against when a team does not have the bodies to match up against her. Thompson was a force to be reckoned with in Cardinal Newman's come-from-behind victory over previously undefeated Curtis Baptist. She scored 23 points to will the Cardinals to the victory on its home floor. Thompson had 14 of those 23 in the second half. She was efficient in converting on easy baskets near the rim, she corralled rebound after rebound and she even displayed point guard-esque ball handling skills at times as well.     The closing moments of Terry and Curtis Baptist's matchup with homestanding Cardinal Newman are probably some she would like to forget. Terry did do everything she could to protect the Crusaders' previously undefeated record. Her 19 points led all Curtis Baptist point-getters in what was a winning effort on a losing evening against the Cardinals. Terry did reach a milestone that evening by crossing the 1,000-point threshold. One important element of Terry's game that was on display throughout was how she was able to draw contact to get to the free throw line. Terry can give a team worthwhile minutes either playing point or as a shooting guard and she is also skilled as a rebounder and as a defensive ball hawk.

The CNHY Showcase at Cardinal Newman is always a much-anticipated event on the high school basketball calendar not only for its scintillating hoops but also for how it gives back to the local community.