Region 6-AA Game Recap: Philip Simmons vs. Timberland

For the second occasion this month, a sizable portion of the South Carolina high school basketball schedule was affected by the threat of oncoming inclement weather. Thankfully, one Region 6-AA matchup that took place in the Lowcountry was already scheduled prior to when said weather was to engulf portions of the Palmetto State.    Philip Simmons, on the heels of victories over Academic Magnet (another region rival) and 1A North was looking to extend its win streak to three. The task for the Iron Horses would not be an easy given its opponent.   Timberland may not be the same Timberland it was a couple of seasons ago but the Wolves entered Monday's play in the throes of a four-game winning streak. That has included a pair of wins over 1A Cross as well as region rivals Academic Magnet and Andrews.    If one is a fan of defense, Monday's game was a treat. A hard-fought battle would result in the Wolves fending off the Iron Horses with the final being 43-40 in overtime.    Records   The win improved the Wolves' record to 9-8 and it allowed Timberland to go one game ahead of Burke in the region standings. Both Timberland and Burke are undefeated in region play but the Wolves have three wins to two for the Bulldogs. Philip Simmons drops to 5-12 along with a 1-2 regional mark.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   Monday's entertaining matchup between Philip Simmons and Timberland was the first time the two teams met since the 2021-22 season when they were also 2A region rivals. The Iron Horses and Wolves split a mid-January home and home that saw both home teams claim victories.    Timberland got a 43-34 win Jan. 14 of that season then Philip Simmons got revenge in the latter half of that home-and-home with a 66-55 victory.   Quarter-By-Quarter   One could feel a “first one to 30 wins” vibe from the defensive soundness of both Philip Simmons and Timberland. The Wolves got the better of the early exchange as the first eight minutes would see the Wolves score eight points to four for the Iron Horses.    Perhaps the vibe was really “first one to 40 wins” as both teams – Philip Simmons in particular – had a bit more success finding the basket thanks to an effective interior attack. Timberland outscored the Iron Horses by the slimmest of margins – 9-8 and took a 17-12 edge into the half.   The third frame was almost all Philip Simmons, all the time. The Iron Horses opened the frame with a 6-0 run with the lone Timberland bucket coming on a fastbreak late. With eight minutes remaining, the Wolves were clinging for dear life onto a 19-18 lead.    Timberland pulled away in the latter part of the fourth quarter only for Philip Simmons to respond and tie the game up. Thirty-two minutes decided nothing. Four more were needed as the Wolves and Iron Horses were all square at 35.   A 3-pointer from the Wolves accounted for the first bucket of overtime. Those four minutes of free basketball could have gone either way but went the way of Timberland to preserve its unblemished region mark.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4333-crop-2417x1587-1737483236.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1155538" style="width:464px;height:auto" /></figure>   After overcoming a few first half struggles, [player_tooltip player_id='254257' first='Zion' last='Prioleau'] battled back to conclude the game with 13 points. She only tallied two points in the first half, but made clutch plays and free throws in the most critical moments of the game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4381-crop-3142x2063-1737483442.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1155543" style="width:459px;height:auto" /></figure>   Kennahdi Murrell particularly stepped up when Prioleau was having troubles finding the basket. Murrell concluded Monday's contest with 12 points. She was effective in converting on high-percentage shots near the rim and displayed defensive efficiency.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4388-crop-2111x1387-1737483569.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1155546" style="width:456px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team captain [player_tooltip player_id='368611' first='China' last='Greene'] also deserves plenty of credit for Timberland's win. Greene scored seven points but she also came through with clutch plays on both sides of the floor in overtime. She is one of three juniors on this season's Wolves rendition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4367-crop-1840x1208-1737483751.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1155548" style="width:458px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='555430' first='Germany' last='Moore'] was giving Timberland players, coaches and fans fits all game long. Moore led all scorers with 21 points. This included 13 between the second half and overtime. Unfortunately for the Iron Horses, she fouled out in overtime.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4338-crop-1917x1259-1737483873.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1155551" style="width:458px;height:auto" /></figure>   Moore could not have kept Philip Simmons in Monday's game by herself. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='945429' first='Harper' last='Cohen'] would add 10 points to the Iron Horses' cause. Cohen had the only 3-pointer Philip Simmons connected on.   Fun Fact   Monday's matchup was also the first against his former team for coach Allen Gethers since he left his post at Timberland to take over the reins at Philip Simmons. This opened the door for the Roger Greene era to begin with the Wolves.    Up Next   Both teams will be back in action on Friday – and both will be in their road uniforms. Timberland will be at Woodland while Philip Simmons will travel to Andrews.    Region 6-AA Standings   Timberland 9-8 3-0   Burke 13-5 2-0   Woodland 3-11 1-1   Philip Simmons 5-12 1-2   Academic Magnet 5-8 0-2   Andrews 2-15 0-2

For the second occasion this month, a sizable portion of the South Carolina high school basketball schedule was affected by the threat of oncoming inclement weather. Thankfully, one Region 6-AA matchup that took place in the Lowcountry was already scheduled prior to when said weather was to engulf portions of the Palmetto State.