She Got Next MLK Showcase: Afternoon Matchups

Midseason tournaments and showcases typically take a back seat in January to region play, but that changes around the period of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.    One of the number of schools hosting MLK Showcases was Carolina HS – the host site for this season's She Got Next MLK Showcase. Last season's did not take place because of inclement weather in the Upstate and this year's was originally set to emanate from J.L. Mann (same site as She Got Next Christmas Tournament) before being moved to Carolina HS.   We at Prep Girls Hoops made the trip to the Trojans home court for the day's festivities. Here is our recap of the four afternoon contests that occurred.    Kingstree vs. Midland Valley   The contest prior to this one would see Liberty defeat Brookland-Cayce with the final score being 30-28. Fourth on the 10-game card would also see a team from Region 4-AAAA have the spotlight on it.    Midland Valley is used to participating in She Got Next events. Except in the case of the Mustangs, it was the Thanksgiving Tournament they were involved in at the start of the season. It was one Midland Valley would rather move on from as it suffered losses to Greer and Eau Claire. In fact, the Mustangs' lone victories of the season have come against 2A Strom Thurmond and 4A Brookland-Cayce.    Meanwhile, Kingstree has established itself as one of the teams to beat in 2A play. The Blazers recently earned a second ranking in the most recent 2A coaches' poll and their only blemishes this season have been because of Marion, Lake City, Carolina Forest and Atlantic Collegiate.    The first afternoon win of the day would be claimed by Kingstree as it defeated Midland Valley with the final tally being 49-32.    Records   With this victory, Kingstree's record is now 15-4 in addition to its 3-3 compiled in its region. The defeat sends Midland Valley to a 3-14 record (1-5 in region).    Quarter-By-Quarter   The first two points of this contest were tallied by Midland Valley. Throughout the remainder of the opening frame, all but one of those scores came courtesy of Kingstree. At the end of one, it would be 10-3 in favor of the Blazers.    Midland Valley's second quarter went much better than the first did – but Kingstree still had success finding the basket as well. As halftime arrived, the lead for the Blazers over the Mustangs would be 19-14.   Kingstree would put a bit more distance between itself and its adversary Midland Valley in the third quarter as the Blazers lead grew to double digits. With one quarter remaining, Kingstree's edge over Midland Valley was 34-20.   As long as the Blazers continued to keep distance between themselves and the Mustangs, the only thing that would be in doubt was the point margin of the Kingstree win. That point margin would be 17 points.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_3902.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150901" style="width:538px;height:auto" /></figure>   Midland Valley's defense simply had no answers for junior [player_tooltip player_id='881951' first='Demia' last='Mosley']. She finished her afternoon having added 22 points to Kingstree's total. A good portion of what she got accomplished was in the second half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_3904.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150903" style="width:544px;height:auto" /></figure>   Early on, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='490767' first='Naydia' last='Shaw'] also gave the Mustangs plenty of problems. She also added 22 points. While she is someone who primarily plays in the interior, she can handle the ball as if she were a guard.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_3908.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150904" style="width:533px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of sophomore interior standouts, the Mustangs had one of their own that provided plenty of worthwhile minutes. That was [player_tooltip player_id='1157665' first='Zekenya' last='Eberhart'] who concluded her day with a 13-point showing.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_3905.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150913" style="width:528px;height:auto" /></figure>   With 10 points, [player_tooltip player_id='1318884' first='Trenity' last='Madison'] keyed the backcourt efforts for Midland Valley. Two elements of her game that she excels in are getting out in transition and converting in the midrange. She will also play tough defense.   Up Next   When region play resumes for both Blazers and Mustangs, both teams will be on the road on Tuesday. Kingstree heads to Marion and Midland Valley will be at North Augusta.    Lee Central vs. Powdersville   The two teams that would take to the court next at Carolina HS would have something in common. Both would see their school names in their most recent polls for their respective classes.    Lee Central was the designated road team – and were fourth-ranked among 1A assemblings. When a team can say a bit past its midway point of the season that Mauldin, Darlington and Carolina Forest are among the only teams that have handed it defeats, it means said team is on its way to an impressive campaign.    As for Powdersville, it has had a surprising resurgence following a 3-7 start to the season. That resurgence has earned it a sixth ranking among 3A teams and the Patriots recently notched victories over West-Oak, Palmetto, Pickens and St. Joseph's Catholic.    The latest victory of the day's play at the Trojans' home court would go to the Patriots. The final score in Powdersville's win over Lee Central was 58-51.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Powdersville put Lee Central in a deep hole early as the Patriots placed the first nine points on the scoreboard. At the conclusion of the opening frame, Powdersville's lead over the Stallions was 18-6.   Lee Central and Powdersville appeared more evenly matched in the second quarter. The Patriots lead only grew slightly from the end of the first quarter to the conclusion of the second. It was Powdersville 30 and Lee Central 16.   The Stallions continued to chip away at the Patriots advantage in the third quarter. It was 34-23 in Powdersville's favor with over five minutes remaining which prompted a timeout from the Patriots. It then became a seven-point gap (34-27) with over four remaining in the third. A late Powdersville push pushed the lead back out to nine (43-34) at the end of the stanza.   One had to expect that a team as talented as Lee Central would have another run in it. Either team that earned this victory would earn every bit of it and that was the case for Powdersville on Saturday afternoon.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4036.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150922" style="width:581px;height:auto" /></figure>   If [player_tooltip player_id='610425' first='Makayla' last='Assemian'] was on the floor, there was a good chance she was making plays. The 6-foot-1 sophomore would lead all point-getters with 25. That height and length comes in handy not only when converting on high-percentage buckets but also on defense.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4039.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1150935" style="width:574px;height:auto" /></figure>   The backcourt efforts for Powdersville were keyed by an eighth grader on the rise. [player_tooltip player_id='975806' first='Raegan' last='Bryant'] concluded her afternoon with 22 points. This included six 3-pointers and four of those were in the first quarter alone.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_3949-crop-1833x1204-1737308764.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1150959" style="width:569px;height:auto" /></figure>   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='992657' first='Hannah' last='Reames'] was a huge reason why Lee Central was in the game from start to finish. Reames contributed 22 points to the Stallions' cause. Reames scored 13 of her 22 in the second half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4021-crop-2133x1401-1737309016.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1151013" style="width:558px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Stallions' comeback efforts would not have been possible without the heroics of another senior in Ke'myra Dennis. She concluded her afternoon having placed 12 points on the scoreboard.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4015-crop-1942x1275-1737309152.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1151033" style="width:560px;height:auto" /></figure>   Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1177258' first='Serenity' last='Williams'] was another who played a major part in nearly securing a win for Lee Central. She added 11 points. Williams is listed at 5-foot-5 and is a two-sport athlete who plays varsity volleyball.   Up Next   Both of these teams will be at home on Tuesday for their ensuing region contests. Lee Central will await C.A. Johnson and Powdersville – ironically – has its next Region 2-AAA matchup with Carolina.    Crestwood vs. Woodmont   For the remainder of the afternoon slate, teams from the higher classifications would have their respective turns at the mic.    These were also teams that participated at the She Got Next Christmas Tournament. The Knights of 4A Crestwood were one of the teams on hand at J.L. Mann HS at the Christmas Tournament and earned wins over 3A Belton-Honea Path and 4A Seneca. Those accounted for two of the five wins Crestwood had up to that point in the season (Scott's Branch, Timberland, Hartsville).    Woodmont was one of the teams that was on hand and was dealt a close loss at the hands of 4A Southside before bouncing back with a victory over 2A Fairfield Central. The Wildcats have struggled somewhat in region play with its lone victories against 1-AAAAA coming against Hillcrest and Easley.   Woodmont would come away victorious here as the Wildcats were 10 points better (44-34) than the Knights.    Records   By getting in the win column, Woodmont improved its record to 10-8 in addition to maintaining its 2-4 mark in its region. The less than desirable result for Crestwood puts its 2024-25 mark at 6-10 along with a 2-3 showing in its region.    Quarter-By-Quarter   If the first quarter was any indication, it appeared that Woodmont would get the better of this matchup thanks to superb interior play. With one frame in the books, the Wildcats would assume an 11-6 lead over Crestwood.    If the second quarter was any indication, it appeared that this contest would go the way of the Knights thanks to stellar guard play. When halftime arrived, Crestwood would pull ahead of Woodmont by a margin of 25-20.    The Knights had a five-point advantage when the third quarter commenced – and it evaporated as the eight minutes progressed. With one quarter remaining, Woodmont and Crestwood were all knotted up at 29.   Fortunes improved for Woodmont in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats began the frame with a 12-3 run which prompted a timeout from the Knights.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4118.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151103" style="width:544px;height:auto" /></figure>   Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1157679' first='Brook' last='Hall'] did it all for Woodmont. The Wildcats' stout interior presence was too much for Crestwood. Hall led all scorers for Woodmont with 18 points. Rebounding and high-percentage shots were among her strong points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4115.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151106" style="width:545px;height:auto" /></figure>   Hall may have spearheaded the latter efforts for the Wildcats but the early attack was keyed by Tyana Pullman. The junior big finished with 17 of her own. In addition to her scoring prowess in the interior, Pullman is also adept with pulling down rebounds.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4091-crop-2111x1387-1737310003.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1151125" style="width:542px;height:auto" /></figure>   Crestwood was the beneficiary of a 20-point performance courtesy of senior [player_tooltip player_id='571845' first='Saniya' last='Williams']. The Knights made four 3-pointers throughout the course of Saturday's game. Two of them came from Williams.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4107-crop-2376x1561-1737310104.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1151127" style="width:539px;height:auto" /></figure>   The other two were courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='370272' first='London' last='Vaughn'] who finished with 12 points that day. Vaughn is part of a large senior class for this season's team – she and Williams are among the six seniors on the Crestwood roster.   Up Next   Both teams will return to battle with region foes this coming week. On Tuesday, Woodmont will host Mauldin and Crestwood will travel to Lakewood the following day.    Fountain Inn vs. Aiken   On paper, this matchup of 4A powers had a strong case for game of the day.    The Fury were one of the teams that participated in last month's She Got Next Christmas Tournament. Fountain Inn's showing was not exactly ideal as it was dealt losses to Daniel and Goose Creek. The Fury were ninth-ranked in the most recent 4A poll and have only lost to the aforementioned teams as well as Gaffney and Mauldin this season.   The Green Hornets entered play looking once again like one of the teams to beat in its region – and in the 4A realm as a whole. Aiken's lone blemishes of the season in a close contest with 5A Irmo as well as blowouts to Heathwood Hall, North Augusta and – most recently – Gray Collegiate.   Fountain Inn was the better 4A assembling on Saturday afternoon as the Fury prevailed in an emphatic 74-42 decision over Aiken.    Records   Fountain Inn improved its record to 13-4 (3-0) with its win over Aiken whose loss dropped its mark to 10-5 (4-2) with roughly a month left in the regular season.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Fountain Inn scored the game's first two points before being answered by a 7-0 Aiken run. The remainder of the first quarter would feature the Fury outscoring the Green Hornets by a margin of 23-4. It was 25-11 at the end of the first quarter.    The lead Fountain Inn had built into the double digits in the first quarter had expanded into the 20s by the conclusion of the second stanza. As halftime arrived, Fountain Inn had a 44-20 advantage on Aiken.   The Green Hornets did close the third quarter strong, but the gap between them and the Fury was still in the double digits. With one frame left to play, Fountain's Inn edge on Aiken was 56-38.   No extended scoring run was in the works for the Green Hornets. That meant this one became a matter of what the final margin of victory for the Fury would be as opposed to if Fountain Inn would win. That final margin of victory was 32 points.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4156.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151128" style="width:521px;height:auto" /></figure>   Fountain Inn greatly benefitted from the 16 points placed on the scoreboard courtesy of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='903647' first='Zipora' last='Sullivan']. She is an excellent attacker of the rim as well as a transition playmaker who has excelled in her leadership role with the Fury.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4159.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151129" style="width:521px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of seniors, Cameron Thompson also added to the veteran guard play that was on display all game long for Fountain Inn. She contributed 13 points to the Fury's total and particularly keyed its early offensive efforts.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4161.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151130" style="width:519px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Fury's senior class as a whole was what powered its path to victory. Another one of those soon-to-be graduating 2025s was Tori Bell who also plays as a guard. Bell 12 points to Fountain Inn's efforts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4167.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151131" style="width:512px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Green Hornets' efforts were led by a senior as well. That 2025 was [player_tooltip player_id='558729' first='Malasia' last='Jamison'] who concluded her Saturday at Carolina having scored 21 points. Jamison is one of two team captains for Aiken.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/IMG_4164.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1151132" style="width:508px;height:auto" /></figure>   And, fittingly enough, the other co-captain also played a massive role in the Green Hornets efforts. That was Scotland Staley – who is also a senior. Staley finished her time at Carolina with 10 points.    Up Next   Both teams will be back in action on Tuesday to resume region play. Fountain Inn will host Laurens – the first game of a home-and-home with the Raiders. The other matchup will be on Friday at Laurens. Aiken will host arch rival South Aiken on Tuesday.

Midseason tournaments and showcases typically take a back seat in January to region play, but that changes around the period of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.