Queen’s Court Invitational: Saturday’s Results

February may not necessarily be a month the average high school sports aficionado thinks about in terms of showcase events, but traditions are meant to be broken.    At the beginning of the month, South Pointe coach Stephanie Butler-Graham and the Stallions hosted the Queen's Court Invitational. Eight teams took part in Saturday's showcase get-together – seven of them being from the Palmetto State with one more hailing from the Hoop State.    It is only fitting that a girls basketball showcase event roughly two weeks prior to the unveiling of state brackets take place at the home of an undefeated team. We at Prep Girls Hoops made the trip to South Pointe for the day's festivities. Here is how Saturday's day of basketball unfolded.    West Mecklenburg vs. Spartanburg   The first contest on the day's card would feature the lone team from North Carolina represented.    That team from the Hoop State has had another rough season on the court. Following a two-win season in 2023-24, West Mecklenburg's 2024-25 has only been slightly better with three victories. Those three (Sugar Creek Charter, Ballantyne Ridge, Garinger) occurred in the first five games of the season and the Hawks have since dropped 10 consecutive contests. West Meck has not had the same luck as its intra-county counterparts to the North (17-2, 9-1) and South (18-3, 8-1).   Speaking of the number 10, 5A Spartanburg entered play with 10 wins - and 11 losses. With five games left to play, the Vikings were one win shy of matching the 11 wins of last year.   Would that eleventh win occur at this year's Queen's Court Invitational? The answer was yes as Spartanburg concluded its time at South Pointe with a 64-22 drubbing over West Meck.    Records   Spartanburg improves its mark to 11-11 while that of West Meck falls to 3-13.    Quarter-By-Quarter   On paper, a contest between Spartanburg and West Meck probably would not be competitive but the Vikings lead was only in single digits following the first eight minutes. It was 15-7 in the Vikings favor over the Hawks with one in the books.    The second quarter was when the rout began to take place. Spartanburg's defense held West Meck to only two field goals to take firm control of this contest. At the half, the scoreboard read Vikings 34 and Hawks 11.    As seconds and minutes continued to tick off the clock, it became clear that Spartanburg would run away with the first contest of the Queen's Court Invitational. The Viking lead grew to 43-16 at the end of three frames.   As if it was not evident already, this one was no longer a matter of which team would win, but what the Spartanburg point margin would be. There may have been a grand total of zero drama in the closing moments of this one, but the Vikings would dispatch the Hawks by a grand total of 42 points.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5046.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173189" style="width:547px;height:auto" /></figure>   The offensive onslaught for Spartanburg was keyed by sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1273413' first='Kaylee' last='Nelson'] who concluded her afternoon with an 18-point performance. The Vikings had a game plan to get the ball to Nelson close to the rim and the West Meck defense had no answers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5044.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173190" style="width:551px;height:auto" /></figure>   West Meck's defense also had zero answers for [player_tooltip player_id='373426' first='Kam' last='Sainvil'] – in her senior season sporting Spartanburg navy blue and gold. She added 15 points to the Vikings total. Sainvil is one of four seniors on this year's team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5050.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173191" style="width:549px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of Spartanburg's 2027 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1090296' first='Deasia' last='Bridges'] also finished in double digits for points with 13. Bridges is listed at 5-foot-6 on the Vikings' roster and is one of the five sophomores on this team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5018-crop-1833x1204-1738506193.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173194" style="width:545px;height:auto" /></figure>   A bright spot for West Meck proved to be junior April Thompson. One of two team captains for the Hawks, Thompson concluded her afternoon with 14 points. She proved how effective she can be with playing point and how effective she is from long range.   Up Next   Both teams will resume region play on Tuesday against tough opponents. West Meck will be on the road at North Meck and Spartanburg will be hosting Byrnes.   Military Magnet vs. Westside   Following the Vikings vs. Hawks game, one of the best teams in the 1A ranks had a get-together with one of the premier assemblings of the 4A realm.   Military Magnet's theme of 2024-25 has been its redemption tour. Entering play on Saturday, the Eagles had only dropped three games all season – and only one against a Palmetto State foe. That was 5A Ashley Ridge back in early December. Military Magnet had a 12-game winning streak heading into Saturday's action.    The Rams of Westside are consistently among the class of 4A and that is the case once again in 2024-25. In similar fashion to Military Magnet, the Rams have only dropped one game against a Palmetto State opponent – another 4A team in Lower Richland in late November.    Someone had to lose its second game to an in-state adversary – and it was not Westside. The Rams would earn a 73-55 victory over the Eagles.   Records   With only a few games to go in its regular season, Westside's record is 16-2. That of Military Magnet is now 19-4.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Early on, this contest looked like it would be advantage Military Magnet before there was a momentum shift in Westside's direction. With eight minutes having elapsed, the Rams lead was 19-12 over the Eagles.    It is not every day when a team such as Military Magnet is trailing at the half by double digits. But it is not every day when an elite 1A squad such as the Eagles matches up with an elite 4A assembling such as the Rams – which had a 37-20 edge at the break.    That double-digit advantage Westside had established in the second quarter would be maintained as the third quarter concluded. With one quarter remaining, the Rams had a 50-35 advantage over the Eagles.    Prior to Saturday, the Eagles' worst loss of the season occurred in mid-December against a North Carolina team - 4A Athens Drive. Last season's 4A Upper State finalists once again displayed that it is one of the elite teams in said classification scoring a double-digit win over top-ranked Military Magnet.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5162.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173197" style="width:633px;height:auto" /></figure>   Four for the Rams were in double figures points-wise. That included the towering interior force that is [player_tooltip player_id='324541' first='Khalia' last='Hartwell']. She tallied 17 points. Given she stands at 6-foot-5, teams looking to score on the Rams ought to do so on their first try.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5169.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173198" style="width:632px;height:auto" /></figure>   Westside also benefitted from the 14 points placed on the scoreboard courtesy of junior [player_tooltip player_id='1318900' first='Lamiyah' last='Boggs'] off the bench. She was especially effective from behind the 3-point line as she connected on four of her attempts from deep.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5166.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173199" style="width:629px;height:auto" /></figure>   Joining the points parade would be [player_tooltip player_id='195514' first='Monasia' last='Clinkscales'] – and the 11 points she scored. She added to the success that the Rams had from downtown with two from deep. Clinkscales is one of seven juniors on this season's Westside rendition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5165.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173200" style="width:624px;height:auto" /></figure>   When [player_tooltip player_id='921724' first='Tiana' last='Marshall'] takes the court, Rams fans get a glimpse of the team's future. The Westside eighth grader would add 10 points – including two more 3-pointers. Marshall stands at 5-foot-10 and can play as a one, two, wing or three.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5077-crop-3455x2269-1738507211.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173205" style="width:627px;height:auto" /></figure>   Leading all scorers for the game was the Eagles' [player_tooltip player_id='196266' first='Dream' last='Watson'] who placed 22 on the scoreboard. Out of the 22 she did score, 12 of those points occurred in the second half of play. Efficiency and fearlessness are two of the many strong points to her game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5157-crop-1833x1204-1738507366.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173207" style="width:619px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='252502' first='Sabri' last='Mitchell'] would finish Saturday afternoon's game with 16 points. Mitchell would come off the bench to give Military Magnet scoring and midrange depth. She is one of five seniors for this year's Eagles rendition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5093-crop-1833x1204-1738507516.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173209" style="width:615px;height:auto" /></figure>   Here is a name Palmetto State hoops fans should be hearing about in bulk over the remainder of the decade. Seventh grade point guard [player_tooltip player_id='926321' first='Mariah' last='Brown'] was part of the starting five for coach Nathaniel Taylor's Eagles. Brown concluded her afternoon with 10 points.   Up Next   On Monday, Military Magnet will resume region play on the road at Charleston Math & Science. The following day, Westside will play host to Laurens.    Greenwood vs. Clover   The third game of the day would feature one of the 5A teams for the first time. In fact, it featured a pair of squads from the 5A classification.    Greenwood may have had a slightly down season from its 22-6 showing in 2023-24 (the Eagles' final time for now in 4A) but the Eagles are still a formidable foe. The Eagles recently were in the throes of a 5-game winning streak prior to region losses against J.L. Mann and Greenville. Greenwood got back on the right track recently with a win over T.L. Hanna.   We knew going into the season that the Blue Eagles of Clover would once again be among the best teams in the 5A ranks. What we did not know is how the Blue Eagles would enter Saturday's event a perfect nine-for-nine against regional opponents. We also did not know that one team would account for both Clover defeats – Gaffney.    There was no Gaffney at South Pointe, but Clover was and it departed from South Pointe HS with the final being a hard-fought 45-42 win over Greenwood.    Quarter-By-Quarter   A good portion of the first half appeared to tell the story of a game that would be all Clover all the time before Greenwood battle back to make it competitive. Those opening minutes would see an 18-11 advantage in Clover's favor.    As things began to shift more in the favor of Greenwood, it began to pull in front of Clover. As both teams spent the 10 minutes of halftime discussing second half strategy, Greenwood had the 26-24 advantage.    Both teams continued to look evenly matched in the third quarter, but Greenwood managed to grow its lead slightly. With one quarter remaining, the Greenwood advantage over Clover was 39-34.    An improved defensive effort from Clover enabled it to pull ahead of Greenwood in the fourth quarter. That improved defensive effort fused together with timely offense also enabled Clover to hold off a tough challenge from a solid Greenwood team.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5262.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173210" style="width:553px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='372272' first='Samara' last='Lucas'] concluded her evening having placed 14 points on the scoreboard for Clover. Out of the 14 she tallied, nine of those happened in the first quarter. Lucas led her team's early efforts when it appeared Clover may win the contest going away.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5264.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173211" style="width:552px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coming up big with clutch baskets in crunch time was [player_tooltip player_id='1174795' first='Olivia' last='Lewter']. She concluded her evening having tallied 10 points. Her effective play as a three forward for Clover includes her ability to corral rebounds.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5174-crop-2090x1372-1738508028.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173213" style="width:551px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='438237' first='Danielle' last='Oliver'] still put forth a winning effort for Greenwood. She spearheaded her team's comeback efforts in the second quarter and ultimately finished with 20 points. Ball handling, efficiency and quickness are among her strong points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5186-crop-1833x1204-1738508119.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173215" style="width:547px;height:auto" /></figure>   Greenwood also benefitted greatly from the 10 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='436756' first='Ty' last='Johnson']. While she can play as a big, the six-foot junior can also give a team minutes at the three.   Up Next   When region play resumes for Greenwood, it will be back at home hosting Hillcrest on Tuesday. When region play resumes for Clover, it will be on the road at Indian Land.    River Bluff vs. South Pointe   One game remained in the day's play – and wouldn't one know – the home team is involved.    That home team has established itself as, perhaps, the 4A team to beat in the state. The Stallions' impressive 2024-25 resume has included wins over tough outs such as Andrew Jackson, Spring Valley, Rock Hill, A.C. Flora, Ridge View and a pair of wins over region foe Camden that could decide its region.   At one point this season, River Bluff was 8-5. Then came region play – and when a team is in as tough a region as the Gators are, there is little margin for error. River Bluff was hoping to turn things around against the Stallions.    South Pointe had other ideas as it picked up another dominant win over River Bluff.   Records   South Point preserves its unbeaten season at 22-0 while River Bluff suffers its ninth consecutive loss to fall to 8-14.    Quarter-By-Quarter   South Pointe had the advantage for much of the first quarter, but one would not have that by simply peering at the scoreboard. With one in the books, the Stallions had established an 11-7 advantage on the Gators.    The second quarter was all South Pointe, all the time. In addition – it was reflected by the reading on the scoreboard. As both teams went into their respective locker rooms to mull over second half strategy, the Stallions had a commanding edge on the Gators with said scoreboard reading 33-10.   What the Gators needed was a run at the start of the third quarter to trim the gap between themselves and the Stallions. What did happen was South Pointe playing like an elite 4A team on its home court. The scoreboard read 61-16 at the end of three.    As was the case with the opening contest between Spartanburg and West Meck, it was no longer a matter of if South Pointe would remain undefeated, but what the final margin of victory would be over River Bluff. That final margin would be 51 points.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5301.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173218" style="width:571px;height:auto" /></figure>   Teams all season have had problems containing [player_tooltip player_id='429828' first='Kaleigh' last='Lucas'] – and River Bluff was no exception to that rule on Saturday evening. Lucas tallied 22 points – including connecting on four of the team's 5 3-pointers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5308.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173219" style="width:567px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='324542' first='JaNyia' last='Cunningham'] has been teams problems all season long. She contributed to another Stallions offensive outburst with a 22-point effort as well. Out of those 22, 15 occurred in the first half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5306.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1173220" style="width:566px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='671661' first='Kemoni' last='Hardy'] – an eighth grader – also joined in on the parade. She would add to what the Stallions got accomplished on Saturday evening with 10 points off the bench. Hardy is in her second season at the varsity level.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_5273-crop-1833x1204-1738508734.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1173222" style="width:565px;height:auto" /></figure>   River Bluff would more than likely want to forget Saturday's matchup with South Pointe, but [player_tooltip player_id='833030' first='Jenna' last='Johnson'] still came through with timely offense. The Gators' star sophomore concluded her evening with eight points.   Up Next   South Pointe looks to continue its region dominance on Tuesday as it hosts York. River Bluff looks to turn around its region fortunes that same day at home vs. Irmo.

February may not necessarily be a month the average high school sports aficionado thinks about in terms of showcase events, but traditions are meant to be broken.