Region 1-A: Calhoun Falls vs. Abbeville

As we inch closer and closer to state play, a greater spotlight will definitely be placed on teams that will likely be in the brackets of their respective classifications.    Abbeville and Calhoun Falls Charter are two of those teams. Known across the state for being a football power, the Panthers have made plenty of waves this season in the girls hoops realm. Abbeville compiled an 11-5 record entering Monday's play with two of those defeats coming against 3A Belton-Honea Path. Laurens Academy is also responsible for one of those blemishes.    The same applies to the Blue Flashes given they have a win at home over the Panthers in late January. Calhoun Falls entered play at 13-5 which included a pair of losses to the team both the Blue Flashes and Panthers are looking up at in the region standings – Dixie at 14-7 (14-2).   Which team would keep pace with the Hornets? That answer was Calhoun Falls which earned the hard-fought and thrilling 36-33 victory over Abbeville.   Records   The win ups the Blue Flashes' mark to 14-5 in addition to its 12-3 showing against region opponents. Abbeville's season record drops to 11-6 and 11-3 in Region 1-A play.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   The final score of that Blue Flashes win over the Panthers on Jan. 25 at Calhoun Falls was 41-33.    Quarter-By-Quarter   That Jan. 25 contest between this pair of region foes was defensive-minded. A similar theme was playing out between Calhoun Falls and Abbeville on Monday. With one complete, the Panthers had a 6-4 lead over the Blue Flashes.    Points would continue to come at a premium for both teams, but the Blue Flashes managed to pull ahead of the Panthers – and would take a lead into the half. At the half – where Abbeville's seniors from girls basketball and the cheerleading team were recognized – Calhoun Falls had a 13-11 edge.    At one point in the third quarter, Abbeville pulled ahead of Calhoun Falls by a seven-point, 22-15 margin – a large one for a matchup where points were at a premium. At the conclusion at the third, it was Panthers 22 and Blue Flashes 17.   Midway through the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 24. Going into the final Blue Flashes possession, it was tied again – at 33 apiece. This was prior to a Calhoun Falls 3-pointer in the closing minutes that put the Blue Flashes ahead by three. The Panthers' attempt to tie was unsuccessful and Calhoun Falls would win the season series against Abbeville.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_6093-crop-2329x1529-1739284508.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1187854" style="width:540px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='235401' first='Autumn' last='Thomas'] struggled to get things going throughout most of the second half, but ultimately began resembling the Thomas that Blue Flashes aficionados have come to know and love over the years. She finished with 20 points – and the game-winner for Calhoun Falls.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_6222-crop-2640x1733-1739284646.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1187880" style="width:550px;height:auto" /></figure>   Calhoun Falls also benefitted greatly from the nine points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of Tamariuna Paul. The Blue Flashes sophomore not only made an impact as an interior scorer but also as a rebounder.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_6248-crop-2140x1405-1739284767.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1187886" style="width:550px;height:auto" /></figure>   A major reason for why Abbeville has encountered so much success in 2024-25 has been the play of eighth grader Amiya McManus. She overcame early struggles as well to lead the Panthers in scoring with nine points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/IMG_6107-crop-1966x1291-1739284923.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1187912" style="width:545px;height:auto" /></figure>   Much of what Abbeville got accomplished early was due to the play of Andreyah Sanders – a 2026. Sanders concluded her evening with eight points. She is one of four juniors on this season's Panthers squad.   Up Next   Calhoun Falls will have its season finale this Wednesday at home against Ware Shoals. That same day Abbeville will be at South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind.    Other Region 1-A Scores   Dixie def. Ware Shoals 43-32

As we inch closer and closer to state play, a greater spotlight will definitely be placed on teams that will likely be in the brackets of their respective classifications.