Region 4-AAAAA Preview: Mayhem…Madness…Midlands

On our Gregorian calendars, November is the 11th month in the year. Ask many high school basketball players and November might as well be January.    Those prospects go into every season with aspirations of winning state – those journeys to that point commence officially around that time.    During the last several months, we at Prep Girls Hoops have released in-depth previews of every region throughout the Palmetto State, spotlighting the teams and players that are sure to be front and center as the season progresses from November to March.    Continuing our look at the 5A field, next up is a region that contains six teams all based on the western side of the Midlands.     Dutch Fork (Division 1)   (2024-25 Record: 22-3, 9-1)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7581.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-830053" style="width:665px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Silver Foxes of Dutch Fork are a combined 45-7 the last couple of seasons. On both occasions, the team's season concluded earlier than expected.    In 2023-24, Dutch Fork was eliminated in the second round of the 5A Lower State playoffs at the hands of Summerville. Last season with realignment, the Silver Foxes moved from 5A's Lower State to its Upper State. Dutch Fork was one of eight teams in the 24-team field that earned first-round byes.    The Silver Foxes earned a four-point victory over Dorman before being denied a trip to Florence thanks to J.L. Mann in the Upper State semifinals. This season will be the third for Candace Bush as head coach.   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='404248' first='Trinity' last='Crumlin'] is heading into her junior season with the Silver Foxes and will be one of the team's captains. Crumlin stands at 6-foot-2 and played in 25 games last season. She averaged nine points, nine rebounds, three blocks and 2.1 steals per game.   When the school year concludes, [player_tooltip player_id='562067' first='Aaliyah' last='Lee'] will trade in her green Dutch Fork uniform for a cap and gown. The senior guard stands at 5-foot-7 and played in 25 games in 2024-25. Lee averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals.   [player_tooltip player_id='1320205' first='Jamia' last='Gerald'] saw playing minutes in 25 games last season for the Silver Foxes. Gerald is listed at 5-foot-6 and is an important name in Dutch Fork's backcourt. In those 25 games, Gerald averaged 5.8 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per matchup.   [player_tooltip player_id='903744' first='Ryleigh' last='McCree'] played in 24 games last season with the Silver Foxes. During the AAU months of spring and summer, McCree wore the uniform of Team Unleashed South Carolina. McCree particularly bolsters Dutch Fork's rebounding efforts.   There are two names rising through the ranks that represent the immediate future of the Dutch Fork program. One of those is [player_tooltip player_id='1252757' first='Avani' last='Adams'] who has played at Dutch Fork MS and with TUSC during the grassroots schedule. Adams is a 2030 guard.   Another name to keep an eye out for is [player_tooltip player_id='1320239' first='Ta'Nya' last='Gibson']. She already has plenty of on-court chemistry with Adams given she too is another TUSC product. Gibson primarily operates in the backcourt as a point guard.   Lexington (Division 1)   (2024-25 Record: 17-5, 8-2)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_1449.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1092496" style="width:654px;height:auto" /></figure>   Following the somewhat surprising 12-10 season Lexington had in 2023-24, it had to be gratifying for Wildcats fans to see the blue and gold reclaim its winning ways in 2024-25.    That 2023-24 team dropped its first four games. Last season's Lexington team won its first four contests – a sign that the Wildcats were re-entering the contenders' chat. Coach Molly Goodrich's team particularly was tough to defeat on its home floor – Lexington built a robust 13-1 record in front of its home fans.    Lexington earned a first-round 5A Division 1 state tournament victory over Boiling Springs but the Wildcats were on the wrong end of a 62-46 defeat to J.L. Mann in the second round.    Key Players:   The 2025-26 season will be the final one for [player_tooltip player_id='452367' first='Sydni' last='Anderson'] before she heads to college ranks. Anderson committed to Francis Marion over the offseason. Anderson averaged 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and one steal per contest.   Lexington's 2026 graduating class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='560678' first='Jaleya' last='Lytes'] who saw playing time in 21 games last season for the Wildcats. Lytes averaged 8.9 points and two steals per matchup. Her most recent college offer was courtesy of Huntingdon College.   [player_tooltip player_id='674609' first='Cassidy' last='Harry'] also played in all 22 games last season for the Wildcats. Harry is a combo guard, is about to begin her junior season and averaged 6.5 points and 1.5 steals in 2024-25. She first played at the junior varsity level as an eighth grader.   The Wildcats' 2027 class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='1318974' first='Keira' last='Bobseine'] who stands at 5-foot-3 and gives Lexington backcourt depth as a two guard. Bobseine averaged 5.4 points in the 10 games she played.   [player_tooltip player_id='935768' first='Braidi' last='Goodrich'] is listed at 5-foot-2 and primarily plays at the point. She also gives backcourt depth to Lexington. Goodrich worked her way up to the varsity level after originally being part of the junior varsity Wildcats.   Frontcourt depth for Lexington occurs in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='975829' first='Kate' last='Mills']. She is more of a pure big and stands at an even six feet. Mills was also originally part of the junior varsity team and played in 21 games last season.   White Knoll (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 17-10, 7-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/11/IMG_5436.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-812480" style="width:645px;height:auto" /></figure>   Before last season tipped off, White Knoll had won 15 games in the previous four seasons. Last year, the Timberwolves got in the win column on 17 different occasions.    It was one of the more emphatic turnarounds anywhere in the Palmetto State. What made the Timberwolves' 2024-25 season even more impressive was finishing 7-3 in what is one of the tougher regions in the state. White Knoll's region losses only occurred against Lexington and Dutch Fork (twice).    The Timberwolves were on the receiving end of a close 71-69 defeat in the first round of the 5A Division 2 state tournament to Westwood. Shaunzinski Gortman, former South Carolina Hall of Famer and head coach at 2A Fairfield Central has brought her coaching talents to Red Bank.    Key Players:   White Knoll may have its work cut out for it after graduating its two leading scorers from last season. Returning for the Timberwolves is 5-foot-4 senior guard Sidney White. She averaged 6.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 steals in 23 games.   Speaking of guards, White Knoll is also returning a skilled guard from its 2027 class. That guard is [player_tooltip player_id='1047757' first='Jaliyah' last='Daniel'] who played in 24 games last season for the Timberwolves. She averaged 5.2 points and 1.2 steals per game.   Chapin (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 13-15, 4-6)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/eZy-Watermark_04-01-2025_03-29-22-4570AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1125730" style="width:622px;height:auto" /></figure>   Ask anyone who is a Chapin fan and they will mention how they look most fondly on the Eagles team from 1972-73. Chapin won a state championship that year as a 2A team.    The most recent iteration of the Eagles did not have a winning or losing streak longer than three games last season. Chapin was in the Lower State half of the 5A Division 2 bracket and earned a first-round victory over St. James before falling to North Myrtle Beach which advanced to the Lower State championship game against Berkeley.    A change in coach is in order at Chapin as Terence Jones, former head coach at 1A Denmark-Olar takes charge with the Eagles. A couple of former Vikings followed Jones to Chapin.    Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='408753' first='Reagan' last='Haggard'] is beginning her senior season with the Eagles. She played in 28 games last season and averaged 10.3 points, nine rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Once this season is over, Haggard will put her full focus on softball as she has committed to it at East Tennessee State.   One of those transfers from Denmark-Olar is [player_tooltip player_id='670042' first='Amoria' last='Wright'] who also played volleyball and basketball during her time as a Viking. Wright played in 22 games last season averaging 7.4 points, five steals and 3.9 rebounds.   Chapin's 2026 graduating class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='1318994' first='Sami' last='Stephenson'] who maintains a very full athletics plate. In addition to basketball, Stephenson also plays softball and volleyball. She averaged seven points, 5.8 rebound and a steal per contest.   Frontcourt depth occurs in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='1318769' first='Atyria' last='Douglas']. Listed at an even six feet, she plays as a pure big. Douglas saw playing time in all 28 games last season and was one of the team's leading rebounders, averaging 3.3 per game last season.   The younger sister of Atyria is [player_tooltip player_id='1320222' first='Alaya' last='Douglas'], a 2029. Douglas stands at 5-foot-8 and primarily operates as a point guard in the backcourt. Douglas arrived at Chapin after playing her middle school ball at Chapin MS.   That Eagles 2026 graduating class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='1318763' first='Avery' last='Belton'] who also played in all 28 games in 2024-25 for Chapin. Belton stands at 5-foot-6 and primarily plays as a shooting guard in the backcourt.   The Eagles' 2027 class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='1320201' first='Ava' last='Love']. She saw playing time in 26 games last season for the Eagles. Love bolsters what Chapin is looking to get accomplished in close proximity to the basket.   Speaking of names that transferred from Denmark-Olar to Chapin, [player_tooltip player_id='862299' first='Azauria' last='Wright'] is another of those names. Wright's primary position is power forward and she has played at the varsity level since she was an eighth grader. She played in 22 games last season for the Vikings.   Mary Ann Woods is moving into her sophomore season with the Eagles after seeing playing time in 25 games last season as a freshman. Woods is more of a facilitator as opposed to being a scorer.   Advancing into her junior season is [player_tooltip player_id='1320199' first='Annabelle' last='Longman']. She saw the court in 11 games last season for Chapin. Longman worked her way up from the junior varsity team to the varsity status she enjoys today.   Irmo (Division 2)   (2024-25 Record: 11-14, 2-8)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/IMG_1362.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1092485" style="width:652px;height:auto" /></figure>   Since the retirement a few years ago of longtime Yellow Jackets coach Monica Williams, Irmo experienced a valley the following season – only six wins. Irmo has shown signs of building itself back up to a peak.    The Yellow Jackets were reclassified from a 4A team to a 5A assembling – Irmo previously played in 5A as recently as 2019-20. The way the Yellow Jackets concluded the season losing eight of its final nine games – including a first-round playoff loss to Lucy Beckham – had to be disappointing.   The offseason coaching carousel is always a thing in high school athletics and Irmo was not immune. Irmo hired former White Knoll head coach Coretta Ferguson to the same role with the Yellow Jackets.    Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='404246' first='Abby' last='Livingston'] is ready to sport the black and gold of Irmo for her junior season. Livingston averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 steals, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game in the 24 games that she played.   South Carolina maintains a robust youth movement. One of the faces of said movement is [player_tooltip player_id='975807' first='Lailah' last='Singletary']. She played in all 25 games last season for the Yellow Jackets and averaged 10 points and two steals per contest.   Irmo got itself a win in the transfer portal thanks to [player_tooltip player_id='1116864' first='Tiana' last='Randall']. She is a TUSC product who previously played at 3A Keenan. Randall averaged 6.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals for the Raiders.   Livingston is not the only standout junior the Yellow Jackets will feature. [player_tooltip player_id='844792' first='JaNiyah' last='Stokes'] competed in 23 games in 2024-25 and is primarily a shooting guard. Stokes averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 steals per matchup.   Another season at Irmo awaits for [player_tooltip player_id='1336573' first='La'Nee' last='McCutchen']. She stands at 5-foot-8 and is another TUSC product. McCutchen was one of the leading rebounders for last season's Yellow Jackets, averaging five per contest.   Yellow Jackets opponents also have to game plan for [player_tooltip player_id='975649' first='Kaya' last='Brunson'] who also plays in Irmo's frontcourt. Brunson is a multi-sport athlete who plays golf in addition to her basketball achievements.   Ja'Iona Williams-Toatley is a name to watch for Irmo that will add depth to the team's backcourt. Williams-Toatley is beginning her freshman season and can be placed in a team's lineup as either a point guard or shooting guard.   River Bluff (Division 1)   (2024-25 Record: 8-20, 0-10)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/06/IMG_8287-scaled-crop-2376x1560-1656123663.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-450803" style="width:656px;height:auto" /></figure>   The phrase “yesterday's price is not today's price” certainly applies to River Bluff.    Because last season's Gators are not this season's Gators. The last game River Bluff was victorious in occurred against 4A Airport – a 45-44 decision in early January. The Gators then suffered through a 15-game losing streak since – including a first-round loss in the 5A state tournament to Rock Hill.   River Bluff may not have won much during last season, but it may have won the offseason. Jordan Leath, who previously coached SCISA 4A Northside Christian to a 23-3 season, assumed the same post with the Gators. Several former Crusader players transferred to River Bluff as well.    Key Players:   One of those transfers is veteran guard [player_tooltip player_id='560668' first='Evie' last='Godfrey']. She played in 26 games last season at Northside Christian. The junior guard averaged 18.7 points, 5.8 steals, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.   Returning to the Gators is [player_tooltip player_id='833030' first='Jenna' last='Johnson']. She, as is Godfrey, is also entering her junior season. The six-footer averaged 12.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in the 27 games she wore River Bluff colors.   Another of the former Crusader transfers is [player_tooltip player_id='520657' first='Chaelyn' last='Tifre'], who had a previous stint with River Bluff. Tifre played in 25 contests at Northside Christian and averaged a double-double of 12 points and 10.9 rebounds plus 3.6 steals.   The third of the Northside Christian transfers is [player_tooltip player_id='831289' first='Campbell' last='Childers'] who has played at the varsity level since she was a seventh grader. Last season, Childers averaged 10.3 points, 3.6 assists and 3.2 steals in 26 games.   The Gators' 2026 graduating class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='921086' first='Meghan' last='Tucker']. She is a two-sport athlete who also plays with the volleyball team that was 5A Division 1 Lower State champions. Tucker is a defensive service on the volleyball team. She averaged 9.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals on the basketball team.   River Bluff's 2027 class also includes [player_tooltip player_id='987453' first='Katie' last='Winegardner']. She has played at the varsity level since she was an eighth grader. During the spring and summer months of grassroots ball, she runs with SC Future.   Northside Christian was not the only school that River Bluff landed transfers from. [player_tooltip player_id='975812' first='Gabby' last='Dunat'] also joined the Gators from region rival Lexington. Dunat played in 21 games last season for the Wildcats.   One other 2027 that the Gators will feature is [player_tooltip player_id='992666' first='Powell' last='Anne Dozier']. She stands at 5-foot-10. Dozier saw playing time in 24 games last season in her sophomore year. Dozier can be placed in a team's lineup at either the two, three or wing.

On our Gregorian calendars, November is the 11^th month in the year. Ask many high school basketball players and November might as well be January.