Blackville-Hilda Hawk Invitational: 2024

There are many ways to bring in a new year. How did some of the Palmetto State's top-tier girls and boys basketball players did so? With one last midseason tournament, of course. Blackville-Hilda High School in Barnwell County played host to the 2021 Hawk Invitational which welcomed eight girls and eight boys teams. The schools that took part represented teams from the 1A and 2A ranks as the host school itself competes at the 1A level. Prep Girls Hoops made the trip out to Blackville-Hilda and was immersed in what was a full Monday of hoops at the home of the Hawks. Which sophomores stood out? Here is who caught our attention. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="216957" first="Kadejah" last="Smoak"] – 2024 – Estill HS</strong> – Speed is one of Smoak's biggest assets as it comes through for her not only on the basketball court, but in the track and field realm where she won a Class A championship in the 100 meters. She can score from virtually anywhere on the basketball court – whether that is behind the 3-point arc, inside said line or at the free throw line. Smoak displays her versatility as someone who can play as either a guard or as a forward. She will assist her Gators teammates on double teams, deflect passes and runs the floor excellently in transition. Smoak finished with 16 points in Estill's win over Williston-Elko. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="171804" first="Trinity" last="Mickell"] – 2024 – Allendale-Fairfax HS</strong> – Mickell managed to establish herself early and often in the Tigers' contest with Barnwell on Monday afternoon. While playing as a big, she showcased attributes that are more conventionally found in ones or twos – including diving for loose balls as well as a midrange jump shot. Mickell will play with her back to the basket and will grab a great deal of offensive rebounds. She never gives up on a play and has no issues absorbing contact to get to the free throw line. Mickell would lead all Allendale-Fairfax scorers against the Warhorses with 15 points. <strong>Kaniya Singleton – 2024 – Estill HS</strong> – After she was held scoreless in the first quarter of the Gators' Hawk Invitational opener with Williston-Elko, she emerged to finish with seven points in what was an Estill victory. Singleton will absorb plenty of contact and that can give her plenty of opportunities at the free throw line. She will find herself at the right place at the right time on the court and plays with a high basketball I.Q. Singleton will also make plays near the rim. She initially joined the Gators' varsity team two seasons ago as an eighth grader and has flourished ever since. <strong>Denylia Salley – 2024 – Wade Hampton HS</strong> – As everyone knows, an important ingredient in the fortunes of any successful team is how well its bench performs. Salley came off the bench for head coach Anthony Elam's Wade Hampton team in the Red Devils' game with Ridge Spring-Monetta and made the most of the minutes she received. She converted on a 3-point try in the second quarter and also managed to absorb contact and have opportunities at the free throw line. Throughout the playing time she received, she also did not have any personal fouls called against her. Salley finished the game with seven points.