SCHSL Quarterfinals Week Roundup

For the teams participating in the second round of the playoffs, this meant teams vying for berths in their respective Lower State and Upper State finals – to take place the following week. This season’s tournaments are inching ever closer and closer to reaching their crescendos and it will not be long before SCHSL champions and runners-up are acknowledged at USC-Aiken. We at Prep Girls Hoops managed to make it to three matchups that occurred that would decide Lower State and Upper State finalists. Here is a look at postseason games from this past week that we made the trip to. <em><strong>5A Lower State Semifinals: Cane Bay HS vs Summerville HS</strong></em> Between this matchup, it was a guarantee that Summerville, South Carolina would be represented at the Florence Civic Center for the 5A Lower State semifinals on Saturday February 26. The question was would it be the Green Wave that would punch its ticket to next week’s big game or the Cobras? The Green Wave’s girls basketball program has been used to winning, but the last time Summerville had won 18 game sunder coach Calvin Davis was in 2019-20, but the Green Wave were ousted that season in the second round of the 5A playoffs by Wando. Davis is in his sixth season at the helm for Summerville. As for Cane Bay, the high school itself first opened its doors in 2008, but its girls basketball program had yet to reach the 20-win plateau until this season. Coach Ira Owens’ Cobras went into what would be a well-attended contest with its in-town rival having won 23 games and being among the class of 5A girls basketball in, not only the Lowcountry, but the state. With an electric crowd on hand for both teams that gave it a state championship final feel, Summerville defended its home court, dispatching Cane Bay by a final of 66-49 and earning its berth to that Lower State final. Who will the Green Wave’s opponent be? In the other Lower State semifinal, last season’s 5A runner-up Sumter came from behind to defeat Lexington 53-47. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391710" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0567-scaled-crop-1406x923-1645632335-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> With 20 points, freshman <strong>Jemyah Chisolm (2025)</strong> was the leading scorer for the winning Green Wave. Along with scoring, she has established herself as one of the key distributors of the ball on the 2021-22 rendition of Summerville girls’ basketball. She can particularly make things happen near the rim or behind the 3-point line, will compile steals and grab rebounds. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391704" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0584-scaled-crop-1827x1200-1645632069-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> It was the final time taking to the Summerville court for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="286194" first="Jasmine" last="Grant"]</strong>. She tallied 15 points for the Green Wave after being held to no field goals in the first quarter. Grant is tall, talented and does not give up on a play. She is not afraid of contact as she is likely to hit her free throw tries. Grant uses her height to her advantage on the glass and plays tough defense. Screen setting and defensive pass deflection are two other elements to her overall game. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0340-scaled-crop-1532x1006-1645636649.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391771" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0340-scaled-crop-1532x1006-1645636649-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="359499" first="Ya’niah" last="Smith"]</strong>, also an upperclassman taking to the Green Wave’s home court one last time, added 14 to Summerville effort – which included making several fourth quarter free throws. Smith is another talented defender as she will block shots on the perimeter, get opposing ball carriers to turn the ball over and corral rebounds off an opponent’s free throw miss. Smith also showcases impressive handles to go along with her skills as a passer. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0496-scaled-crop-1817x1193-1645636819.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391775" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0496-scaled-crop-1817x1193-1645636819-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="185226" first="Alaina" last="Nettles"]</strong> led all scorers with 21 points for the Cobras. She can score from anywhere on the court – from behind the arc, in the midrange game, attacking the rim for high-percentage shots or at the free throw line. Nettles is a heads-up player that also bolsters Cane Bay’s rebounding efforts and also does plenty of work with stealing the ball and with dishing the rock out to her teammates. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0615-scaled-crop-1458x958-1645637023.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391780" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0615-scaled-crop-1458x958-1645637023-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Cane Bay also got a lift from the 13 points courtesy of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="185227" first="Jasmine" last="Jenkins"]</strong>. She was particularly instrumental in the Cobras’ furious second quarter comeback bid. Cane Bay trailed Summerville 23-11 after the first quarter, but that deficit was trimmed to as little as four (25-21) in the ensuing frame. Jenkins had seven of her 13 in the second quarter. She is quick in transition and has no problem hitting her free throws. She is a constant threat to steal the ball – including off an opposing team’s inbound passes. Scoring off inbounds plays, rebounding off missed free throws and 3-point shooting are other elements to Jenkins’ overall game. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0406-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645637204.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-391785" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0406-scaled-crop-1350x887-1645637204-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Lauren Thomas (2023) also had a double-digit point effort with 11. She is listed at 5-foot-7 and displays her versatility with her ability to play as either a guard or a forward. Thomas is particularly gifted as a rebounder – which includes setting up to work the glass off an opponent’s free throw misses. She managed to connect on plenty of two-point opportunities and even is willing to shoot 3-point attempts. Cane Bay’s season ends with a 23-4 record and winning Region 7-AAAAA by going a perfect 8-0. <em><strong>2A Upper State Semifinals: Buford HS vs. Landrum HS</strong></em> Bob Jones University in Greenville awaited a pair of Class 2A finalists that would compete for the opportunity to advance to its Upper State championship on Monday. One of those finalists would be revealed as a result of the Buford-Landrum matchup that took place at the home court of the Cardinals. It is a home court where Landrum has been a tough out for opponents in 2021-22 as the Cardinals had only suffered two defeats this season on its home floor. As for coach Susan Scott’s Buford Yellow Jackets, it was in the throes of an impressive run through the 2A playoffs after victories over Batesburg-Leesville and Eau Claire. Buford has become used to fielding competitive teams during the Scott era and 2021-22 has proven to be no different. The Yellow Jackets gave the Cardinals everything they could handle, but Wednesday night’s 2A Upper State semifinal ended the way most Landrum home games have – with the home fans heading home happy as the Cardinals defeated Buford by a final of 45-38. Landrum looks ahead to a get-together with Christ Church Episcopal in the 2A Upper State Final at Bob Jones University as it earned a 48-42 over Gray Collegiate Academy in the other Upper State semifinal. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-371199" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/870ABBAE-415A-4D57-AB3C-17734612788D.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> As has been the case with many a Cardinals game, it was sophomore center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="251758" first="Savannah" last="Brown"]</strong> blazing Landrum’s path to victory. She scored 19 points on Wednesday night. Brown will keep her hands out as a defender, provide a presence in the low post, grab plenty of rebounds and will also either attack the basket from the perimeter or try a 3-point shot. She also sets up to work the glass off an opponent’s missed free throw and is a threat to block shots. Brown can also hit her free throws after being fouled. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0754-scaled-crop-1287x845-1645692806.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392141" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0754-scaled-crop-1287x845-1645692806-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Coach Jared St. Charles had to be particularly proud of the performance he got from <strong>Ali Allison (2022)</strong>. Coming off the Landrum bench, Allison tallied 15 points – including a pair of clutch triples in the fourth quarter. Allison also showcased that she can score in transition as well as at the free throw line. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0710-scaled-crop-1813x1191-1645692908.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392143" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0710-scaled-crop-1813x1191-1645692908-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> The Yellow Jackets were the beneficiaries of 14 points courtesy of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="251273" first="Avery" last="Plyler"]</strong>, playing in what turned out to be her final game wearing Buford colors. She will haul in rebounds, shoot from midrange and will try her hand at 3-pointers. Plyler will have her arms outstretched as a defender, display her impressive skills with taking care of the ball and remains a constant threat to make plays on the defensive side. Plyler also knows how to score in transition and at the free throw line in addition to playing tough defense on the perimeter. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0742-scaled-crop-1708x1121-1645693031.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392145" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0742-scaled-crop-1708x1121-1645693031-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>McKenzie Sutton (2023)</strong> added 13 points to the Yellow Jackets’ effort. Sutton will score from behind the arc, at the free throw line and as a midrange shooter. She has proven throughout her career that her rebounding and ability to get opponents to turn the ball over are elements of her overall play. Sutton was the lone Buford player to have at least one made field goal in all four quarters. <em><strong>3A Upper State Semifinals: Lower Richland HS vs. Southside HS</strong></em> The final day of quarterfinal action across the Palmetto State would see the Class 3A girls take center stage. Among those 3A quarterfinal contests was one between Southside and Lower Richland. Coach Aaron Lucas’ Diamond Hornets have proven themselves to be championship contenders since the start of the season – and much of Lower Richland’s success has come from what the team has done on defense as well as offense. Going into the game with Southside, only one of the Diamond Hornets’ losses this season was by more than seven points. On the Southside side of the ledger, coach Milton Parks’ team is one that has proven it belongs on the court with the best of the best from the Palmetto State. After all, this is a Tigers team that on January 7 nearly dealt 4A defending champion Westside its first defeat since January 19 of 2021. The Tigers had only dropped one game at home this season going into the matchup with Lower Richland – and Southside defended its home court again against the Diamond Hornets. They won by a final of 37-26 to earn a berth in next week’s 3A Upper State final. Keenan edged out Blue Ridge 65-63 in the other Upper State semifinal contest, making next week’s Upper State final at Bob Jones University a contest of Upstate vs. Midlands. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_1020-2-scaled-crop-2254x1480-1645778660.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392667" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_1020-2-scaled-crop-2254x1480-1645778660-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> The Tigers gave Lower Richland all of the <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="196311" first="Kamari" last="Thompson"]</strong> it could stand – and then some. She finished with 18 points. Thompson is an anchor of the Tigers’ frontcourt and can play either the three, four or five. She also delivers hustle plays, offensive rebounds, interior defense, efficient free throw shooting the ability to make tough shots – including against tough defenses. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_1018-scaled-crop-2326x1527-1645778741.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392669" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_1018-scaled-crop-2326x1527-1645778741-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Complimenting the 18 from Thompson was nine from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="176203" first="Quayla" last="Nolan"]</strong>. She helps out on double teams, can run the floor in transition and will compile a number of steals. Nolan stays active with her hands as a defender, can haul in rebounds – including off free throw misses and is not afraid to draw contact as she will sink her tries from the stripe. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0832-scaled-crop-1814x1191-1645778834.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-392671" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_0832-scaled-crop-1814x1191-1645778834-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Scoring was at a premiuim for the two teams, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="124093" first="Anala" last="Nelson"]</strong> still managed a 12-point effort to lead Lower Richland. Nelson can block shots, get out in transition and will have her arms outstretched as a defender. She will try to score from anywhere on the floor – either behind the 3-point line, in the midrange game or via attacking the rim and going at defenders. Nelson will prepare herself to box out and rebound in case of an opponent’s missed free throw. She directs an offense in the halfcourt and, will take advantage of even the slightest ball handling miscue by an opponent. Nelson will play her college ball at Austin Peay.