Around the State – Lexington, Fairfield and Saluda: 2023-24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It does not matter which geographical region one may be living in within South Carolina – top-tier players at the high school basketball level on the girls side of the ledger is bountiful throughout the Palmetto State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the past several weeks, Prep Girls Hoops has examined various geographical areas in the state via our county-by-county rankings. With approximately a couple of months left before the tip off of the season, we figured it was worth it to highlight the big names in each area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next on our list of rankings takes us to a pair of Midlands counties in&nbsp;Lexington&nbsp;and Fairfield plus a CSRA county in Saluda. Here is a look at their seniors and juniors.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631733cbeb538","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124108"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mason has been on the comeback trail she she suffered an injury in late 2021. Who knows how Gray Collegiate's 2021-22 would have gone if they had a fully healthy Mason from start to finish. She is back and looking to make up for lost time. She stands at an even six feet and typically plays as a small forward. One may have forgotten about Mason because of her injury with the War Eagles, but in her final season with 4A Irmo, she averaged a double-double with 17.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. When she is on the court, she is among the state's best and that is the plan for Mason and first-year coach Brandon Wallace.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173410eb539","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171785"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Recently, Garner became the latest standout in the Palmetto State to announce a college commitment as she will head to the Atlanta metropolitan area to play her college ball at the University of West Georgia under coach Joanna Reitz. Garner had herself a noteworthy showing on the AAU circuit with North Carolina-based ABC Lightning and head coach Gary Williams. Her schedule included a stop on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit as part of the Triumph Region at the Music City Showdown in Franklin, Tennessee. Her travel team also took part in ATL Summer Slam at the Suwannee Sports Academy. Garner led her Wildcats to a deep run last season in the 5A playoffs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173433eb53a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["171784"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Yanity proved to be another reason why 5A u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eLexingtonu003c/spanu003e had such a stellar 2021-22 and nearly dispatched of Sumter (the previous year's 5A runners-up) in a third-round tournament contest. She has a talent for attacking the rim and getting to the basket but can also put points on the board with what she does as a long range shooter. Defensively she can switch on who she defends and take advantage of an opposing ball handler's miscue that can precipitate a turnover. Yanity remains active with her hands as a defender and is not afraid to draw contact that can place her at the free throw line. She will play her collegiate basketball at Newberry College.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173461eb53b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["216947"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eLocated directly off I-20's Exit 61 is Northside Christian Academy – and the home court of this star small forward. Pringle has the potential to score early and often on a game-by-game basis and can particularly come through with baskets in clutch moments of a game. She also plays the game on contact and has no issues finding her way to the free throw line. Pringle adds an element of versatility to the Crusaders and can up her team's score total via the low post or from the 3-point line. Northside Christian will move up from 2A to 3A with SCISA's new classification starting this year.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631734ffeb53c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["247776"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":303824,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The sky continues to be the limit for Frye. She was part of last year's Gray Collegiate assembling that finished with a 16-7 record and a deep run in the 2A tournament. Frye will finish any game having dished out a good number of assists but she is in the right places the the right times to haul in rebounds. She also has no issues making shots from behind the 3-point line and can drive to the rim either through defenders in a halfcourt set or when running in transition. Frye has a high basketball IQ and is aware at all times how she can be an asset to her team on either end of the floor.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317354deb53e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["356920"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The home of the 5A Gators boasts some of the more impressive athletics facilities anywhere in the state – and one of those facilities has given Tucker an appropriate platform to showcase her vast athletic talents. She is a 5-foot-7 combo guard that displays how aggressive she is on both offense and defense. Tucker will help her team's efforts on the glass and how she plays as a defender can lead to extra possessions for River Bluff via steals. Tucker has improved in plenty a statistical category since she started with the Gators as a freshman and that is sure to continue as she looks ahead to her final season in forest green and gold.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317359beb540","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235395"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eSaludau003c/spanu003e is a team that is not that far removed from winning a 2A state championship in 2020-21, the Tigers and coach Jeanette Wilder have proven themselves worthy of respect. Means can play at either of the guard positions in the backcourt and is skilled at getting past defenders with her speed and ball handling skills. She will absorb contact and get to the free throw line. Leave her with space behind the 3-point arc and one can count on said triple being buried. Shot-blocking, getting out in transition and collecting steals are other elements to Means' game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173581eb53f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Listed at 5-foot-2, Boland stands out as a two-sport athlete at Gray Collegiate as she excels not only as a basketball player but also on the soccer pitch. Any championship-caliber team has players that help its scoring depth – Boland does just that with her potential to put together impressive scoring performances. The high level of defense she plays can lead to an opposing team coughing up the rock and extra War Eagles possessions. Boland's talent for finishing around the rim along with what she can do in transition make her a veteran standout opposing coaches have no choice but to gameplan for.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631735e5eb541","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["370103"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Spencer shows up and shows out with the Indians in the western part of u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eLexingtonu003c/spanu003e County. Spencer led last season's team to qualification for the 3A tournament. Spencer has no problems setting herself up behind the 3-point line to drain a triple and stays one step ahead of her opponents as a defender – enabling her to come away with steals. Spencer is adept at dribbling her way out of compromising situations and makes the correct passes to ensure her teammates get involved in the flow of a game. She displays confidence in her abilities and does not give up on a play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173628eb542","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266062"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Standing at an even six feet, Fletcher adds a size dimension to a 5A Gators team with Candice Cobb returning for her third season leading the team. Given the number of seniors that graduated from last season's Gators rendition, that leaves an opportunity for talented players such as Fletcher to assume even greater roles. Fletcher first appeared on the River Bluff roster back in 2019-20 as a freshman and the Gators finished with a 17-10 mark that season along with going 6-2 against Region 5-5A foes. With her sayonara season on the horizon, expect a memorable one from Fletcher.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173653eb543","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["299567"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Parker's introductory course in SCISA basketball occurred this past season in her first campaign with the Crusaders after transferring from SCHSL 4A Westwood. She stands at 5-foot-9 and has no problems playing the game on contact which can place her at the free throw line. She stays active on both ends of the floor and particularly thrives in the paint in the low post. Parker can finish at the rim with her left hand, add to a team's defensive efforts on the perimeter and go after rebounds. She also plays with a heads-up attitude at all times when she is on the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173676eb544","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["358268"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Woodlock has the game of basketball on lock and it is why she has continuously rising stock. She arrived at Gray Collegiate at a time when the program was attracting transfers from seemingly everywhere – including Eastside in Greenville where she played previously. Woodlock has no issues absorbing contact that can place her at the free throw line and she has also proven an affinity for draining her tries from deep. She will also have games where she stays out of foul trouble and not in danger of having to take the bench early. Woodlock's skill for attacking the rim and being effective as a midrange jump shooter can keep many a defense guessing.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317369ceb545","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["352014"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Fields sports the maroon and gold colors of 2A Pelion which is located in the southern portion of u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eLexingtonu003c/spanu003e County. Throughout her sporting career, basketball has not been the only sport she has competed in as her athletic resume has included track and field events. Fields makes her presence known in any game with her ability to attack the rim and that can lead to either a layup or an opportunity to sink a couple of free throws. She displays excellent ball handling skills even against a number of defenders that probably would get many a ball handler to turn said ball over. Fields stays active away from the ball and can turn her stellar defense into offense including in transition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>2024s</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_631736e0eb546","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254017"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The first junior on our list, Collins proved to be a bright spot on a 4A Irmo team that had a new look from what it has assembled in the final season of the Monica Williams era. The Yellowjackets still managed to make it into last season's tournament. She has previously ran on the grassroots circuit with IDreams. Collins boosts her team's rebounding efforts – including on the offensive glass -  and can showcase she is in a rhythm when she either attacks the rim or tries her hand at midrange jump shots. If one word could be used to describe Collins' game, it would be maturity.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173709eb547","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["185424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At this point, the South Carolina basketball community has the hint as it relates to Mintz – she is good at basketball and she is on a team that is poised to prove itself as one of the premier squads in the 2A class. Mintz has had a travel career that included wearing the Under Armour uniform of SC 76ers and, most recently, sporting the colors of EA Lady Stars 16U. She understands how to get the ball to the paint and will drain her attempts from behind the arc. Mintz hustles for loose balls and collects steals as a defender. After being unavailable this past season, she will provide a big lift for what should be a dangerous War Eagles bunch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317371deb548","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Prior to arriving at River Bluff, Henderson played in the central portions of u003cspan class=u0022ilu0022u003eLexingtonu003c/spanu003e County at 5A White Knoll. Henderson also ran this past spring and summer on the AAU circuit with Upward Stars 3SSB. She displays impressive ball handling skills in addition a willingness to shoot the ball from downtown – and make her attempts. Henderson provides hustle by rushing out to play defense on the perimeter in addition to corralling rebounds. She also will organize how her team will set up in the half court offense and knows how to translate defense into even more offense for her team. Henderson's fearless attitude comes through in that she is not afraid to shoot the ball over taller defenders.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6317376aeb54a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["246204"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Nick has played multiple sports throughout her athletic career as she has participated in volleyball with the Tigers. As much of a scorer as she is, Nick also excels as a rebounder. Nick first joined the Tigers as a seventh grader and won the 2A state championship in 2020-21 when she was a freshman. She remains prepared to make plays and will find her fair share of open looks close to the basket. Opposing teams have to watch out for what she does on defense and she will have no problems drawing contact and getting to the free throw line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63173752eb549","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["358291"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"While standing at 5-foot-11, she wears No. 11 for a Yellowjackets team that made the 4A playoffs but had an entirely different look to it – not to mention a first-year head coach. Rivers managed to find playing time in 13 games this past season and her height came in handy as a rebounder. She has no problems utilizing a jump hook to score near the rim. Rivers particularly can make great use of her left hand and has no problems absorbing contact which can place her at the free throw line. Expect for Rivers to be one of Irmo's featured players once again in 2022-23.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /-->