Region 1-AAAAA Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once our calendars say November, that means basketball will rule the high school sports roost for the next three to four months as the state's premier hoopers return to indoor gyms across South Carolina.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is where we come in. Throughout the past several days and weeks, Prep Girls Hoops has provided comprehensive previews of every&nbsp;region&nbsp;in the state. We have given our opinions on where we feel every team will finish as well as highlighting key players in said&nbsp;regions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We begin our look at Class 5A by previewing&nbsp;Region&nbsp;1-AAAAA – which includes a team that participated in last year's Upper State Final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["124107"],"_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":"Muhammad once played for Southside as an eighth grader and her career has taken her to where she is ready to embark on her swan song with the Wildcats. She has ran on the grassroots circuit with FBC Carolina Hawks Parks 2023. Muhammad has also showed what she can do on the soccer pitch. She is listed at 5-foot-6 and is a combo guard who is quick with the ball in her hands. Muhammad is also a gifted 3-point shooter and has exceled as a defender for her team. She bolsters a team's rebounding efforts and makes proficient passes to keep her teammates involved.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27a56"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["259995"],"_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":"Ikenegbu took to the court on 25 occasions last season for a TL Hanna bunch that qualified for the 5A tournament. She has had a history of injuries, but is ready to be a veteran leader for the Yellow Jackets in her final season at T.L. Hanna. At 5-foot-11, the nucleus of her overall game is what she does in the low post. Ikenegbu averaged 7.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in 2021-22. Offensively, she is versatile despite her resembling a traditional big where she can give her team production from both midrange and long range. Ikenegbu attracts plenty of attention which creates open shot opportunities for her teammates.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27aba"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["297860"],"_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":"Speaking of highly skilled seniors that occupy the Yellow Jackets roster, Phillips is one of those. She can be just as versatile as her frontcourt teammate Ikenegbu as she primarily plays as a small forward but can also operate as a guard. Phillips is a southpaw that can particularly light up a scoreboard from downtown. She puts herself in position to make big plays on either end of the floor. From her ball handling to her rim attacking to her passing, there are many aspects of her game that will make her a player to have at the next level. Another one of those – her getting to the free throw line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27adf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["198018"],"_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":"Grice suits up for a Mavericks team under coach Angel McGowan that is in real good position to be one of the teams to beat in 5A this season. As the old saying goes, one cannot coach height and Grice certainly brings a great deal of it to the table. She stands at 6-foot-5 and uses every bit of that height to her advantage. Grice can convert on high-percentage shots and haul in plenty of rebounds. She has established a stellar grassroots career that has included stints with FBC Carolina Elite an most recently with Carolina Flames 17U EYBL Morris.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27b29"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176613"],"_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":"Nesbitt gives much more than just a little bit. Prep Girls Hoops got a glimpse of Nesbitt back at the Presbyterian College camp in June that the Wildcats took part of. She has also participated in AAU basketball during the spring and summer months with FBC Carolina Hawks. Nesbitt is willing to draw contact and get to the free throw line. She defines what it means to be an at-will scorer and can get somewhat crafty with how she finishes at the rim. Nesbitt does plenty of work on both the offensive and defensive glasses and puts plenty of emphasis on taking care of the ball to limit turnovers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27b49"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331883"],"_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":"Earle and Woodmont have at least two things in common – they both play for the same high school team and they both run on the AAU circuit during the spring and summer months with the same team as well – FBC Carolina Hawks Elite 16U Parks. Earle makes the right passes with regularity and particularly can find her guards, allowing them to set up the Wildcats offense in the halfcourt. Earle is an efficient floor runner who can haul in a sizable number of rebounds. Those offensive boards can become two-point putbacks and she is typically in the right places at the right times near the basket.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27b68"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["269320"],"_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":"It is only fitting that a girls basketball player with the last name of Workman would play for a travel team called [program_tooltip program_id='713826' first='3' last='The Hard Way']. One of the many elements to her game is how she guards the interior. Her shot blocking capabilities make her some that is difficult to score on. Workman stands at 5-foot-9 and primarily plays as a three forward. Workman will be an important cog in what the Patriots hope will be yet another winning season at JL Mann. The school first started competing as a 5A participant with the 2016-17 season after moving up from the 4A classification.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27b8d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331884"],"_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":"Unlike some of her notable teammates that participated in club ball in the spring and summer with FBC Carolina Hawks, Chambers was actually part of [program_tooltip program_id='713005' first='Upward' last='Stars'] 3SSB 2024 – also an Adidas team. Chambers is a southpaw that particularly thrives on the court with the ball in her hands. She will deliver a great deal of hustle and particularly gets after the ball when playing defense. Chambers plays the game with a fearless attitude and she displays this with her willingness to attack the basket even with the chance she will be swarmed by a group of defenders. She can also draw contact and get to the free throw line in addition to keeping herself out of foul trouble.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27e64"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["303245"],"_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":"Prep Girls Hoops became very familiar with Bowling over the spring and summer months. She participated in grassroots ball with FCA Eagles 2024 and they were a team that made its presence felt on the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit's Triumph Region – including at the Music City Showdown just outside of Nashville. While she is adept at draining her 3-point tries, Bowling will also draw contact and get to the free throw line for either a pair or to complete an old-school 3-point play. Bowling is a constant possibility to go the other way with the ball and has a knack for how to make the right passes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27ebb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["242932"],"_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":"One can color the next section of this preview in the signature orange and brown colors that define the Mavericks. Jones currently holds offers from Presbyterian College, North Greenville University and North Carolina Au0026amp;T – a Greensboro-based HBCU. She also has ran on the grassroots circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='783909' first='A'ja' last='Wilson Elite'] 17U, meaning she is playing up in class in the club realm. Jones participated in 27 games for last year's Upper State finalists and averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 steals, 3.3 steals and three rebounds per game. Her breakout freshman campaign she put together last season indicates she is just getting started.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27f08"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["185426"],"_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":"Speaking of rising stars who are beginning to see their recruiting fortunes take a jump in the right direction, the same is coming true for Soltys. She now holds offers from a pair of Division I Hoop State schools in Appalachian State and Western Carolina along with Presbyterian College. At 5-foot-8 and playing the one, Soltys is naturally left-handed and has the ability to finish at the rim. She can get creative with her passing abilities. She may be a relative youngster, but is mature beyond her years. Soltys played in 26 games last season and is sure to be an important player as Mauldin looks for a 5A championship.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27f37"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["196052"],"_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":"Franks' first season competing at varsity happened to be a couple of seasons ago when she was in the eighth grade. Since then, Upstate hoops fans have been able to have a first-hand view of her robust development over the years. Franks is transferring from JL Mann and joining a Mavericks team that will be a top squad to beat. She previously ran on the grassroots circuit with CP3 Flames EYBL Richard 16U. Franks is a matchup problem for many teams with her rebounding skills at a towering 6-foot-3. There are not too many teams that are both young and dangerous, but Mauldin fits that description.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27f5a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["258133"],"_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":"If things go the way the Yellow Jackets home, the team will have plenty of occasions in the Wynn column this season. She is listed at 5-foot-9 and primarily is on the court as a three forward. In addition to her ability to be an efficient floor runner, she can convert on high-percentage shot opportunities near the basket. Wynn also can have games where she keeps herself out of foul trouble, enabling her to log more minutes. In addition to what she has accomplished on the basketball court, she has also excelled in the track and field realm – including participating in the high jump.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27f7e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["195514"],"_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":"If one were to combine the upside of a rising star with many of the attributes of many a seasoned veteran, one would probably end up with this up-and-comer for the Yellow Jackets. Clinkscales is listed at 5-foot-6 and is a budding backcourt baller for T.L. Hanna. She is accurate from 3-point range, improve a team's rebounding efforts and showcase how effective she can be on defense. Even if she has a game where she may struggle early on, her coaches and teammates can certainly count on Clinkscales to eventually right the ship and put a crooked number on the scoreboard.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27f9e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["468191"],"_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":"On the grassroots circuit, Leamon has worn the uniform of [program_tooltip program_id='713826' first='3' last='The Hard Way']-Avery. Standing at 5-foot-7 and playing most of her time as a two guard, she has great ball handling skills which can enable her to get herself out of precarious situations. Her 3-point shot is accurate and one many an opposing coach has to game plan to contain. Leamon can finish at the rim and attack the basket with a fearless attitude and puts herself in position to make plenty of plays. The Mavericks have arguably one of the most formidable youth movements anywhere in South Carolina and Leamon is a noteworthy example of when Mauldin slowly, but surely, is assembling.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27fc9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["264982"],"_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":"Williams has participated in her grassroots ball recently with FBC Carolina Hawks Elite 14U Hatten under the Adidas umbrella. She stands at an even six feet and gives the Yellow Jackets another interior dimension to their offense and defense. Williams was one of two on the travel team who stood at either six feet or more and played her middle school basketball at Robert Anderson MS which has seen many a talent land at Westside – winners of the last two 4A state championships. Williams will have plenty of frontcourt mentors to learn from on this year's Yellow Jackets rendition which include Wynn and Ikenegbu.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63769bcc27fe9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Prep Girls Hoops predictions:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mauldin</strong> – The Mavericks may make a push for not only a&nbsp;Region&nbsp;1-AAAAA championship but a 5A state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodmont</strong> – The Wildcats have a lot of talent to make an even deeper push in the 5A tournament.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>J.L. Mann </strong>– Losing Moss and Mack will be tough sneakers to fill for the Patriots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>T.L. Hanna</strong> – One would expect the Yellow Jackets would improve on their 0-10 road record from last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hillcrest</strong> – The Rams had an identical 1-7 mark against&nbsp;region&nbsp;opponents as T.L. Hanna.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->