She Got Next Christmas Classic: Late Afternoon & Evening

A month ago, the first three She Got Next events emanated from White Knoll HS in the Midlands – at the same time that the Timberwolves were vying for a 5A Lower State football championship in a game against Summerville.   This time, however, the girls basketball teams had the stage all to themselves.    Two upstate schools in J.L. Mann and Mauldin served as hosts for this year's She Got Next Christmas Tournament. A grand total of 28 teams converged on the upstate for the weekend's festivities.    As did we at Prep Girls Hoops. At this point in the day, four of the seven contests on the slate at the home of the Patriots had taken place. Here is a recap of the final three.    First Baptist vs. Daniel   When the Stags and Cardinals left the J.L. Mann court, two teams that were absent from last season's She Got Next Christmas event had next on the schedule.    With Greenville defeating Gaffney to open the day's play, the winner of this matchup between the Hurricanes and Lions would get the Eagles in the West Bracket championship game.    First Baptist has lost only two games this season – with one of them coming at the She Got Next Thanksgiving Tournament – a 69-49 decision to 4A Riverside. Meanwhile, the Lions have struggled out of the gate with its only wins so far coming against 2A Blacksburg and 4A Easley.    The Eagles would learn that its opponent in the West Bracket championship game would be the Hurricanes who earned a 60-40 win over the Lions.   Quarter-By-Quarter   If one prefers a basketball game where points appear to come at a premium, the first eight minutes of First Baptist vs. Daniel were for you. Once those first eight minutes had elapsed, it was a 9-8 lead with the Lions in front of the Hurricanes.    First Baptist ensured that Daniel's lead would be short-lived. The Hurricanes outscored the Lions by a margin of 23-9 to construct a double-digit advantage. It was 31-17 in favor of First Baptist at the half.    In terms of number of points, the Lions put together their best period in the third quarter. The bad news for Daniel was that First Baptist also got on the board with regularity as well. It was 43-28 in favor of the Hurricanes with three complete.    Did Daniel have a run in them to potentially make it a game in the fourth quarter? The answer was no and it allowed First Baptist to look ahead to a West Bracket championship game against unbeaten Greenwood.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6840.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826496" style="width:418px;height:auto" /></figure>   With 18 points, [player_tooltip player_id='403039' first='Gabby' last='Moore'] led all scorers for this game. Moore led the efforts for First Baptist from behind the arc as she made three of the team's six 3-pointers for Saturday's contest.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6833-crop-2247x1476-1703309460.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826498" style="width:418px;height:auto" /></figure>   Where did the other three triples come from? The answer was [player_tooltip player_id='255966' first='Yannah' last='Seaberry']. She began the game on the bench and encountered early-game struggles before eventually placing 12 points on the board.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6837.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826499" style="width:416px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Hurricanes were also the beneficiaries of a 12-point performance from [player_tooltip player_id='479507' first='Maddy' last='Hawes'], a senior center. Hawes displayed that she provides plenty of interior scoring depth for First Baptist.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6842.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826500" style="width:398px;height:auto" /></figure>   With 10 points, [player_tooltip player_id='827524' first='Campbell' last='Epting'] led all Lions scorers. Epting is an eighth grader who is listed at 5-foot-5 per Daniel's roster. She plays at either the one or the two in the backcourt and can display her accuracy from behind the 3-point arc. Epting had three of the team's eight from deep.   Bluffton vs. Greer   The last game that had taken place prior to this one featured First Baptist and Daniel – a contest won 60-40 by the Hurricanes. Up next was one between a pair of 4A schools from virtually opposite ends of the state.    Greer is very familiar with She Got Next events. At last year's She Got Thanksgiving Tournament, the Yellow Jackets defeated Lexington before losing to Northwood Academy. At last season's She Got Next Christmas Classic, Greer picked up wins over South Meck, Greenwood and Fairfield Central. This year at White Knoll, the Yellow Jackets defeated Denmark-Olar before suffering a loss to Trinity Collegiate.    As for Bluffton, the Bobcats have opened the 2023-24 campaign with a 7-1 start entering Friday's play. Bluffton's only blemish came at the hands of Military Magnet earlier this month.    It would be the Bobcats that got this season's She Got Next Christmas Classic as planned as they defeated the Yellow Jackets by an exciting final score of 48-46.    Quarter-By-Quarter   We have heard the phrase “game of runs” on many occasions in the sporting lexicon. The first quarter of Greer vs. Bluffton was a quarter of runs. The Bobcats embarked on a 7-0 scoring binge to begin before the Yellow Jackets reeled off eight consecutive in response. With one in the books, it was 9-8 in favor of Bluffton.    The second quarter saw both teams encounter much more success with putting the ball through the hoop. As both teams entered into their respective locker rooms to discuss second half strategy, the first half belonged to the Bobcats by a margin of 28-20 over the Yellow Jackets.    Eventually, Greer made enough plays to where there was a lead change. Twenty-four minutes had elapsed in this contest with eight more to go. The Yellow Jackets were ahead by the slimmest of margins – 36-35.   That lead once again belonged to the Bobcats midway through the fourth quarter as it was 41-40 with four minutes having elapsed. The Yellow Jackets had a coming down to the final seconds before a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by the Bluffton put the 4A team from the Lowcountry in the win column.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6884.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826501" style="width:362px;height:auto" /></figure>   A combination of veterans and youth paved the way to victory for the Bobcats. One of those veterans was senior [player_tooltip player_id='185221' first='Tacoya' last='Heyward']. She would lead all scorers for Bluffton with 15. Two words. Unsinged. Senior.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6886.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826502" style="width:360px;height:auto" /></figure>   Another senior, [player_tooltip player_id='520670' first='Jalaina' last='Mosley'] also played a big role in Bluffton's win. Not only did she score 11 points, but she had the three biggest of the contest. Mosley sank a buzzer-beating triple in the fourth quarter to lift her team to the win.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6882.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826503" style="width:357px;height:auto" /></figure>   Also finishing with 11 points was freshman [player_tooltip player_id='378103' first='Amirah' last='Brown']. Brown primarily plays at the two and displays she can score at all three levels. She played her first season in the varsity ranks two years ago as a seventh grader.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6875-2-crop-2236x1469-1703310179.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826505" style="width:364px;height:auto" /></figure>   Leading all point-getters was senior [player_tooltip player_id='253657' first='Amiyah' last='Clark-Lamelle']. Greer's resident guard and recent commit to Limestone tallied 18 points. Ball handling and distribution, passing and scoring at all three levels are several attributes that had her on the collegiate school's radar.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6879-crop-2236x1469-1703310304.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826507" style="width:365px;height:auto" /></figure>   As is often the case with Yellow Jackets, one can expect a big game out of junior star [player_tooltip player_id='371890' first='Samora' last='Moody']. She concluded her evening by contributing 16 points to the Greer cause. Moody stands at 5-foot-4.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6862-crop-2236x1469-1703310434.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826509" style="width:366px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='253656' first='Jalasia' last='Lewis'] was also an integral part of the Yellow Jackets' efforts. Lewis placed 10 points on the scoreboard. She managed to find plenty of success with drawing contact and getting to the free throw line.    What's Next?   Because of Berkeley's earlier victory over Cardinal Newman, it would be Stags vs. Bobcats for the North Bracket crown. That sent Greer to a consolation bracket date the following day against the Cardinals.    Pickens vs. Military Magnet   An eleventh-hour scheduling change meant the Eagles would be involved in two games that day at J.L. Mann as opposed to one.    Pickens was not involved in any She Got Next events last season nor were they at this year's She Got Next Thanksgiving tournament. What the Blue Flame have got accomplished this season is a 10-0 start to the campaign entering play on Friday.    As for Military Magnet, those on hand saw the Eagles take on Boiling Springs in an earlier matchup – one that resulted in a 63-40 win for the Eagles.    One more winner was left to be determined. Pickens took this one with the final score being 63-42.   Quarter-By-Quarter   Typically, in Military Magnet contests, it is the Eagles that have a big lead to start. Against the top-tier 4A squad that is Pickens, the roles were reversed. The Blue Flame efficiently executed its offense and it created plenty of problems for Military Magnet in the first quarter. Pickens had a 24-16 lead after one.    The Eagles had a bit more success keeping the Blue Flame's offense in check in the second quarter, but they were still having issues executing a sound offensive game plan. As halftime commenced, Pickens' advantage was 35-13.    Nine times out of 10, being ahead by as wide a margin as Pickens was would encourage a coach to rest the starters. But the Blue Flame facing the defending 3-time 1A champions in Military Magnet – a team whose stifling defense can translate to a bevy of offense.    The third quarter seemed to be a redux of the second quarter where defense ruled the day between the two teams. Eight minutes remained in Saturday's play at the She Got Next Christmas Classic with the Blue Flame leading the Eagles by a margin of 46-24.    But – even a 20-plus point edge against a team such as Military Magnet feels a lot slimmer than 20-plus points. It became a lot slimmer for real as the Eagles trimmed its deficit to 46-31, prompting a timeout from the Blue Flame. Military Magnet would not get much closer as it became more clear that a win was within Pickens' sight. The victory ensured the Blue Flame would remain unbeaten.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6889.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826510" style="width:436px;height:auto" /></figure>   It is rare that someone scores 21 points while only converting on four successful attempts from the field, but that was the case for [player_tooltip player_id='258130' first='Ava' last='Owens']. Thirteen of Owens' points were via free throws. Unfortunately for Owens and the Blue Flame, she injured her ankle towards the end of the game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/11/IMG_5143-crop-3902x2563-1700304233.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-808300" style="width:432px;height:auto" /></figure>   Complimenting the 21 of Owens were 14 points that were courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='634320' first='Maggie' last='Chambers']. These included a pair of 3-pointers. Limestone's entire in-state freshman 2024 class ([player_tooltip player_id='255966' first='Yannah' last='Seaberry']-First Baptist, [player_tooltip player_id='253657' first='Amiyah' last='Clark-Lamelle']-Greer) was in action at She Got Next.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/11/IMG_5138-crop-3924x2577-1700304514.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-808305" style="width:420px;height:auto" /></figure>   Hannah Campbell also had herself a productive evening for the Blue Flame. It was an 11-point effort for Pickens' talented senior shooting guard. Campbell also plays varsity volleyball at Pickens.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6887-2-crop-2264x1487-1703311430.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-826512" style="width:423px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='366551' first='Da'Nariyah' last='Williams'] struggled somewhat in the Eagles' earlier contest against Boiling Springs. She thrived in her team's matchup with Pickens. Williams scored 15 points to lead all Eagles point-getters.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6800.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-826472" style="width:414px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='252502' first='Sabri' last='Mitchell'] added 10 points to help the Military Magnet objective. Between these and the 16 she had in the earlier matchup with Boiling Springs, Mitchell had herself a very productive Friday at J.L. Mann.    What's Next?   Pickens will be involved in an East Bracket championship game with host school J.L. Mann. As for Military Magnet, its next contest is scheduled for the new year – January 3 to be exact in a region matchup with Charleston Math & Science.

A month ago, the first three She Got Next events emanated from White Knoll HS in the Midlands – at the same time that the Timberwolves were vying for a 5A Lower State football championship in a game against Summerville.