Shifting our focus to one of the teams to beat in the 4A ranks, the addition of Ross has paid dividends for Wilson. On Jan. 19, the Tigers were locked in a tough region contest on the road at Crestwood. Wilson prevailed over the Knights by a final score of 42-36 and Ross achieved her significant milestone by reaching 1,000 points – also as a sophomore. Ross has only played in nine games this season, but she has made the most of when she has been on the court for Wilson. In those nine contests, Ross has averaged 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 steals per matchup. 

Ross was one of the more high-profile transfers across the state this past offseason and she put together one of her signature performances since she began sporting the gold and purple hues of the Tigers. With 21 points, Ross willed her 4A Wilson team to a hard-fought 56-54 victory over region rival South Florence. Showing up in crunch time of big games is what coaches look for from their primary players and Ross did just that to the tune of 16 of her 21 occurring in the second half. Ross also departed from this year’s Carolina Classic having added tournament MVP honors to her already extensive resume. 

Ross being the centerpiece of the 5A Sumter roster should make the Gamecocks’ transition from defending champions to back among the pack a bit smoother. The freshman will be the focal point for all things Sumter for the next several seasons. Back at the M-Town Showdown, her Gamecocks took on 2A Marion and nearly got the victory to extend its undefeated streak. Ross tallied 18 points and particularly came up big in big moments. Her team was trailing 48-47 late and she converted on a two-point putback which gave Sumter the lead late. In addition to the points she places on the board, she also excels as a rebounder and as a defender.

For the next several years, Ross will be the focal point of all things 5A Sumter. The final contest of Friday’s play at Manning HS would see Ross’ Gamecocks match up against the Swamp Foxes of 2A Marion. Ross concluded the game with 18 points even though Sumter was on the receiving end of a 50-49 decision. Out of those 18 points, 11 of them were scored in the second half. One of the highlights of the day occurred late in the fourth quarter. With Sumter trailing 48-47, Ross converted on a two-point putback close to the rim which appeared to put the Gamecocks up for good at the time. 

Ross may have been, arguably, the standout of standouts this past weekend in Florence. The young freshman standout from defending 5A champion Sumter displayed that the Gamecocks future is bright in spite of the hit they took over the offseason with seniors graduating. At 5-foot-7, Ross can be placed in a team’s lineup either at the two in the backcourt or as a three. She made plays throughout the day – including in the transition game and with attacking the basket with the fearlessness of an upperclassman. Ross also excelled in 3-point shooting drills. She averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 steals in 24 games last season – not bad for one’s eighth grade campaign.