Bates’ noteworthy career has spanned both South Carolina and Alabama. Her Northwood Academy team was one of the toughest outs of the SCISA 4A ranks and the 16.9 points, 3.9 assists and 3.9 steals she averaged were crucial in the Chargers’ run to this past season’s championship game. Bates would play in 29 of the 30 games for coach Ginnell Curtis’ Chargers and is one of three seniors that are part of Northwood Academy’s 2026 graduating class. She was one of two team co-captains for this past season’s Chargers and backed it up by leading by example on the court. 

Birch was not the only notable name from Northwood Academy that reached a milestone. On Jan. 23, Northwood Academy was on the road for a region matchup against Pinewood Prep. The Chargers picked up the 65-21 victory – one that saw Bates reach 2,000 points for her career. Bates is one of three from this season’s Chargers team that is part of Northwood Academy’s graduating class of 2026. Bates participated in 29 games this past season for the Chargers and would average 16.9 points, 3.9 assists and 3.9 steals per game. She was also one of two team co-captains for Northwood Academy.

A day ending in y is a date for Bates to be great. Northwood Academy has already established itself as one of the teams to beat in SCISA 4A this season. That continued as Bates led her Chargers to an impressive victory over a St. Joseph’s Catholic team that qualified for the 3A Upper State championship game last season. Bates concluded her day at Lexington HS with a 15-point outing. She is a veteran floor general who finishes strong at the rim and can get a bit crafty from time to time with how she gets two points at the cup. Bates is a skilled floor-runner and passer who is a tough out for any defense.