The high school basketball season is already underway for a handful of local teams, but before things really ramp up, you can get up to speed on the upcoming season with our season preview package.
In this edition, we preview area SCISA girls teams — Beaufort Academy, Hilton Head Christian Academy, Hilton Head Prep, John Paul II, and Thomas Heyward.
You can also hear more extensive previews of each team on this week’s episode of the LowcoSports Lowdown podcast.
Hear local sports news and analysis every week from LowcoSports founder Justin Jarrett and Wes Kerr on the LowcoSports Lowdown podcast! Available now on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts!
FIVE STARS TO WATCH
• Jasmine Campbell, Sr., F, HHCA: A force in the paint for the state champion Eagles, Campbell averaged 10.5 points and 8.6 rebounds as a junior, earning first-team All-Lowco honors.
• Tkai DeVore, Sr., G/F, JPII: The reigning All-Lowco Player of the Year averaged 20.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.5 steals with 14 double-doubles in 21 games last year. She plans to enlist in the U.S. Army after graduation, so she’ll be determined to put on a show in her final ride.
• EmilyAnn Hiers, Sr., G, BA: Hiers is one-half of the Eagles’ senior inside-outside duo, and she was a versatile contributor last season, averaging 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and four steals.
• Amelia Huebel, Sr., C, BA: The yin to Hiers’ yang, Huebel is a dominant inside presence. She averaged 17.2 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals as a junior to earn second-team All-Lowco honors.
• Brielle McCarthy, Sr., G, HHCA: The Eagles’ engine, McCarthy is a lockdown defender on the perimeter and a savvy ball handler, but she can score, too, averaging 11 points to go with 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals in a first-team All-Lowco season a year ago.
UNDER THE RADAR
• Dior Shelton, Jr., F, HHCA: Somewhat overshadowed by the trio of Campbell, McCarthy, and 2019 graduate Jossie Frazier, Shelton is a major matchup problem as a rangy wing with handles. She put up 9.5 points and 4.5 boards as a sophomore and will be a bigger part of the picture this year.
• Ella Clark, Soph., G, HHP: The Dolphins’ best player is just a sophomore, and she gets it done at both ends of the floor. Now she has her older sister, Kiersten, back by her side after missing last season due to injury.
• Mike’Ala Washington, Fr., G, BA: A point guard who can also fill it up, Washington can ease into the varsity level with seniors Hiers and Huebel as a safety net, but she will be a major factor in March.
TEAM CAPSULES
BEAUFORT ACADEMY EAGLES
Coach: Lillian Aldred
Record at school: 31-16 (3rd season)
2018-19 record: 16-8 (reached SCISA 1A semifinals)
Returning starters: 5
Top returners: F Amelia Huebel (Sr.); G EmilyAnn Hiers (Sr.)
Key losses: None
Key newcomers: Mike’Ala Washington (Fr.), Tahleea Heyward (Fr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to a great season. We have a great mix of new players and experience.”
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Coach: Kenny Conroy
Record at school: 8th season
2018-19 record: 25-3, 12-0 region, SCISA 2A state champs
Returning starters: 4
Top returners: F Jasmine Campbell (Sr.); G Brielle McCarthy (Sr.); G Dior Shelton (Jr.); G Mary Yanker (Jr.)
Key losses: Jossie Frazier, Sydney Desimone
Key newcomers: Abby Peduzzi, Molly Smith
Outlook: “The Lady Eagles will play a very difficult out of region schedule to help prepare them for region play with the hope of another State Championship run.”
HILTON HEAD PREP DOLPHINS
Coach: Dan Sheehan
Record at school: 40-76 (7th season)
2018-19 record: 7-16, lost in SCISA 2A 1st round
Returning starters: 3
Top returners: G Kierstin Clark (Sr.); G Mackenzie Joyner (Sr.); G Ella Alsko (Sr.); G Noelle Saylor (Sr.); G Ella Clark (Soph.); G Annie Braun (Soph.); G Haylee Hopman (Soph.); F Abi Mendoza (Soph.)
Key losses: Olivia Light, Courtney Doyle
Key newcomers: F Maddie Frank (Sr.); G Gracie Henderson (8th)
Coach’s outlook: “The Dolphins will rely on hard work on the defensive end combined with strong guard play on offense in order to compete against talented region rivals.”
JOHN PAUL II GOLDEN WARRIORS
Coach: Karen Floyd
Record at school: 50-42 (4th season)
2018-19 record: 17-10
Returning starters: 4
Top returners: G Tkai DeVore (Sr.); G Katie Leigh Floyd (Sr.); F Jasmine Hamilton (Sr.); F Taylor Michael (Jr.); G/F Abigail Quinty (Sr.); F Jazmine Sanchez (Sr.); G Bella Termini (Jr.)
Key losses: F Mary Foster Gaillard
Key newcomers: G McKenna Byrne (Sr.); C Caroline Gilmour (Soph.); G Paige Weniger (Fr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to seeing where senior leadership and dedication can take us. We have a great group of girls who not only work hard, but love working together. It’s going to be a fun year.”
THOMAS HEYWARD REBELS
Coach: Chris Tillotson
Record at school: 5th season
2018-19 record: 3-18
Returning starters: 3
Top returners: G Olivia Pace (Sr.); G Bayli Belger (Sr.); F Abigail Hayes (Soph.)
Key losses: Ivy Bryan
Key newcomers: F Daisy Taylor (Fr.); G/F Macy Taylor (Fr.); G Carrie Hutto (Fr.)
Coach’s outlook: “I am always excited to begin a new season. We have a great group of girls working extremely hard to better themselves. Our success will depend on how well the young talent contributes. Senior leadership on the floor this year will help build for the future.”