Each Monday (or Tuesday) throughout the high school girls basketball season, we will recognize the standouts from the previous week’s action.
We will select an offensive and defensive player of the week, as well as a Team of the Week.
Here’s your first installment of the Lowco Girls Basketball Spotlight presented by 4M Metals.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Zhani Thompson, WB
A junior wing with length at 5-10, Thompson flew under the radar entering the season because she has not played for Whale Branch since her seventh-grade year, but she showed the impact she can have on a game in the Warriors’ lone game last week. Thompson put up a game-high 25 points and pulled down 17 boards in a 57-45 home win over Ridgeland-Hardeeville.
Also nominated: Jasmine Campbell, HHCA; Ella Clark, HHP; Miley Ray, HHIHS; Amelia Huebel, BA; Tkai DeVore, JPII; Tacoya Heyward, BLHS
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tatyana Aiken, Bluffton
Aiken has made a huge impact at the offensive end, as well, averaging a team-best 18.7 points per game, but she has been the biggest cog in the Bobcats’ dominant defensive effort. The senior already has one double-double and one triple-double in three games, and she’s averaging 8.7 rebounds and 8.7 steals for a team that is allowing 29 points per game.
Also nominated: Brielle McCarthy, HHCA; Chyna Fields, HHIHS; Jazmin Diaz, WB; Mike’Ala Heyward, BA
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Hilton Head Christian Academy
The Eagles have shown no sign of letting up after last year’s dominant state championship run. They’ve outscored their first four opponents by a combined 86 points — and the competition has not been weak. HHCA’s narrowest margin of victory was an 11-point win over Georgia power Calvary Day, while the Eagles’ other three victories have come by at least 20 points. Jasmine Campbell (14.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks) and Brielle McCarthy (14.0 points, 9.5 assists) led HHCA to two convincing wins this week.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Hilton Head High at May River, 6 p.m. Friday
The Sharks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss at Bluffton on Friday when they host the undefeated Seahawks. May River was without both Emma and Olivia Peluso against the Bobcats, and while Olivia remains sidelined by injury, Emma will be back in the lineup. Don’t expect many points in this one, as both teams thrive off playing stout defense and both coaches know one another well.
