The 2020-21 high school basketball season was unlike any before it. Many games were played with limited crowds — or no fans, at all. Players and coaches for some teams wore masks on the bench, even some on the court. But one thing was predictable — the level of talent emanating from girls hoops teams around the Lowco.
Hilton Head Christian Academy marched to an amazing third consecutive state title, Whale Branch and Bluffton plowed through region play undefeated, and standouts from throughout the area put up eye-popping numbers every time they took the court.
The LowcoSports editorial staff crunched the numbers and consulted with area coaches to compile a list of the top 31 high school hoopers in our coverage area last season, and they make up the 2020-21 All-Lowco Girls Basketball Team presented by H2 Basketball.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kenny Conroy, HHCA
It’s a testament to the quality of coaching in the Lowco that this is Conroy’s first Coach of the Year honor from LowcoSports despite winning three consecutive SCISA 2A state titles at Hilton Head Christian Academy. There was no denying it this time around. Sure, the Eagles steamrolled the region competition, as usual, but they also sought out the best competition they could find in non-region play, taking down several powerhouse Georgia programs and suffering their lone defeat in a 24-1 campaign at the hands of SCISA 3A champs Cardinal Newman, arguably the top girls hoops program in the Palmetto State at any classification. Conroy’s Eagles are always stacked with talent, but he gets the most out of them and deftly balances playing time, which is easier said than done.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dior Shelton, HHCA
Don’t be fooled by the stats, which were suppressed by the fact that Shelton and her Hilton Head Christian Academy teammates were often up so big at halftime that the starters took the rest of the night off. Nonetheless, Shelton capped off her sensational career by averaging 13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals despite the limited playing time and starting the season with a nagging knee injury. Most important, she exemplified the kind of humble leadership needed at the helm of a talent-laden team, helping guide the Eagles to a third consecutive state title. The future Claflin Panther also earned a McDonald’s All-America nomination for her efforts.
ALL-LOWCO FIRST TEAM
G Layla Warren, BHS | Sr.
Track star headed to Newberry averaged 19.2 points, 4.3 boards, and 4.3 stealsG Tacoya Heyward, BLHS | Fr.
Bobcats’ Swiss Army knife put up 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 4.9 steals per gameG/F Mike’Ala Washington, BA | Soph.
Averaged 19.2 points, 6 boards, 3.2 assists, and 4.3 steals while breaking BA’s scoring recordF Zhani Thompson, WB | Sr.
Columbia International signee averaged 12.5 points and 11.3 rebounds for powerhouse WarriorsG Kynew Barnwell, WB | Jr.
Class 1A All-State selection poured in Lowco-best 20.9 points per game and hit 2.3 treys per contest
ALL-LOWCO SECOND TEAM
G Devon Yarde, HHCA | Fr.
Shifty point guard broke out with 9.2 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.2 spg in three-peat seasonG/F Abby Peduzzi, HHCA | Soph.
Three-sport standout racked up 11.5 points and 10.1 boards per game in limited minutesC Erin Rivers, WB | Jr.
Warriors post presence had breakout year with 10.3 points, 13.1 rebounds per gameF Morgan Scott, MRHS | Fr.
Future star used excellent post play to put up 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds per gameF Lynda Young, HHIHS | Fr.
Powerful post presence started Seahawk career with 12.2 points, 8 boards, 2.1 steals per contest
HONORABLE MENTION
Ari Bevan, MRHS (Fr. | G) Emma Moore, HHP (Jr. | F) Jordan Bigham, MRHS (Sr. | F) Katie Rodney, BLHS (Fr. | G) Shanese Bostick, BA (Sr. | G/F) Ashante Shaw, BCHS (Soph. | F) Ella Clark, HHP (Jr. | G) Molly Smith, HHCA (Fr. | G) Jazmin Diaz, WB (Sr. | G) Skylar Smith, HHCA (Jr. | G) Janiya Ferebee, HHIHS (Soph. | G/F) Taylor Tomedolskey, CPA (Jr. | G/F) Maddie Heathcott, JPII (Jr. | F) Kayleigh Washington, BLHS (Sr. | F) Thaleea Heyward, BA (Soph. | G) Kiara Wilson, BCHS (Soph. | G) Taylor Michael, JPII (Sr. | G) Quinn Wilson, BHS (Soph. | G) Samari Mitchell, BLHS (Sr. | G/F) Mary Yanker, HHCA (Sr. | F) 
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
4M Metals Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage Jimmy John’s Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine Bluffton Pest Management HHP Sports Performance Academy