Throughout the high school girls basketball season, we’ll recognize the standouts from the previous week’s action with the Lowco Girls Hoops Spotlight presented by 4M Metals.
We select our Starting Five of the top players of the week, as well as a Team of the Week, and highlight the biggest game of the upcoming week. For this first installment, we’re considering all games played up to this point for our Starting Five and keeping those who just missed the cut In The Rotation.
Here’s this week’s installment of the Lowco Girls Hoops Spotlight presented by 4M Metals.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
STARTING FIVE
Tacoya Heyward, Bluffton: The Bobcats’ dynamic point guard is still only a sophomore, but she’s a veteran at the helm of a Bluffton team budding with potential. Heyward was averaging 14.7 points, 11 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks through three games, and she had another mammoth outing Saturday against Goose Creek that hasn’t yet factored into her stats.
Lynda Young, HHIHS: The Seahawks knew they would need Young to carry the load this season, and the sophomore standout has obliged. She’s averaging 17 points and nine rebounds through seven games, and she’s hitting 63 percent from the foul line, so opponents can’t get away with hacking her every time she touches the ball.
Courtney Campbell, HHP: The Campbell sisters have injected new excitement into the Dolphins’ program, and the freshman transfer from Dayton, Ohio, has the potential to help HHP return to its former glory under Bob Sulek. The younger Campbell sister, Courtney was averaging 14.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.2 steals through her first five games as a Dolphin.
Mya Hutchinson, HHCA: The addition of Hutchinson, a highly-touted transfer from Estill High School, has helped the Eagles position themselves to make a run at a fourth consecutive SCISA 2A title. The sophomore guard is averaging 14.6 points and five steals to lead a deep Eagles team to a 4-1 start.
Morgan Scott, MRHS: Yet another sensational sophomore, Scott will be asked to carry the load for the young Sharks this season, and she has done a nice job of it thus far, averaging 14.7 points and 4.6 rebounds. She has struggled from the foul line, leaving more than six points per game on the court, so if she can find her stroke from the stripe, look out.
In the rotation: Shandi Brown, CCHS; Kynew Barnwell, WB; Quinn Wilson, BHS; Abby Peduzzi, HHCA; Maddie Heathcott, JPII; Kamirah Freeman, BA; Mike’Ala Washington, BA
Photo by Justin Jarrett / LowcoSports.com
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Colleton County Cougars (3-0 this week, 7-2 overall)
Bluffton and May River should be a good bet to compete for a Region 7-4A crown, but we certainly can’t count out the Cougars to make some noise as well. The hottest girls’ team in the Lowco over the last two weeks, Colleton County has rattled off an impressive seven consecutive wins after starting the season at 0-2. Shandi Brown is well on her way to a breakout sophomore season, scoring 14.8 points a game while excelling on defense with 3.6 steals. Makayla Chisolm is a terrific guard and a menace on defense with eight steals in a victory over Woodland, and Bethany Monroe is a reliable scorer with outstanding intensity on both ends. With just one senior on this year’s roster, the Cougars have the potential for some big things on the court in the years to come. Tuesday’s contest at May River should be a key test to show if this group is ready to make a run in a tough region.
Honorable Mention: Bluffton (2-0), Hilton Head Prep (2-1)
GAME OF THE WEEK
Hilton Head High at Bluffton, December 17
The hoops Bridge Bowl is always entertaining, and this year’s edition on the girls’ side will be no exception. If they can take care of Beaufort High on Tuesday, the Bobcats will come in unbeaten and riding high for a Friday night showdown on their home court. It’s been an encouraging start for Hilton Head High in Russell Raniszewski’s second season, taking the Earl Campbell Preseason Tournament title with an impressive win over Fort Dorchester. Lynda Young has stepped up her game as a tremendous scorer and rebounder while sophomore Deja Godsun has emerged as a solid guard alongside proven and versatile junior Janiya Ferebee. But the improved Seahawk backcourt should have a tough task against the lethal Bobcat duo of Tacoya Heyward and Katie Rodney. Young talent will abound in a fascinating matchup at the Den, but the dynamic Bobcats should find a way to force some mistakes and hit some shots to put their squad over the top.
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