Summerville defeated Lexington 10-0 May 23 to repeat as the Class 5A Softball State Champion.

Larry Gamble Photo Editor, HSSR SCHSL Softball Championship play from May 22nd, 2024, with teams from Gray Collegiate and Marion dueling it out in a game two, winner takes the trophy contest. The HSSR photojournalist was at Gray Collegiate for their home stand in the Softball Championship Game 2 hosting Marion. Gray won to sweep Marion, 2 games to none, in the best of three series. More photos from this game are available by following this link or the one below. High resolution prints and digital downloads from this event are available at www.LarryGamble.com by clicking this link to the photos.

Landsharks sweep Mid-Carolina to win AA crown

Summerville Clinches the Softball Class AAAAA title

Sabres' senior class closes out with 100 victories and 4 title series appearances

Raiders beat Calhoun Academy to sweep through postseason

War Eagles take Game 2 8-4 to sweep best-of-3 series

Another exciting evening of softball and baseball around the SCHSL today! Two series head to a Game 3 face off and 4 new State Title Champions crowned! SCHSL SOFTBALL & BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SOFTBALL - CLASS AAAAA: Game 1 - Monday – 5/20 Game 2 – Thursday – 5/23 @ 6p Game 3 – if needed Summerville 4 Lexington Lexington 0 Summerville SOFTBALL - CLASS AAAA: Game 1 – Tuesday – 5/21 Game 2 – Thursday – 5/23 @ 6p Game 3 – if needed Catawba Ridge 10 West Florence West Florence 2 Catawba Ridge SOFTBALL - CLASS AAA: Game 1 - Monday – 5/20 Game 2 – Wednesday – 5/22 Game 3 – Friday 6p – White Knoll Aynor 1 Belton-Honea Path 1 Aynor Belton-Honea Path 0 Aynor 4 Belton-Honea Path SOFTBALL - CLASS AA: Gray Collegiate Game 1 Game 2 Gray Collegiate 9 Marion 4 Marion 1 Gray Collegiate 8 SOFTBALL - CLASS A: Lewisville Game 1 Game 2 Lewisville 4 Lake View 6 Lake View 1 Lewisville 8 BASEBALL - CLASS AAAAA: Game 1 - Thursday – 5/23 @ 6:30p Game 2 – Friday @ 6:30p Game 3 – if needed Lexington Ashley Ridge Ashley Ridge Lexington BASEBALL - CLASS AAAA: James Island Game 1 Game 2 Laurens 4 James Island 10 James Island 5 Laurens 7 BASEBALL - CLASS AAA: Game 1 - Monday – 5/20 Game 2 – Wednesday – 5/22 Game 3 – Saturday 3p – Gilbert HS Powdersville 5 Hanahan 4 Powdersville Hanahan 9 Powdersville 5 Hanahan BASEBALL - CLASS AA: Oceanside Collegiate Game 1 Game 2 Mid-Carolina 0 Oceanside Collegiate 6 Oceanside Collegiate 4 Mid-Carolina 2 BASEBALL - CLASS A: Southside Christian Game 1 Game 2 Southside Christian 4 Latta 3 Latta 1 Southside Christian 13

Southside Christian is the 2024 Class A Baseball Champions!

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Hopkins — The Fairfield Central AA boy’s track team dominated the competition on May, 18 at the SCHSL AA track meet hosted on the track at Lower Richland High School. The Griffins dominated the 42-team field with a 25-point win over second place Greer Middle College by the score of 83-58. The next teams in order with 20 or more points include: Academic Magnet (55), Gray Collegiate (54), Hampton County (47), Silver Bluff (47), Keenan (39.5), Abbeville (32.5), Mid-Carolina (32), Bishop England (32), Liberty (31), Landrum (29), Marion (21) and Saluda (20). The Fairfield Central Griffins are head coached by six-year veteran Raymond Harrison and his boys’ team qualified 16 athletes for the state meet. “Track is a true team sport and it is a group of individuals performing at a high level for the good of the team,” said Coach Harrison. “I studies the heat sheet carefully and I felt like as long our kids maintained their consistency, we had a shot at winning a state title and that is what happened. “I will tell you the sky is the limit for Mr. Boyd ( Jaden Boyd won three individual gold medals) and I can see him having an opportunity to run track and play college football at the next level,” said Coach Harrison. “Of our 16 qualifiers today only one is a senior ( Kristen Golden -long jumper) so we feel really good about next season also. It was a real team effort today and we had four personal bests today which you are hoping happens.” Sophomore Jaden Boyd led the Griffins with three gold medals and he ran a leg on a second- place relay team to produce 32 of his team’s gold medal points. Boyd won the 100- meters (10.51), the 200-meters (21.34) and the long jump (6.95m). Boyd was amongst the top wide receivers in the state who played on his junior varsity (not varsity) football this past season. Boyd talked with the HSSR from the state track meet. “I ran a personal best in the 100 today and I have been working hard getting prepared for the state meet,” said Boyd. “In my first 30 meters I want to get a good drive, and then in the next 70-yard drive phase; I want to hit my top end speed with a burst at the end. It is a 100 per cent effort the whole way.” With two more years left Boyd is also focused on participating in track and football at the next level. “I like both sports and my goal are to achieve a five-star rating in football also,” he said. “”I would like to play both sports in college.” The other gold medal winner for FC was junior Hank White who won for the second straight year in the 800-meters ((1:57,59). His win was a personal best for him. “I have been struggling to break two-minutes all year and I finally accomplished that goal today,” said White. “I like to stay behind the leaders until the final 200-meters because I have a strong kick and I always finish strong. In the past year I have improved over three seconds. My senior goal is to go under 1:50.” Gray Collegiate sophomore Caleb Raysor won individual gold medals in the 110 hurdles (14.81) and the 400-meters (55.92) plus he ran a leg on the winning 4X100 relay team to account for 22.5 points for the War Eagles. “It feels great to have won two individual gold medals and a third with the relay,” said Raysor. “I ran a personal best in the 110 -hurdles. My thing is to get how hard and run like a butterfly and sting like a bee. I try not to knock down any hurdles also. I also play football; wrestle and I power lift. Football is my favorite passion and I play receiver and corner back.” Junior Quin Swanton of Academic Magnet was a double winner in the 1600-meters (4:19.60) and the 3200-meters (9:44.92). “My goal coming into the meet was to win both of individual events,” said Swanton. “My goal is keep improving and earn a four-year track scholarship to major college program. My goal by my senior season is a 4:10 mile and break my school record in the two-mile and to just keep having fun in the sport.” The shot-put gold medal (51-04.50) went to senior Ka’Von Chisolm of Hampton County. Chisolm has signed a football scholarship (defensive end) with South Carolina State . His winning toss was his personal best and also established a new school record for himself. “It feels great to win today because I have been trying to win in the shot for the past six years,” said Chisolm. “My technique is to stay low and explode on the glide.” Batesburg-Leesville sophomore JaQuan Corley won the discus (157-01.75) event. “My goal for my junior year will be to get a personal best and win again,” said Corley. “I try to stay calm and get a good push when I release the disc.” Abbeville junior Karson Norman won the 400-mters (48.11) and the Panther football player also placed third in the 100-meters (10.85) and 6 th in the 200-meters (22.54). “My strategy in running my race varies from meet-to-meet but today I ran all-out because it was do-or-die at the state meet,” said Norman. “I led wire-to-wire today. My goal is to keep training in both football and track and to keep getting better.” Silver Bluff sophomore Joshua Smith took gold in the triple jump (44-09.75). “My goal for next year is to get a personal best in the triple jump and finish first again,” said Smith. “My strategy is just to stay clam and get a good spring off the board.” Senior Lucas New of Pelion earned gold in the high jump (6-06.75). “My first step is forward, and then the curve part is where you get all of your momentum, and I watch a lot of videos and practice a lot,” said New. “I was an inch off my personal best today. I am going to Marshall to be a Decathlon athlete and I hope to top the record there of 6-7.” Senior Academic Magnet pole vaulter Jackson Miller won the event (13-11.25) at the AA meet for the second straight year improving one-foot in the process. “I improved from 14 feet to 15 feet in one year,” said Miller who is headed to Clemson in the fall on a track scholarship. “I also placed 4 th at Nationals so I have improved a lot. “My technique involves giving everything I’ve got running down the runway, and then push up as hard as you can, and once you jump your swing, try to get upside down as far as you can, and pull yourself off the top of the pole,” said Miller, all in one breath. “It takes a lot of focus and hard-work, I have been a pole vaulter for four years and I am really excited about going to Clemson.” Senior Mark Baker of Landrum improved from second to first place over the past year winning the Javelin with a heave of (168-11.50). “I think it just came down to working hard,” said Baker. “In the fall I had ankle surgery and I really worked hard to rehab and get ready for the track season. The hard work paid off and I am looking forward to attending MIT on a track scholarship the next four years. I will major in mechanical engineering with a focus in bio-medical devices.”

Ashley Ridge, Lexington to begin best-of-3 state title series on Thursday

2-run single by Lions' Miller difference in game

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Hanahan — One year after being swept in the AAA state baseball championship series against Clinton , Hanahan (30-3) knew it would be important to win game one of the championship series against Powdersville at home on May, 20 and the Hawks defeated the visitors 9-5. Game two now shifts to “home fan” friendly Powdersville on Wednesday, where the Hawks hope to have a sweep of their own after a hard-fought 5-4 loss in game two last season against Clinton. “The first game is very important and we know this from our experience last year,” said Hanahan High head coach Skylar Hunter who played on two Hanahan teams who lost state championship games after losing game one games. “Winning game one is massive. We know first hand about having our backs against the wall with Clinton last year after losing game one. “Now their backs are against the wall,” said Coach Hunter. “With the amount of pressure, we put on teams on the base paths, and in the batter’s box, I like our chances of plating well again in game two. However, Powdersville is a very good team and they will respond. They will be ready for us at home on Wednesday and we expect an electric atmosphere.” Hanahan pounded out 10 hits, scored 9 runs, and only committed one error in the win on Monday. The Hawks were led at the plate by RF Landon Gomes , who went 3-for-4 at the plate along with second baseman Jacob Bunting who went 2-of-4 with two RBI’s. catcher Hudson Sprovero had a hit and three RBI’s and left-fielder Joe Furse was 2-of-4 with an RBI. “We had a lot of quality at-bats tonight starting with sophomore catcher Hudson Sprovero who had two Sac fly’s and drove in a couple runs with a double during the game,” said Coach Hunter. “ Landon Gomes had two doubles in the game, and Joe Furse hit a ball off the wall early in the game to score a run. It was just a bunch of guys putting the barrel on the ball today.” Highly regraded Hanahan sophomore center fielder Sterling Coaxum , a lead-off batter, had a hit and covered a lot of ground in the outfield with his 6.4 speed. Coaxum is a Clemson commitment who earned the Coaches Association AAA Player of the Year honors this season. He came into the first game batting .468 with 10 home runs and 30 stolen bases to his credit. He is considered by many to be the top sophomore player in South Carolina. “I will be honest with you, he might not ever play for Clemson because he could be a high draft choice if he keeps playing like he has for us the past two seasons,” said Coach Hunter. “He’s a special player for sure.” Coach Hunter said the message to his players stays the same. “We want our players to stay relaxed and stay composed with focus,” said Coach Hunter. “We know Powdersville will be ready to give us all they have on Wednesday.” Gabe Dotterweich was the starting pitcher for the Hawks working five innings, giving up six hits, and three earned runs. Porter Sprovero relieved Dotterweich in the top of the 6 th and he worked 1.2 innings allowing no hits and two runs. Riley Ballard came in with two outs in the top of the 7th and forced a pop up for the game ending out. Powdersville scored five runs on six hits and they made two errors. First baseman Braden Williams led the Patriots hit going 3-of-3 with two RBI’s including a third inning home run. Starting pitcher Landon Fowler smashed a home run in three at bats. Center fielder Cotes Reid had a hit and also scored a run. Designated hitter Eli Hudgins also had a hit for the Patriots. After the game Powdersville head coach Wade Padgett , told the HSSR, “We knew they hit the ball well, and you do not win 29 to 30 games if you do not hit well,” said Coach Padgett. “Give them credit they got the hits when they needed them and they came up with some good plays on defense so give them credit for playing well against us. “We didn’t get the result we were looking for in coming down here,” said Coach Padgett. “In that last inning I was proud of how our kids fought for every out and that has been our ammo all season. We are looking forward to getting our chances at home on Wednesday. We will get back to work tomorrow, fix a few things, and hopefully be ready to go on Wednesday. “We have a great community and we expect a huge home crowd behind us on Wednesday,” said Coach Padgett. “At this point we hope the series goes to a third game. If it does, we would play at a neutral site this Saturday but we have to win on Wednesday to have a third game opportunity. We have some work to do before Wednesday.” Powdersville is expected to start veteran Blane Jordan on Wednesday. Hanahan will start Riley Ballard who pitched to one batter on Monday.  Photos Courtesy of Cyril Samonte

James Island - James Islan d junior third baseman Jake Amman blasted two homers to lead the Trojans to a 5-4 win over Laurens in game one of the Class AAAA state championship series. The best-of-three format moves to Laurens for game two on Wednesday. Amman’s first homer, a two-run shot to left, came in the first inning and put the Trojans up by 3-2. After Laurens tied the game at three, Amman hit another two-run bomb, this one to right center, to give James Island a 5-3 lead. “We showed some nerves early on, which is expected with the atmosphere we had tonight,” James Island coach Matt Spivey said. “We settled down and played well after the first inning. We got the jitters out and played the way we are capable of playing. Jake’s homeruns were big hits and Collin pitched really well.” Laurens scored a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, using two errors to their benefit early. “First pitch fastball in and I just attacked it,” Amman said of his first inning homerun. “It felt good to be able to contribute and I think it helped all of us just calm down and play.” Junior left-hander Collin Anderson went six innings to get the win on the mound. Anderson allowed just three hits and one earned run and did not allow a hit after the second inning. “I knew my guys would back me up and score some runs,” Anderson said. “I just focused on competing and doing my job.” Laurens made things interesting in the top of the seventh, loading the bases after scoring a run on a wild pitch. With the score 5-4, the game ended on a ground ball fielder’s choice at second. “It’s good to get the first one, especially at home,” Spivey said. “The pressure is on those guys (Laurens) now. I think we’re settled in mentally. I think we will be ready on Wednesday.”

Blazers claim first state title since 2006

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Hopkins —The Gray Collegiate War Eagles edged out tradition rich Bishop England (75-72) and 30 other AA girl’s track teams, to earn the school’s first SCHSL Track & Field state championship hosted by Lower Richland High School on May, 18. The next 10 teams in the AA girl’s finals were: Fairfield Central (59), Oceanside Collegiate (50), Woodland (48), Hampton County (42), Greer Middle College (38.5) Landrum (36) Mid-Carolina (34.5), Academic Magnet (28), Keenan (24), and Marion (23). Bishop England, coached by Tony Colizzi , had been seeking their 14th state title. Gray Collegiate, won the state title with just 9 state qualifiers. The Griffins are coached by former Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Clemson track athlete Jackie Robinson . “The good thing is that we won as a team, and it was not just from one person,” said Coach Robinson. “It was everybody collectively, and all season long these ladies have sacrificed, and they did not complain while putting in the work. They came to work every practice and it paid off for them today. “To win a state championship it takes a lot of hard work and dedication and you have to put in the hours,” said Coach Robinson. “You have to be disciplined and true to your focus of self-improvement. Getting involved in year-round track programs certainly helps you to become better. Track has become a year-round sport now, and it takes a lot of hard work “I knew coming in we had a chance but only if we had several PR’s in a few events and it trusted each other to do our very best,” said Coach Robinson. “Winning a championship with only 9 state qualifiers is a testament to those young ladies. We have a lot of quality, but not quantity, on both our teams at Gray.” The War Eagles took three first place finishers in individual events from Tresta Miller in the 400 meters (58.33), Aubrey Guy in the 100-meter hurdles (15.42) and Tamara Steward in the 400-meter hurdles (1:05.00). Miller picked up two second place finishes for GC in the 100-meters (12.04) and the long jump (5.51m) producing 16 additional points for her team. Guy was third in the 400-hurdles ((1:08.60) and Steward was 5 th in the long jump (5.02m). Zaria Gaines contributed points in the 100-meters (12,57) and in the 200-meters (26,27) with a 7 th and 8 th place finish respectively. GC placed second in both the 4x100 (48.98) and the 4X100 Relay (3:27.82) to earn 16 total points. The 4X100 was ran by Steward, Gaines, Taylor Jones and Guy. The 4X400 was run by Steward, Amariah Gonzalez , Taylor Jones and Gaines. While Gray and BE competed back-and-forth throughout the even, Fairfield Central senior Sharmelle Holmes was dominating the competition once again, with three individual gold medals and another gold medal as a participant on the winning 4X100 relay. Holmes set a new state record in the 100-meters (11.45). when she ran the anchor leg. Holmes, She was first in the 200-meters (23.57) and took gold in the long jump (19-02.75). Holmes has signed to run track at Kentucky . She produced 32.5 points for her team and is the leading candidate for the 2024 HSSR-SCHSL Miss Track awards in South Carolina. After the majority of the gold medal winners left their moment of honor, on the victory podium at the meet, the HSSR asked them to share how they were able to beat the field in the respective event. Holmes was among the most enthusiastic performers interviewed. “This is the second year that I have won four gold medals and it makes all the hard work worthwhile,” said Holmes. “I participated in four individual events last year and this year I traded out the 100-hurdles to run anchor on the 4X100 relay. It’s a woo-woo moment for me with the state record! “I had hoped to set a state record but I will tell everybody who competed with me that it takes hard work to win gold medals at a state track meet,” said Holmes. “I am really grateful to God for all of my success. I am excited to be going on to the University of Kentucky. Go Wildcats!!” Tresta Miller (Gray Collegiate-junior) won the 400-meters (58.33 and she has a 57.01 personal best earlier this season) and she told the HSSR , “My goal is just to take off fast, maintain a steady speed, and leave something in the tank for a strong kick down the stretch,” she said. “Next year my goal is winning the 200 and the 400 and I hope to run a 55 flat in the 400 next seasons.” Freshman Aubrey Gray of Gray Collegiate won the 100-meter hurdles (15.42). “I would love to set a state record in the 100-hurdles by my senior year,” she said. “I also want to also be a double winner with a win the 400 hurdles in the future.” Batesburg Leesville’s sophomore Ja’Quan Corley won gold in the discus with a personal best of (157.01.75). “I would love to get a track scholarship by my senior year,” said Corley. “My technique is to always turn my left foot and get across the circle.” Oceanside Collegiate senior Joyce Siobhan was a double winner in the 1600-meters (4:59.03) and in the 3200 (11:06.09). She was proud of finally running a sub-five-minute 1600 that had been her goal all season. She will be running track at South Carolina next year. “My strategy is to stay near the front of the pack in either race and then kick it hard at the end,” said . “At South Carolina I will be more of a 5-K runner in cross country.” Oceanside Collegiate junior Kailen Kramer won the pole vault (3.80m). “My winning jump was 12’ 6” and I missed at my personal best attempt at 13’ 1”,” said Kramer. “My technique is not to slow down on my last few steps down the lane and hitting it hard, dropping my shoulders back and shooting for the sky ,” she said. “My goal is 14’ at the state meet next year and I would love to compete in college.” Senior Sinead Joyce of Oceanside Collegiate won the 800-meters (2:18.19) for the second year in a row. “I usually start out not super conservative but at a steady pace, but today I probably started out a little too fast,” she said. “I will be running at South Carolina next season. My goal is to respond to good college coaching and keep improving.” The AA girl’s shot put (10.77m) was won by Eau Claire junior Sytiria Bethel . “If feels great to see all the all- hard work pay off,” she said. “My goal by next year is 38 feet. My technique is using the power throw. I never change my technique.” Senior Sydney Price of Landrum won the Javelin toss (15.66m) for the third year in a row at the AA meet. “I have improved every year but today I threw around 128 feet and my personal best is 134,” said Price. “Everybody thinks it is your arm in throwing the Javelin but it really more the use of your hips and legs,” said Price. “Getting a good block and then throwing your hips into it is very important.” Price has actually signed to play softball at North Greenville College . She is a middle infielder with 30 career home runs. Keenan High senior Lauren Hannibal won the triple jump (11.02m). “I hit the board just right today on my final spring and I knew it was going to be among my best jumps ever and it was,” said Hannibal. “It feels great to go out with a gold medal my senior year.”

Blazers are state champions after sharing title with Westwood last year

Nation Ford's Mia Royall sets new state record in 1,600 run

Philip Simmons claim boys AAA crown

SCS wins fourth straight while Warrior girls 3-peat

Vikings use strong finish in field events to pull away

Green Wave accused of violating pitch-count rule in win over Ashley Ridge leading to forfeit

Summerville loses on forfeit over pitch-count rule violation

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Moncks Corner — In a Lower State AAAAA softball play-off game continued from a second inning rain-out the night before, (May, 15), between Berkeley (19-9) and Chapin (22-8) , the home standing Stags won a pitcher’s duel 2-0 to advance to play Summerville on May, 17. The Stags have a tall order on their plate needing to defeat the top-ranked Green Wave twice in order to advance. The state championship series is scheduled to begin on Monday at the upper state champion s home field. Game two will revert back to the lower state’s team home field on Wednesday. If a third game tie-breaker is needed it will be played at neutral site on Friday (May, 24). After the win Berkley head coach Kelly Dillon shared some thoughts with the HSSR. “In my tenure at Berkeley this is our third trip to the Lower state finals and I am so proud of my team and the adversity they have overcome this season,” said Coach Dillon. “We have had some adversity with the weather and we lost one of our key players to an injury recently ( Savannah Scott ) and we have remained tough and focused on our goals anyway. “We played small ball in the bottom of the 6th because when you need just one run to win you play to win,” said Coach Dillon. “I am very thankful; for a great bunting team. Every time I have asked for it to be put down, they have put it down so I am very proud to our commitment to the cause.” ( Courtlyn Cox delivered a perfect bunt that advanced the runner into scoring position in the bottom of the 6 th inning.) “We know we have a challenge going over to Summerville on Friday needing to win two games and you never know what might happen,” said Coach Dillon. “We are hungry and we are on a mission and we are playing moment to moment so we hope to at our best on Friday.” Chapin head coach Cal Sayger is wrapping up his 7 th season at Chapin. ”we have been fighting the weather all during the play-offs,” said Coach Sayger. “We just made too many mistakes in this game tonight. We have the program on sound footing. We have won back-to-back region titles and I very proud of the commitment all of our players have made to the success tour program.” Coach Sayger is saying good bye to four seniors. They include pitcher Aspen Mayers , Ella Maychiva k, third baseman Andree Dircks , and outfielder Alexia Evans . “These girls have been in the program since the e8th grade a d they will be missed,” said Coach Sayger. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 6 th inning. The Stags Rileigh Ballentine led off with a single to center field. Courtlyn Cox’s Sac bunt moved Ballentine over to second base. She moved over to third, on a passed ball, while Brooklyn Moon was batting. Moon singled in Ballentine for the first run of the game. Ansley Riddle then doubled, barely missing a home run against the fence in deep center field. This hit put runners at second and third with one-out. An RBI ground-out by Camden Valicek scored Moon to give Berkeley all the runs they would need to win the game. Berkeley pitcher Reese Watson worked all seven innings, allowing only four hits. Watson’s six strike-outs in the game now gives her 201 on the season in 120 innings pitched with an ERA of 1.20.

Pinewood Prep claims the 2024 SCISA 3A Boys Soccer Championship

Pinewood Prep claimed the 2024 SCISA 4A Girls Soccer Championship. 

Game 2 on Friday at 6 p.m. at West Florence

Larry Gamble Photo Editor, HSSR SCISA Softball Championship play kicked off on May 13th, 2024, with teams playing an intense two days of games hoping to make a sweep to victory in the best of three game series to crown State Champion this week. The HSSR photojournalist was at Colleton Prep for their home stand in the Softball Championship Game 2 against Clarendon Hall on May 15th. Clarendon Hall won Game 1 at home 6-1 on Monday. For Game 2, they were on the road home hoping for a sweep to close the deal for the State Title. In a tense, pitching duel game, the Saints managed hold off the determined War Hawks in a 3-2 victory to earn their third state title. More photos from this game are available by following this link or the one below. High resolution prints and digital downloads from this event are available at www.LarryGamble.com by clicking this link to the photos.

Larry Gamble Photo Editor, HSSR SCISA Softball Championship play kicked off on May 13th, 2024, with teams playing an intense two days of games hoping to make a sweep to victory in the best of three game series to crown State Champion this week. The HSSR photojournalist was at Laurence Manning for their home stand in the Softball Championship Game 2 against Hammond on May 14th. LMA won a very exciting Game 1 at Hammon 5-4. For Game 2, the Swampcats were home hoping for a sweep to close the deal for the State Title. LMA won 9-0 to earn another State Championship. More photos from this game are available by following this link or the one below. High resolution prints and digital downloads from this event are available at www.LarryGamble.com by clicking this link to the photos.

AAAAA, AAA. AA, Class A series set to begin on Monday, AAAA on Tuesday

Larry Gamble Photo Editor, HSSR SCISA Baseball Championship play kicked off on May 13th, 2024, with teams playing an intense two days of games hoping to make a sweep to victory in the best of three game series to crown State Champion this week. The HSSR Camera was at Pee Dee for their Baseball Game 1 against Hilton Head Christian. HHC went on the win 3-1 in Game 1 at Pee Dee. for Game 2, the Pee Dee traveled to Hilton Head Christian where HHC won 12-4 to sweep the series and win the State Title. More photos from this game are available by following this link or the one below. High resolution prints and digital downloads from this event are available at www.LarryGamble.com by clicking this link to the photos.

S ummerville - Ashley Ridge rallied from an early 4-0 deficit, scoring two runs with two outs in the top of the seventh to beat Summerville, 5-4, forcing a decisive game for the AAAAA Lower State title. Summerville led by 4-0 after two innings but Ashley Ridge scored a run in the third and two in the fifth to close to within a run. With nobody on and two outs, down to their last strike, Ashley Ridge got hits from Ryan Bruno and Cooper Godsave to keep the inning alive. Andrew McLaughlin then delivered a two-run single to give the Swamp Foxes a 5-4 lead. McLaughlin had two hits in the game. Summerville managed only three hits with Banks Knight delivering a two-run bloop single to give the Green Wave their 4-0 advantage. After game one, inclement weather moved in and it was decided to play the championship game on Thursday at Summerville at 6:30 p.m. The winner will play Lexington in the best-of-three state championship series beginning on May 18.

Lexington, Laurens, Hanahan, Southside Christian will play for state titles

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Walterboro — The Clarendon Hall Saints softball team captured their second straight SCISA AA softball title, and third in a row counting the Class A title won over Wardlaw three years ago, with a hard-fought come-from-behind 3-2 win over Colleton Prep on May, 15. One of the largest crowds ever to witness a softball game at Colleton Prep observed the two teams battle with everything they got in this game. This was one of those games where both teams left it all on the field. CH head coach Jeffrey Bays shared his feelings with the HSSR soon after the game. “We lost four games this season but we had never been in a situation like this game with so much on the line,” said Coach Bays. “ Mandy (Wells) lives for the important moments, and her two-run homer in the third inning was the difference in the ball game. She struggled some at the plate in game one but she came in this game, like she has in so many, and delivered for the team at a crucial moment. “These girls have been playing together for a long time since rec ball, summer ball and together on our high school team and they have worked hard and they are a real close-knit group,” said Coach Bays. “They jell really well and they know and understand each other on the field. They pull for each other with great team chemistry. “ Colleen (McIntosh) gave us four strong innings but they were starting to hit her some as the game went on so we brought Calli (Yount) in to close things out and I am proud of both of our pitchers who combined for 12 strike-outs,” said Coach Bays. “We are going to miss the five seniors on this team. For the past two seasons we have had only one senior on those two teams. We do have a core group of younger players moving up from the junior varsity.” Mandy Wells made the final out of the game for the Saints, fielding a well hit ground ball, before racing to second base for the forced-out that ended the game. She and her teammates had “explosive confetti” in their back pockets as the game ended and a sea of confetti popped into the air above them shortly after the final out. “I am just so proud and inspired by my team to go out like this with a state championship,” said Wells. “I just want to give God all the praise and credit because we play for Him. I am so glad that we could win another championship and have fun while doing it.” With one more season of high school softball to go, what are Well’s goals with the sport? She recently hit three home runs in one game, that helped her team advance to the state title series. “I do not know if I want to go anywhere, or not, but we’ll see,” said Wells. “Of course, it would be great to play for a team like Oklahoma , or even a smaller college like Anderson College . Wells said she focuses on hitting a softball “back side” and the majority of her career home runs have landed over the fence, just to the right of dead center field. “I guess I get lucky with my timing,’ said Wells, who plans on majoring in Physical Therapy in college. It would not be a shock to this reporter to see Wells end up on the Lady Gamecocks roster at South Carolina, after her senior season. Wells has been taking hitting lessons from the hitting coach at SC the past two years and they have to be impressed with her quick wrist, how fast the ball explodes off her bat in a line drive trajectory, and how fast she reacts to all matter’s softball during live game action. Colleton Prep head coach Tiger Martin was also proud of his team and how they battled the entire game. “We lost six games this season, and four losses came from Clarendon Hall,” said Coach Martin. “We lost to them in our first game early in the season 14-0, then lost to them a second time 8-0, and then in the championship series we lost 6-1 and 3-2 so while I do not like moral victories that does show how much this team improved and continued to battle against a really fine softball team. “Back before the season started this team struggled for the first two weeks of practice and to see them make steady improvement and make it to the state championship series is why I love coaching and working with them,” said Coach Martin. “It was more exhilarating on this Wednesday night than any other Wednesday night we played back in March. We didn’t win today but our adrenalin was flowing and the max effort was there. Our other two losses were to Oceanside Collegiate and Calhoun Academy so we played some tough competition.” CP will graduate three seniors. “They are the last group from our 2021 state championship team,” said Coach Martin. “ Sidney Bailey has been a great hitter and a great athlete for the past four seasons and she had a decisive hit in our state finals game back in 2021. “I know coaches say they do not have favorite players but that is a lie when they say that,” said Coach Martin. “Senior MaKenzie Pellum is among my most favorite athletes I have coached. I have a picture on my desk of her playing pitcher and catcher. Early on in the program she told me, “Coach if you believe in me, I will always give it my very best, and I will there for you and the team. “Our third senior is left-fielder Hannah Strickland who had a key hit the other night,” said Coach Martin. “She has grown every year and I am happy to say that she has earned a spot in the upcoming North-South all-star game.” Colleton Prep went up 1-0 in the bottom of the first when MaKenzie Pellum drew a walk and later stole second. She came home two batters later on a sacrifice bunt by pitcher Sydney Stivender . In the top of the third CH took a 2-1 lead when junior catcher Skyler Dymond singled and stole second. Junioe shortstop Mandy Wells then hit her 28 th career home run to dead center field to put the Saints up 2-1. In the bottom of the third inning CP tied the score at 2-2. With two-out Ava Murray hit a home run to left field It looked like CP might add another run when Sidney Bailey followed the home run with a ripped double in the power alley. However, a pop up to the CH third baseman ended the inning. In the top of the 6 th inning Wells led off with a sharp single just to the left of second base. Two batters later Wells moved to second on a wild pitch while junior Calli Yount was at the plate. Yount delivered a double, easily scoring the speedy Wells from second to give the Saints a lead of 3-2 that held up for the final score. Both teams collected six hits in the game. Wells led the Saints at the plate with two hits and two RBI’s. Senior Lacey Corbett contributed a hit as did Dymond, leading hitter junior Maggie Harrington , and Yount who had one hit and one huge RBI. Colleton Prep got two hits from Bailey, and one hit each from Murray, Stivender, Hannah Strickland , and Pellum. Murray and Stivender each added one RBI. CH used two pitchers in the game. Senior lefty Colleen McIntosh started the game and worked four full innings with six strike-outs. Calli Yount came in for the final three innings and also recorded six strike-outs. Teams take the pressure off their defenses when 12 of the 21 outs in the game were strike-outs. Sydney Stivender worked all seven innings for CP in the circle allowing two runs and registering 6 strike-outs. Colleton Prep last won a SCISA AA softball title against Pee Dee Academy in 2021 in a third game tie-breaker won over The Golden Eagles (10-0) at Laurence Manning Academy . Clarendon Hall has now played in four straight state finals. They defeated Calhoun Academy in a third game tie-breaker (6-2) at Patriot’s Park in Sumter last year. CH will graduate five seniors ( Sidney Berry , Colleen McIntosh , Ashley Timmons , Lacey Corbett , and Macie McIntosh ) from this year’s team. CP is saying good bye to three seniors ( MaKenzie Pellum , Sidney Bailey , and Hannah Strickland ) who were three of the best hitters on the 2024 squad.

Cardinal Newman, Augusta Christian to play if game for AAAA baseball title, Game 2 of Class A baseball series rescheduled again

Summerville's PJ Morlando chosen as AAAAA Player of the Year

Larry Gamble Photo Editor, HSSR SCISA Softball Championship play kicked off on May 13th, 2024, with teams playing an intense two days of games hoping to make a sweep to victory in the best of three game series to crown State Champion this week. The HSSR Camera was at Pee Dee for the Girls Softball ball Game 1. More photos from this Game 1 are available by following this link or the one below. High resolution prints and digital downloads from this event are available at www.LarryGamble.com by clicking this link to the photos.

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Bluffton — With an 11-1 win over the Cross School at Bluffton High on May, 14 the Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders softball team (14-7) won the school’s first girl’s state title in any sport, since the basketball team won gold 19 years ago, sweeping the series in two games to claim the SCISA Class A championship. The dog pile on top of senior pitcher Reagan Still , at the end of the game, exemplified all the raw emotion that had gone into this historic season, and fulfilled a pledge that head coach Bart Owens had made to the team, in the team huddle, after the Raiders were swept in two games against Holly Hill Academy last season. “The night that we lost to Holly Hill at JDA last season I told the team that if everybody comes to work and does their job that we have the pitcher and the catcher and everything in place for us to win a state championship this season,” said Coach Owens. “I told them we just have to go get it done. “After three innings we decided as a coaching staff we were going to small ball and see how we could do and we were able to follow that up with some hits and from that point on the pressure was on them,” said Coach Owens. “We made great plays on defense, put the ball in play, ran the bases well, and we just did everything the way you are supposed to in this game. “There was no better way to send out Reagin Still than with a state championship,” said Coach Owens. “She is the best pitcher I’ve ever coached at JDA and she has been the main pitcher in our softball program since the 8 th grade. I couldn’t be happier for her and those final two strike-outs in the final inning were just fantastic.” The only other senior on the JDA team is third baseman Gylian Googe who came on strong, playing her best softball of the season during the playoffs. Still, who is headed to Florence-Darlington Tech to play softball, told the HSSR from the field, “I have never been prouder of this team,” she said. “This was a goal of ours all season. It’s just a proud moment for the whole team. My goal is to keep improving on my pitching and to get faster and faster.” Still has been named the HSSR-SCISA Class A Player of the Year by the HSSR . Joining Still on the HSSR-SCISA Class A all-state softball team will be catcher Kinlee Ray , center fielder Carrie Lynn Loadholt , infielder Sydney Owens and Googe. After three scoreless innings Still appeared locked into a pitcher’s dual with Savannah Hollings of the Cross School. However, JDA put up six runs in the top of the fourth inning to break the game wide-open. Kaylee Jackson led off the JDA, in the 4 th , with a single followed by an infield hit from Jamilynn Mock . Both runners advanced on a sac bunt from junior Madeline Respass . Two batters later, Elie Fogle’s infield hit scored Jackon to put JDA up 1-0 while also loading the bases. Catcher Kinlee Ray was up next and her single scored Mock to make it 2-0. A third run came in on a passed ball from courtesy runner Esme Montejano . Junior Rynn Fickling then singled in Fogle to make it 4-0 and Still singled in Ray to make it 5-0. Then, on a head’s up play, Fickling stole home for the sixth and final run of the JDA 4 th inning. In the bottom of the 5 th the Stingrays scored their only run of the game. Alaysia Hollings led off with an infield single and later scored on an RBI single by third baseman Bethany Carson . JDA added five insurance runs in the 6 th inning to go up 11-1. They produced these runs on four singles by Riley York , Fickling, Googe and Jackson along with two bases loaded walks while Owens and York were batting. Still had 8 strike-outs and allowed 9 hits during the game with no walks issued. JDA pounded out 12 hits as a team. After the game Cross School head coach Robert Hollings told the HSSR , “We have only been a varsity program for two years, so I am very proud of my team making it into the finals,” said Coach Hollings. “We only have two seniors on the team and most of my players are 9 th graders. We hope to be back in the finals again next year.” Coach Hollings has three daughters on the team who also play softball year-round. They are center fielder Alaysia Hollings , pitcher Savannah Hollings , and catcher Sydney Hollings .