Full court press: County's teams looking good, playing hard

The Marion County high school basketball season is kicking into high gear and heading into the Christmas break. All our teams are looking impressive. Taking in the Lady Foxes versus the Lady Warriors in Marion this past Friday, the home team put on a show in an up-tempo game that went up and down the court. Coach Leon Sturkey got plenty of minutes from his reserves Shay Ellison, Amira Timmons and Gabi Favor in the 69-58 victory.

Center Geneika Brantley dominated the offensive glass to pad her 21-point contribution, as the Lady Foxes took a 20-7 opening quarter lead and turned into a 41-10, halftime advantage. It’s amazing the Lady Warriors climbed back from such a large deficit.

Marion is a complete team with the young Candace Wright and her versatility, along with tenacious defense and handle of Jessica Grant and the smooth play from point guard Shaquita “QT3” Taylor. The Athletic Amber Timmons fits in nicely as another tough defender and contributor on the offensive end. Coach Harry Smith and his Lady Warriors should be able to contend in when region play tips off.

The veteran Xai Xai Boatwright is a solid rebounder and scores like clockwork in the painted area. Her ability to finish around the basket makes her a priority if the squad is to be successful. Chana Graves is another experienced player that will be a valuable contributor for the young team. Players that should produce during the course of the season are Beneshia Julious, Serena Leggette, Jameca Legette, and Ashley Davis.

Job well done to coach Paul Hudacko for having his Warriors team ready to play this season. Zamario Cooper hasn’t missed a beat with his relentless attack to the hoop.
He’s a scorer, while Leroy Hemingway is the floor general that keeps his team in the battle. Charles Green has firmly placed himself among the best players in the state, after already being recognized at one of the best in the Pee Dee.

Deonte Johnson has become the new landlord, because he owns the paint, averaging double figures in scoring and rebounding to lead the Swamp Foxes. After a loss on the road to the Warriors, the Foxes dominated the return bout this past Friday and defeated Carolina Forest in back-to-back home games.

Coach Fred Senter has to be pleased with his Lady Auctioneers opening the season with four straight victories, which should be a confidence boost for the team.

Veterans Brittany Applewhite and Danielle Edwards are feeling good about how the team is playing together. Senior Arica Nelson has a partner in crime in the post, with freshman star Brittany Rowell making her presence known early often. Rowell posted a career high, 21 points against Latta this past week.

The Auctioneer boys continue their run of regular season victories, but had an interesting match-up Monday, when they took on Flora McDonald Academy out of Red Springs, N.C.

In addition to the above, here are these past week’s county basketball scores:

Dec. 9: (boys) Marion 67, Carolina Forest 62; Mullins 74, Creek Bridge 53
Dec. 11: (girls) Mullins 61, Latta 29; (boys) Mullins 88, Latta 49
Dec. 12: (boys) Marion 70, Creek Bridge 47; (girls) Carolina Academy 36, Pee Dee Academy 29

Coming this week:

Dec. 15: Pee Dee Academy v. King’s Academy
Dec. 16: Creek Bridge at Johnsonville; Marion at Carolina Forest; Mullins at Wilson
Dec. 17: Creek Bridge v. Aynor (home);
Dec. 19: Creek Bridge v. Lake View (home); Pee Dee Academy v. Byrnes (home)

Next game for Creek Bridge and Pee Dee Academy after Christmas break will be on Jan. 6. Next game for Marion after Christmas break is on Jan. 2. Next game for Mullins after Christmas break is on Jan. 7. They will be playing over the break in a Myrtle Beach tournament.