Feeling like its halftime amid whirlwind of games

This week I got a chance to take in some basketball, and it’s been like running breath taking suicide drills trying to keep up with all the action.
Covering the Palmetto Bulldogs versus the Johnakin Fox Cubs rivalry was an experience. Johnakin impressed, sweeping both games and remaining undefeated through four regular season games.
Coach Latonya Foxworth’s team broke out the gates with a 10-2 run in the opening quarter. Key’Essence Foxworth led the Lady Fox Cubs with nine points, as her squad held a 20-8 halftime advantage.
Palmetto ignited the home crowd with a rally in the second half. Forward Precious White highlighted with a spin move through lane, finishing with a bucket and drawing the foul. Tyesha Dewitt matched the three-point play in a big way by knocking down three shots from behind the three-point arc. Coach Linda Scott’s team drew closer, but lost in a 27-23 game final. Tyshanna Lester and Courtney Davis are two players that can impact a game for Johnakin. Lester is quick and in control handling the rock, while Davis is a terror on defense. Kachina Swinton can score points for the Lady Bulldogs and get major production from Tayla Strickland. “They had to use a lot more teamwork,” coach Gilchrist said, adding that her team is taking it one game at a time.
The boys played an intense physical game that started out in favor of Palmetto. Tavon Swinton and Alex Brown combined for eight points in the quarter. Darian Ceo’s three-point jumper gave the squad a 13-6 lead in the first quarter. The Bulldogs continued their run in the second quarter, limiting second chance shot opportunities for the Fox Cubs. Baskets by Raheem Johnson and Earnell Leggette helped pad a 19-12 halftime advantage. However, Johnakin’s size advantage with Marqui McKelvey and Michael Outlaw began to gain steam. Point guard D.J. Kelly constantly attacked the defense in transition, stoking the fire of scorer Kenyon Aiken.
Aiken scored 10 points in the third quarter, as Johnakin held Palmetto scoreless and took control with a 21-0 run. The 44-25 game victory for coach John Washington has his squad in prime position for a conference championship. Washington said the season has been going well despite facing tough opponents, but he continues to rely on his defense to help the squad win games. Considering the depth Johnakin has with a frontcourt group that includes Kevin Rowell, Outlaw, and McKelvey, they will be tough to handle. McKelvey pulled down more than 10 rebounds and blocked at least seven shots in the game, appearing eerily similar to his first cousin and former Foxes blue chip center, Terrell McKelvey.
Coach Williams said his Bulldog team’s defense has been strong, but his players will have to protect the basketball and shoot better to be successful.
The next night I got the chance to see coach Kelvin Edwards and his Auctioneer JV team do damage against Dillon. In my opinion Edwards is a great coach that commands respect and develops an exciting brand of basketball. He utilizes his depth with a productive rotation, and it’s exciting to watch his players showcase their skill.
Guards Trevor Dantzler and Shomari Owens can really put on a show, scoring 15 points and 16 points respectively in a 62-18 route over Dillon. Trevor “Dazzler” has improved tremendously during his two seasons on JV and is also a member of the varsity squad. His countless hours of practice have really paid off, making him one of the best all-around players. “Showtime” Shomari could be a memorable point guard for the program in the future if he dedicates himself in the classroom as much as the gym. After missing the first half of the season, he returned excited and energized. Blessed with a wicked handle, and pesky in Edwards’ trapping defense, Owens knows the game quite well.
“All I ask is that they listen and pay attention to detail. It's easy to beat up on teams that aren't up to par, but they are going to have tighten up when it comes to competition,” Edwards said, adding that he’s focusing on instilling discipline in his team.
The Aucs team blew the Wildcats away early with a 29-7 halftime advantage. The defensive intensity was just too much to handle. Dantzler scored 13 points in the third quarter, and Johnathan Jenkins highlighted with a spin move of his own through traffic, finishing with a nifty lay-up. Keep an eye out for Kenny Wayne Jackson, a big man on the blocks that towers over his opponents. Jackson has upside. Watching the kid toss outlet passes the full length of the court is similar to former UCLA star Kevin Love. Center Lyndon Scott is another hard worker that is improving with every minute played.
The Lady Aucs didn’t disappoint either, knocking off their opponent by a score of 29-7. Janelle Brantley forced a ton of turnovers for Mullins, and scored seven points in the second half, along with a nice assist to Brooke Kirkland to seal the deal. I have to thank stat-keeper Shanique Hemingway for her assistance during the game.
Keeping up with the varsity action, I know the Aucs boys are still rolling, taking out Cheraw and Dillon last week. Stacy Wilson scored 31 points in an 81-54 win over the Braves. Wilson and Eric Smith each scored 20 points in a 63-49 victory over the Wildcats. The “Fab Five” that includes Darnell Coleman, Donte Cooper, and Seqwan McFarland hit the road this week before a highly anticipated home game against D.J. Rowell, Justin Gause, and Corey Moore’s Marion Swamp Foxes on Jan. 27.
Creek Bridge defeated Latta 82-72 this past Friday, thanks to an explosive 25-point performance from Zamario Cooper, along with 23 points from Ra’Keem Williams.
Marion power forward Deonte Johnson has been tough to handle this season. Johnson scored 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in a 73-57 victory over Aynor. The Lady Foxes improved to 12-1 with their two victories this past week. Geneika Brantley and Candace Wright combined for 50 points in an 80-42 win over Loris.

Lady Bulldogs roster: Dija Gilchrist, Tomoroa Williamson, I’Mani Dorsey, Rebecca Williamson, Tyesha Dewitt, Kichina Swinton, Richelle Hayes, Sierra Joyner, Precious White, Tayla Strickland, Fredreaka Ferguson.

Johnakin girls roster: Key’Essence Foxworth, Courtney Davis, Laquasha Kinney, Kenya Avant, Jaede Bennett, Jherkya Jordan, Sierra Lester, Tyshanna Lester, Alasha Wiggins, Tamera White, Laquasha Williams, Latrina Graves.

Bulldog boys roster: Paul Stackhouse, Kameron Graham, Darian Ceo, Darius Gerald, Earnell Leggette, Malik McGill, Justin Elliott, Kaleb Jackson, Royal Purnell, Raheem Johnson, Alex Brown, Tavon Swinton.

Fox Cubs roster: D.J. Kelly, Jeremy Tyler, Marqui McKelvey, Kenyon Aiken, John Tyler, Jakari Goldbolt, Clinton Reaves, Kevin Rowell, Michael Outlaw, Malik Lightfoot, Tevin Woodberry, Tyquan Vereen, Laron Adams, Tillman Sanders.

Aucs JV boys roster: Trevor Dantzler, Josh James, Josh Gerald, Damien Ellison, Shomari Owens, Chris Harley, Kenneth Jackson, Lyndon Scott, Kourey Bennett, Johnathan Jenkins, Rembert Timmons, Jovantay Aiken, George Rogers, Quinton Miles, and Lequan Thompson.