By Justin Jarrett
LowcoSports.com
A youth movement is taking place across the area’s girls basketball landscape, and the bright future ahead is already starting to shine through for several local teams.
Beaufort High’s girls had a big week, sweeping a home-and-home with rival Battery Creek before blowing out a short-handed Cross Schools team at home Monday. Freshman Jania Hayward and Whale Branch transfer Zaria Coaxum have led the resurgence for Reggie Jones’ team, which has won four straight to even its record at 5-5 after playing a brutal early-season schedule.
The Eagles also held on for a 50-45 win over Whale Branch to start the winning streak, and the Warriors are rounding into form just in time for a rematch Friday in Seabrook. Eighth-grader Harmony Prejean has been a breakout star for the Warriors and averaged 25.3 points in three wins last week, including 29 in a 43-39 home win over Battery Creek on Friday.
John Paul II’s roster has gotten younger, too, with a number of key players off last year’s state runner-up squad graduating and an influx of freshmen stepping into key roles. Lily Termini has emerged as the Golden Warriors’ top producer, and the junior is averaging 12.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during a 7-1 start.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL
Beaufort (5-5)
Last week: W 37-32 vs. Battery Creek, 12/10; W 49-28 at Battery Creek, 12/14; W 69-41 vs. Cross Schools, 12/16
This week: vs. Stall, 12/19; at Whale Branch, 12/20
Battery Creek (3-6)
Last week: L 32-37 at Beaufort, 12/10; L 39-43 at Whale Branch, 12/13; L 28-49 vs. Beaufort, 12/14; L 37-42 vs. Colleton Co., 12/16
This week: No games scheduled
Bridges Prep (0-6)
Last week: L 43-76 at Memorial Day, 12/10; L 26-62 vs. John Paul II, 12/13
This week: at Lowcountry Leadership, 12/17
Whale Branch (3-4)
Last week: W 56-14 vs. Hardeeville, 12/10; W 43-39 vs. Battery Creek, 12/13; W 38-34 at Bluffton, 12/14
This week: vs. Beaufort, 12/20; at Hardeeville, 12/21
John Paul II (7-1)
Last week: W 48-41 at May River, 12/10; W 62-26 at Bridges Prep, 12/13
This week: No games scheduled
Holy Trinity (3-4)
Last week: W 42-26 vs. Coastal Homeschool, 12/10
This week: No games scheduled
