Basketball Season Kicks Off in Newberry County!
As the temperatures start to dip and the last crumbs of Thanksgiving turkey disappear, it can only mean one thing: basketball season is back! Here in Newberry County, South Carolina, the excitement around the hardwood is palpable, and expectations are running high as teams gear up for this year’s action.
Looking Back at Last Season
Last season was quite the rollercoaster, especially for the girls’ basketball teams in our area. Out of the four teams, it was a struggle, with only one team finishing with a winning record. The good news is three of those squads made it to the state playoffs! While that’s an impressive feat, only one managed to come away with a first-round victory.
Adding to the changes, we bid farewell to a legendary coach who had been at the helm for nearly two decades—Melissa Mendenhall. Her leadership will certainly be missed, but fear not; she leaves big shoes for a promising new coach to fill.
Newberry Bulldogs Set for a New Chapter
Speaking of new, the Newberry Lady Bulldogs have a fresh face in the coaching position this season. Chad Cary, a familiar figure in the athletic department, has stepped up to take the reins. His mission? To lead the team after a challenging 7-13 record last season.
The Bulldogs will need to replace some key players, including their starting point guard and sharpshooter, Jamiyah Williams and Faith Grey. However, the bright spot is the return of Daizee Williams, who averaged a solid 10 points per game last year and is aiming to bounce back from a slight slump. Alongside Daizee, fans can expect contributions from Lexis Mayes and Shelarria Robinson.
Let’s see how the Bulldogs will fare with their upcoming games—they’re kicking off with a match against Dutch Fork on December 2nd!
Mid-Carolina Rebels: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The Mid-Carolina Lady Rebels are also stepping into the season with confidence. Led by the outstanding Brea Boyd, who averaged an impressive 14.1 points per game and earned all-region honors last year, the Rebels are ready to make another playoff push. They were the only team in the area last season to secure a playoff victory, finishing as runner-ups in region 2-AA.
Their record last season of 17-6 shows that they’re a well-oiled machine, and with strong players like Callie Wilbanks and Addie Bowers returning, this year looks promising. They’ll open the season with a game against Saluda on December 3rd and are pegged for a solid 16-6 prediction by season’s end.
Whitmire Wolverines on the Rise
Over at Whitmire, the Lady Wolverines are keeping their heads high after navigating a challenging season with a young team. Now, that youthful squad has matured, and with only two seniors lost, they’re poised to make strides. Key players to watch include Raylin Vicars, Brooklynn Babb, and Trystan Samples.
After a tough 4-17 record last season, they’re looking to build on their experience and set their sights on a better 8-13 finish this year. The season opens for them on December 2nd against Pelion.
Newberry Academy Eagles Ready to Take Flight
Meanwhile, the Newberry Academy Lady Eagles are eager to improve upon last year’s rollercoaster ride. With a young roster gaining valuable experience, the team looks forward to a competitive season ahead. The coaching staff is hopeful their team can turn a 3-14 record into something much better, eyeing a predicted 4-16 finish.
The Eagles will kick off their season against the Whitmire Lady Wolverines on December 3rd. Who knows? With the right focus and teamwork, they may just surprise us!
What’s Ahead
With all these teams ready to hit the courts, the buzz of basketball is hard to ignore. Mark your calendars and grab your pom-poms because basketball season in Newberry County is officially here! As the games unfold, let’s support our young athletes—after all, it’s not just about wins and losses, but about the growth, camaraderie, and joy of playing the game they love!
