Now that high school football is in our rearview mirror, I felt like it was about time we focused our attention to the hardwood.
The CSRA is blessed to have some amazing talent and several outstanding teams to follow. The top three spots are really interchangeable. On any given night, any team recognized below can win by 30 points or be upset. Last season we had a pair of teams win state titles and this year’s group of teams is even deeper, so it should be fun to watch.
Here is a quick peek at my early season Top 10 for the local area.
1. Grovetown (12-3)
Grovetown is long and athletic. They have not lost to a local foe and have impressive wins over Thomson, Butler, North Augusta (twice) and Augusta Christian. Lincoln County transfer Franquon Sherman (6’6 junior) leads the team in scoring at 16.0 points per game, but they have 5-6 players that could lead the way on any occasion.
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2. Westside (8-1)
The Patriots certainly could argue they deserve the top spot. Their lone loss was a nail-biter against Butler. Khalon Hudson (6’4 junior) is an early favorite for area player the year, averaging 20.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. He has help from high-flying junior Jalex Ewing (6’1) who chips in 18.3 points and 11.3 boards per contest.
3. Thomson (8-1)
The Bulldogs lone loss came at the hands of Grovetown. They are definitely not a one-man team but the top dog (see what I did there) is ultra-quick sophomore guard Lavonta Ivery.
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4. South Aiken (8-3)
Like their football team, South Aiken may be the surprise team in the area. Thanks to the scoring duo of Delvin Hodge (6’1) and Xavier Holley (6’4), they have raced out to an 8-3 start with a few blowouts over quality opponents.
5. Butler (5-5)
Do not let the .500 record fool you. The Bulldogs are capable of beating just about anyone on a given night, as evidenced by their wins over Cross Creek and Westside. Sr. Kedar Bodie (6’4) leads the way with 14.3 ppg and 5.2 rebounds per contest.
MORE: Augusta Prep’s girls and boys’ basketball teams take wins over Westminster
6. Cross Creek (9-4)
The Razorbacks are the defending state champions in Class AAA and they have another solid squad this season. Forward Antoine Lorick (6’7) and Guard Jayden Pack (5’8) will have to carry the torch this year.
7. Augusta Christian (10-4)
The Lions were a final four team last year and returned 6’9 big man Luke Wilson (junior) and one of the top guards in South Carolina in sophomore Elijah Crawford. Add a pair of sophomore transfers in Khaleel Pratt and D.J. Shine and this Lions squad is positioned for another deep post-season run.
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8. Evans (6-5)
The Knights graduated Air Force signee Rashad King and standout point guard Josh Mincey. Also, long-time head coach, Kevin Kenny, retired from coaching. That said, Evans still has plenty of talent. Junior leaper Brasen James (6’2) can score in almost every way imaginable and 6’3 wing Devin Storey is one of the area’s top shooters. Two of their losses came at the hands of Westside.
9. Washington Co. (6-2)
The Golden Hawks are getting 15 points and 10 boards per game from senior Willie Henderson and they have faced some challenging competition thus far.
10. North Augusta (6-6)
The Jackets are 6-6 but they have played a ridiculous schedule this season. Senior sharpshooter Austen Harrell leads the Jackets’ outside attack and the tandem of Amari Wilcher and Elijah Hall help lead the way for the Jackets.
Other teams to watch: Burke Co., Greenbrier, Jefferson Co., Wash-Wilkes, Hephzibah
Ashley Brown covers sports for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Ashley.brown@theaugustapress.com
