L-E’s Jordan Samuel, RNE’s Reece Jackson voted HS basketball players of week
The votes are in, and Lugoff-Elgin’s Jordan Samuel and Richland Northeast’s Reece Jackson won the vote for The State’s Midlands High School Basketball Players of the Week.
Thanks for all who voted. There will be a new poll up on Tuesday. Coaches can send nominees to Lou Bezjak at lbezjak@thestate.com by noon on Tuesdays.
Congrats to all the nominees. :
Boys Player of Week nominees
Justus Bell, Dutch Fork: Senior made all-tournament team in the Roundball Classic and Panther Classic, averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds in six games.
Christian Brown, Irmo: Junior averaged 17 points and was the MVP of the Big Red Box Holiday Invitational in helping the Yellow Jackets to the tournament title.
RJ Davis, Ridge View: Sophomore averaged 18.3 points over three games and was named MVP in helping the Blazers to the Arby’s Classic championship.
Reece Jackson, Richland Northeast: Sophomore averaged 17 points, 4.5 steals, 3.5 steals, 3 assists in RNE’s two wins at Cavalier Showcase.
Bryson Johnson, Northside Christian: Johnson averaged 20.3 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals at North Henderson Invitational.
Jayden Lewis, Camden: Eighth-grader was MVP of Bennie Bennett Holiday Classic and averaged 18.3 points per game in wins over River Bluff, Newberry and AC Flora.
Milton McCray, CA Johnson: Junior averaged 17 points and 3 assists and was selected to the Roundball Classic All-Tournament team.
Sam Mills, Lexington: Junior big man averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game at the Northwood (NC) Tournament and Roundball Classic.
Girls Player of Week nominees
Sydni Anderson, Lexington: Senior averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds in three games at Carolina Invitational.
Skylar McCray, AC Flora: Senior averaged 11 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2 steals in three games over the break.
Jordan Samuel, Lugoff-Elgin: Sophomore averaged 25.5 points, 9.5 steals and 3.5 assists in two games against Crestwood and West Florence.
Chaelyn Tifre, River Bluff: Senior had 15 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists in the Gators’ lone game over the break, a 50-47 win over Nation Ford.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 12:42 PM.
