Hammond leads way among SCISA schools
The final preseason look at the Midlands conferences is on the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA) schools, primarily Class 3A.
TEAM PREDICTIONS
1. HAMMOND – Coach Erik Kimrey returns a solid group of players and will be in the hunt for the Skyhawks’ 10th state championship.
2. WILSON HALL – The Barons return their quarterback, who is outstanding regardless of classification, and surrounding talent that make them Hammond’s top challenger.
3. BEN LIPPEN – Coach Derek White has created a new culture at Ben Lippen and the attitude is “why not us?” The Falcons have competition at quarterback, and have some of SCISA’s best offensive weapons.
4. CARDINAL NEWMAN – First-year coach Doug Dutton takes over a roster with talent on defense and has brought excitement to the program.
5. HEATHWOOD HALL – First-year coach Steve Victory brings a different brand of football and some excitement to the Highlanders. With one of SCISA’s top players and a good, but young, quarterback, this team has a good foundation.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
(Alphabetical order)
Malik Bennett, RB, Hammond – Younger brother of former Skyhawk standout B.J. Bennett, this track star will move from receiver to backfield to give Skyhawks speed at running back.
Corbett Glick, QB, Heathwood Hall – Very athletic and proficient quarterback taking the reins.
Seth Ham, DE, Cardinal Newman – Long, rangy defender with very good speed; will be one of the top defensive guys in the Midlands for SCISA.
Brandon Hill, RB-LB, Heathwood Hall – SCISA’s top prospect in the Midlands and No. 3 in the statewide rankings for SCISA by SCVarsity.com
DeSean McMillian, DL, Cardinal Newman – A force to contend with in the middle of the line, who will attract two blockers frequently.
Cole Owens, WR, Ben Lippen – Led the state in receiving for SCISA as a sophomore and is one of the league’s best offensive weapons.
Lucas Prickett, WR, Hammond – At 6-foot-5 and athletic, this basketball star could be dangerous on the perimeter.
Mark Rew, QB, Ben Lippen – Throws the ball great and has the potential to be the best QB in the Midlands SCISA if he stays healthy.
McLendon Sears, QB, Wilson Hall – USC Gamecock commit in baseball, Sears is one of the most productive signal callers.
Graham Smith, QB, Hammond – Transfer from Virginia where he was being recruited by Division I programs at quarterback.