Some highlights to my sports season run

Keeping up with everything sports related in the area isn’t easy to do, that’s why I’m so thankful for Star & Enterprise sports correspondents Michael Jenkins and Chris Lane, not to mention all of the useful story tips and contributed articles from our readers.

I got my start here in Marion County right before this year’s graduating class began their freshman year of high school. During that span I’ve grown to appreciate what I do and the many talented kids in the area who work hard in the classrooms and on the playing fields.

Major highlights to my season include watching Creek Bridge High School field competitive teams with participants playing with a sense of pride. Varsity running backs Kendel Timmons and Timothy Grant were fun to watch on the field. I’m also a huge fan of the basketball team. Leroy “Tron” Hemingway was a starting point guard before I even arrived. Now he’s enrolling at Clemson University.

The Lady Foxes state basketball championship of course is another highlight, but win or lose, I would’ve never forgotten about that special group. I covered Candace Wright’s games at Johnakin Middle School, so it comes as no surprise she ends up being a champion in just her sophomore year.

Playing basketball with Stacy Wilson, Eric Smith and Seqwan McFarland years before the Aucs undefeated regular season and championship appearance, it seem destined that they would take the program to another level. McFarland is an athlete in every aspect and one of the most gifted I’ve been around.

Russ White, Jonathan Elliott, Justin Brock, Martin Gasque, Sam Maddox and Chase Lee really made me proud, as did the entire Marion baseball team. Winning the region championship was a tremendous accomplishment for a group of kids that stuck together through adversity.

Personally, this was a special year in regards to athletics in Marion County, filled with joy and a little heartache.

I was thrilled to hear great news, such as the Pee Dee Academy volleyball team’s success, Danielle Spivey’s dominance on the mound for the Lady Swamp Fox Softball team and the numerous all-state and all-region accolades.

I was also saddened to learn of the loss of two valuable contributors to our community, James Shelley and Chase Lee.

Through it all, I’m thankful for the experience and the pleasure of meeting such wonderful individuals in a place I call home. Can’t wait for next season.


Lady Swamp Fox basketball team members show off their new championship rings.



Marion Baseball seniors Jonathan Elliott, Sam Maddox, Russ White, Justin Elvis, Justin Brock, Martin Gasque and the late Chase Lee helped the squad earn their first region championship in 13 years.



Pee Dee Academy track stars Robin Bucy, C.C. Causey, Mallory Nolan and Jessica Webb won the 4 X 100 meter relay event, earning a SCISA state championship trophy.

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