What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - Grand Strand Hoops

As region play begins down on the Grand Strand, I'm handicapping the six teams in AAA Region VI's chances on taking home a division championship. While they all have their strengths, they've shown some weaknesses as well.

Georgetown

The early favorite is the Bulldogs. Georgetown is 10-3, keyed by two studs who can do everything. Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard and Deante Simmons are the best one-two punch in the conference. They tripped up in back-to-back losses to Lee Central and Crestwood at a tournament in Sumter. Those two losses have opened the door to the rest of the region - giving them hope they can overtake the Bulldogs.

Myrtle Beach

DeAndre Scott's crew have been battle-tested all ready. The 11-6 Seahawks have duked it out twice each with Pee Dee powers Darlington and Hartsville. They also fought valiantly in the Beach Ball Classic. Leading scorers Darius Hemingway and Jamere Valentine combine to score 24 points a game. In the region opener, they almost blew an 18 point fourth quarter lead to rival North Myrtle, but hung on to win 57-52. Scott will need more consistent play from these guys to win a title.

North Myrtle Beach

The Chiefs have all ready gone through enough drama for one entire season, and region play has just gotten underway. NMB had to suspend three players for shoplifting at a gas station on a team trip. They've had other disciplinary issues that have caused players to miss time. That's all very disappointing to coach John Trussell, the reigning champs definitely had a chance to win it again this year with the roster in tact. Reigning region player of the year Darryl Edge is a beast on the block, and Ryan Quigley is the best shooter in the region. There's just not much left on the roster after those guys.

Socastee

The Braves are listed above St. James because Socastee might never ever lose to the Sharks. St. James still has never beaten the Braves, including a 3 point Brave win earlier this year. What the Braves lack in talent and skill they gain in work ethic and coaching. Tommy Johnson has coached in the Palmetto state for generations (two coaches in the region, Trussell and Scott, both played for him), and he continues working hard with his 3-9 Braves. Socastee has also been through a horrific schedule, including matches in the Beach Ball Classic and in Anaheim, CA. But the Braves will win some games in the region because of Johnson, and because leader Weston Caswell is a pretty good player.

St. James

Mikey Hall may be the most electrifying player in the conference. The Sharks' guard might be 6'2", maybe, but he can score from all over the court, pouring in over 17 points a game. The 10-5 Sharks have not played the same caliber of competition as some of their region-mates, so it's tough to tell exactly how good this St. James team could be. But, as noted, an earlier loss to Socastee might tell as what we need to know.

Carolina Forest

Forest won't win many games this year unless they stay hot from beyond the arc. David LaRose, Michael Gray and Jordin Simbeck are all sharp-shooters who can knock down the three-ball. But, as they say, live by the three; die by the three, and when the shots aren't falling the Panthers struggle. As shown by their 48-23 loss to St. James in their region opener.

Who do you think will win the region? Tell me what you're thinkin'!

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