Class 2A – Region 5 Preview

Can the Red Devils make it back to Columbia ? Will the Warhorses be able to dethrone the Red Devils ? What team will make it out of Class 2A - Region 5 this coming season ? Read more inside right here on your source for prep basketball coverage in the Palmetto State.  Predictions: Wade Hampton (Hampton) - The Red Devils will be the favorite here to make it back to Columbia. The Red Devils finished last year at (20-7).  Barnwell HS - The Warhorses will feature junior guard Russell BranchRussellBranch6'1" | PGBarnwell | 2022StateSC. Branch is the leader of this squad here.  Edisto HS - The Cougars are led by veteran Head Coach Herman Johnson. The Cougars lost in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs last season to Cheraw HS 65-46. The Cougars finished the season at (19-6) last year.  Pelion HS -  The Panthers finished last season at (7-20).  Silver Bluff HS - The Bulldogs finished last season at (5-18). The Bulldogs will need to battle out of the cellar this season.  Players to Watch in the Region:  Brandon BrantleyBrandonBrantley6'3" | SFWade Hampton | 2021StateSC (2021) - Wade Hampton HS (Prep Hoops Region Player of the Year)  Brantley averaged 16.4 ppg last season for the Red Devils (20-7). The Red Devils lost in the Class 3A State Championship Game to Keenan HS 55-32. Brantley recently played in the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in Myrtle Beach back in October. Brantley a rangy forward has a nice mid-range game and the has the ability to rebound on both ends of the floor.  Versalius JohnsonVersaliusJohnson6'3" | SGWade Hampton | 2021StateSC (2021) - Wade Hampton HS  Johnson averaged 8.4 ppg last year for the Red Devils. Johnson came off the bench last season as a role player for the Red Devils. Johnson has a great nose for the ball and really likes to pickup his opponent on the ball as a defender.  Adam ClarkeAdamClarke5'11" | PGBarnwell | 2021StateSC (2021) - Barnwell HS  Clarke runs the show at times for the Warhorses. Clarke rebounds the ball very well from his guard position. Clarke averaged 7.5 ppg and 6.6 rebounds last season.  DeShontez GrayDeShontezGray6'4" | SFPelion | 2021StateSC (2021) - Pelion HS  Gray plays multiple sports for the Panthers. Gray 6’4 Tight End on the football team also excels in track.  Russell BranchRussellBranch6'1" | PGBarnwell | 2022StateSC (2022) - Barnwell HS  Prep Hoops first saw Branch play as a 8th grader for the Warhorses. Branch averaged 19.1 ppg, 4.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds last season for the Warhorses (14-6). Branch really excels attacking the basket and getting to the foul line at a high rate. Jamie RisherJamieRisher5'11" | CGWade Hampton | 2022StateSC (2022) - Wade Hampton HS  Risher really started to make some noise last season in the playoffs in a win over Marion HS. Risher dropped 26 points on the Swamp Foxes in the road win. Risher a left-handed guard really likes to attack the basket and shot the ball at a high percentage. Risher averaged 7.3 ppg last season. Michael Moody (2022) - Silver Bluff HS (Petticoat Junction)  Khiree CummingsKhireeCummings5'9" | PGSilver Bluff | 2021StateSC (2021) - Silver Bluff HS (Petticoat Junction)