Grand Strand prep hoops scene stocked with 2018 talent

It seems the rich just keep getting richer.

At least on the Grand Strand, that is, where this year’s talented group of seniors on the hardwood is followed by what may be an even deeper class of athletes.

Eleven of the area’s top juniors are listed among the state’s top basketball prospects in the Class of 2018, according to recent rankings by Big Shots scouts.

Spartanburg Day’s Zion Williamson, a 6-foot-7 shooting forward, is the top prospect on the list, followed by West Florence’s Sharone Wright and Porter-Gaud’ Aaron Nesmith.

Conway power forward Jimmy Nichols is the top local player among those ranked, coming in at No. 4. He is joined by teammates Darren Grainger (No. 23) and Juwan Moody at No. 29.

Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach is represented the most on the list, led by power forward Sam Woods at No. 37. Jaylan Johnson (No. 51), Robert Guyton (No. 67) and Davis Guyton (No. 92) are also listed.

Continuing to reload, Socastee placed three on the Big Shots rankings list, led by No. 27 Andrew Gardner and followed by Nos. 81 and 85 Marcus Hemingway and Kendrel Generette, respectively.

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Grand Strand prep hoops scene stocked with 2018 talent."