The Hardwood Report (Jan. 17, 2016)

Even when things couldn’t fare any better, veteran coaches like Conway’s Michael Hopkins know better than to buy into the hype.

Fresh off what arguably was his team’s most complete game of the season Tuesday in a 34-point win over Socastee, the longtime face of Tiger basketball remained stoic in demeanor, knowing plenty of tests loomed ahead.

“We’re still learning each other,” Hopkins said. “And hopefully as we continue to grow together, our play will reflect that. … But we cannot afford to get too far ahead of ourselves or think about what polls say.

“This is an outstanding region with which we play, and our focus simply needs to be on the next game.”

Hopkins’ words proved prophetic not only for his team – Conway losing Friday night to defending Class AAAA champion Sumter, 68-58 – but also to the rest of Region VI-AAAA.

If the first week of conference play is an indicator, the region could prove mighty competitive as the season makes its way down the home stretch.

“In my opinion, this region is mighty underrated,” said Socastee head basketball coach DeAndre Scott. “Just look at what we have … there’s the defending (AAAA) champion, two impressive ranked teams in West Florence and Conway, and Carolina Forest and South Florence can’t be slept on either. Things should be competitive till the end, and there should be some pretty good basketball, too.”

At the moment, there is a four-team logjam in second place, with Conway, South Florence, Sumter and West Florence each sitting at 1-1.

According to the most recent S.C. Basketball Coaches Association poll, West Florence came in at No. 2 while coaches placed Conway three slots down at No. 5.

Obviously, the developments of the past week will prompt the state’s coaches to alter their poll a bit. With that in mind, will they choose to give the team currently with the best record in Region VI-AAAA a boost following quite an opening week in conference play?

It may not have a ranking beside its name signifying its brilliance on the hardwood, but teams that have played Carolina Forest this season will beg to differ. The Panthers are 2-0 in league play and 11-4 overall for the season.

Carolina Forest may have earned the rest of the state’s attention after a 58-54 win last Tuesday at West Florence. It followed up that performance with another sterling one on Friday by dominating South Florence, 81-50.

If those games weren’t enough, they’ll have another opportunity to earn more credibility on Tuesday when the Panthers host Sumter.

Still, just as other coaches in the region will attest to, the focus remains on what lies ahead than that which is in the rear view.

“This was the first step,” said Carolina Forest’s Duane Moss. “This is region play now and these count. There can be no drop-off. We showed that we can go back-to-back now and not lose anything, continue to get wins. The one win [against West] was more noticeable, but defending our home court was big. Every team in this region is pretty good, so you’re going to get their best shot. Every win really is a big win.”

WACCAMAW’S TRIO

With Mullins riding into Waccamaw on Tuesday night, of course all eyes were on standout guard Jalek Felton and his ability to fill the bucket.

Felton certainly did not disappoint, scoring 31 points in the Auctioneers’ 77-69 victory. However, about as impressive was Waccamaw’s scoring trio of Kenley Vereen, Justin Busby and Jawan Bryant.

The three of them combined for 57 of the Warriors’ 69 points on the night. Two nights later, the trio was key in their team picking up a region win, combining for 47 points in Waccamaw’s 55-38 win over Loris.

Currently, the Warriors sit in a tie for third in Region VIII-AA with Dillon, each 1-1 in conference play. If they can continue to shoulder the load, expect Waccamaw to be in the thick of the playoff race till the end.

TOP FIVE PERFORMANCES

Tamara Jackson (Green Sea Floyds): Helping the Trojans get off to a solid start in Region VIII-A play, Jackson scored 32 points Tuesday night in Green Sea Floyds’ 52-39 win over Hemingway.

Justin Busby (Waccamaw): The junior shooting guard’s 26 points helped the Warriors stay close Tuesday night in a 77-69 loss to Mullins.

Ellen Nardella (Carolina Forest): The sophomore hit six 3-pointers in a 26-point night as the Panthers ran away with a 61-39 win over South Florence on Friday.

Richmond Collier (Carolina Forest): The junior led a Panthers barrage with 22 points en route to an 81-50 win over South Florence.

LaQuasha Coles (Carvers Bay): Coles’ 21 points helped pace the Bears to a 71-20 victory Tuesday night over Creek Bridge in her team’s Region VIII-A opener.

Ian Guerin (@iguerin) contributed to this report.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 6:06 PM with the headline "The Hardwood Report (Jan. 17, 2016)."