skip navigation

LBI Game Recap: Westwood (SC) vs East Clarendon (SC)

By Jasmine Jones, 11/22/17, 2:15PM EST

Share

Talent rich Westwood upends East Clarendon

Florence, SC -  After taking an early out in last years playoffs, it is clear that the Westwood Red Hawks have begun the season on a mission by winning their first two games of the season by a margin of 59 points. The Red Hawks began tonight’s game with an unusual slow start by allowing East Clarendon’s 8th grade stand out point guard Talaysia Cooper, to freely break the press for a few go ahead baskets. However, it wasn’t long before Unique Drake came alive by hitting a pair of three-pointers to cap off a 15-2 run to end the 1st quarter. Cooper and teammates did everything in their power to match up with the Red Hawks, but as 6-3 sophomore Forward, Nyah Leverette soared down the middle of the lane finishing a layup over the top of two opponents, it was clear  that the overwhelming talent of Westwood proved to be ill-matched. Their high powered offense, in cohesion with their relentless-disruption defense turned out to be too much for the lady Wolverines.

           Westwood enters the 2017-2018 season stacked full of talented division 1 athletes led by junior guards Unique Drake and Maliyah Lockett. After the game I was able to speak with the dynamic duo about their driving force for this season and what makes this team so special and puts them in place to win a championship. “We’re tight, our chemistry is great because we’ve been playing together since the 3rd grade.” Drake said. Lockett added, “We have a great bond on and off the court, so we know what we expect from each other.” Outing last years 4A state champion North Augusta will be no easy task however, Lockett believes that there are a few major recipes for success, “Staying focus in practice, giving a 100% effort in every little thing, and every team that steps in front of us our mentality is to kill.” With a long season ahead the Redhawks will face some tough battles in arguably the toughest conference in class 4A to prepare them for future playoff road ahead.

Players to Watch

Unique Drake- Westwood High School  (2019- 5’7  PG/G)
Smooth, quick, crafty handles, good 3pt range, rebounding guard, plays passing lanes well.

Nyah Leverette- Westwood High School (2020’ 6’3 PF/C)
Runs the floor like a guard, rebounds out of area, needs work on finishing in traffic, can handle ball up court, consistent low block jump shot.  

Maliyah Lockett- Westwood High School (2019’ 5-10’ G)
Looks to attack the rim isn't afraid to take contact, college ready physique, athletically finishes in traffic, high IQ, handles ball well, consistent mid range game, creates turnovers in passing lanes.

Jamari Frederick- Westwood High School (2020’ 5’5 PG)
Knock down 3pt shooter, active  hands defensively forcing turnovers, makes the right passes, great teammate.

Malayhzia Etheridge- Westwood High School (2021’ 5-8 PG) Aggressive on ball defender, highly engaged, nice 3point stroke.

Talaysia Cooper- East Clarendon High School (2022’ 5’10 PG)
Long lengthy guard, looks to attack, creates shot, good IQ, talks on defense, floor general. 


2020 Nyah Leverette 6'3 F Westwood HS (SC)