Athletes of the Year Albano and Pernell lead star-studded lineup of Best of Prep Sports Awards winners

Even as sport specialization becomes increasingly common in high school athletics, the 2018 Best of Prep Sports Awards Athletes of the Year have still managed to excel across multiple seasons.

The two Athlete of the Year winners fully embody all of the traits valued by the Best of Prep Sports Awards selection committee, including leadership, courage, teamwork and success both in athletic competition and in the classroom.

Bishop England senior Leo Albano is one of the more accomplished athletes the East Cooper area has ever seen as an all-state selection in three different sports.

The Notre Dame football signee led the Bishops to their first playoff win in four years this fall while setting the school’s all-time rushing and touchdown records. He finished his career ranked sixth in state history in total touchdowns.

Albano has captained the basketball team into the Lower State semifinals the past two seasons, a feat the Bishops had not accomplished in the 11 years prior.

He’s also a North-South all-star centerfielder for the baseball team that, after winning a state title last year, opened this season with a school-record 16 straight wins and is a favorite to earn a second straight championship as the state’s top-ranked team.

Not to be outdone by Albano’s three-spot prowess, Palmetto Christian junior Lauren Pernell has spread her talent across six varsity teams.

Pernell has won multiple state championships in both swimming and track. She is an all-state selection and North-South all-star in volleyball and basketball. She helped the tennis team to a region championship playing at No. 2 singles and was a fixture in the middle for the girls soccer team.

Pernell helped the girls basketball team to one of its best seasons in program history this winter, averaging a double-double on way to the state semifinals. She helped the Palmetto Christian track and field team to its second straight state championship this spring, winning two gold medals and two bronze medals herself, just weeks after she collected four region championships by decisive margins of victory.

Both Albano and Pernell accomplished all of this while maintaining GPAs that rank among the top of their classes.

Leadership Award

Oceanside senior Sam Hartman was one of the most impactful high school athletes in the state this season not only for his eye-popping statistics but maybe more importantly for his influence on his teammates.

Hartman transferred into a winless football program at a second-year school in July. He didn’t know a single player. He immediately earned his teammates respect, so much so that they followed his lead both on and off the field, many even adopting his trademark headband and crop-top fashion style. By early August he’d already infused a winning sprit that propelled Oceanside to victories in its first three contests and eventually seven of its 10 games this season.

Previously unknown players fed off his confidence, many enjoying the most productive season of their careers. His teammates openly admitted to believing in themselves more because they believed in Hartman as a leader.

Many on the outside questioned why such an accomplished player would transfer to a winless program in a different state months before his senior year. The first day he arrived at Oceanside, Hartman expressed a desire to try to lead a group of unknown players in an unfamiliar situation as sort of a practice run for the similar challenge he expected to face his freshman season at Wake Forest. It was the first of many situations Hartman handled throughout the season with leadership and maturity well beyond his age.

Scholar Athlete of the Year

Porter-Gaud senior Jake Lanford is just as impressive off the court as he is on it.

The 6-foot-10 all-state center has been the anchor of the three-time reigning state champion Cyclones basketball team. Lanford averaged a double-double on the hardwood but the honor-roll student’s presence is just as large in the classroom as his GPA ranks as one of the school’s best in its senior class.

The Yale basketball signee has won a well-balanced variety of academic awards, including a Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Award, an American Scholastic Mathematics Association Award and the Jefferson Book Award, given to citizen leaders who embrace creativity and innovation and embody the spirit of discovery.

Courage Award

Academic Magnet senior captain Nick Price is a three-time soccer state champion and a North-South all-star. Three years ago, though, Price was a cancer patient fighting for his life.

Price was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor midway through his freshman year and still managed to help Academic Magnet win a state title as one of the team’s starting midfielders that season. Price underwent complex brain surgery just weeks after the championship game. He had to relearn how to walk, then run, then play the game but by the end of the summer he was again winning championships with his club team.

Price has since founded the Nick Price Foundation, a non-profit organized to help others with similar life-threatening illnesses. The nationally recognized organization has raised more than $50,000 in less than two years, donating 100 percent of the funds to more than 50 families nationwide.

Price has signed to play for Averett University next season. He trained with the U.S. Paralympic National team this winter and last week helped Magnet win its second straight state championship.

Coach of the Year

Oceanside football coach Chad Grier inherited a disoriented group that went a winless 0-8 its inaugural season and in months transformed it into a seven-game winner.

The Landsharks scored just 57 points in their inaugural season last year. But with Grier’s high-powered offensive scheme, Oceanside rang up 349 total points this season and boasted one of the most productive passers and receivers in the state. Two of the Landsharks’ seven wins came against perennial Lowcountry powers and another against an 11-game winner and state championship runner-up. Grier rocketed the program into legitimacy overnight without the benefit of having his own practice field, home stadium or weight room.

All seven of the football team’s seniors signed to play in college. Grier also served as Oceanside’s interim head basketball coach this winter, guiding a team once in disarray to a win over a state runner-up in its season finale.

Team of the Year

No one in state history has ever achieved the consistent success the Wando soccer team is enjoying right now.

The defending national champion Warriors are currently riding a state-record 54-game winning streak that dates back to 2016. Wando has outscored its opponents 259-22 over that span, with wins over traditional and current state powers and several nationally ranked programs.

Wando finished this season again ranked No. 1 in the nation resume that includes championships in the Capital City Cup state tournament and the prestigious Southern Coast Cup national tournament and its second straight state championship. Wando has produced eight college signees during its two-year winning streak.

Players of the Year

Patrick Spychalski – Boys cross country - Wando

Wando senior Patrick Spychalksi is a three-time all-state selection. The Villanova signee helped Wando to a fourth-place team finish at AAAAA state this year, placing second individually, just seconds off of the state winner. He finished in the top two in all but one meet this season, winning three of them.

Bryce Marion – Girls cross country – Porter-Gaud

Porter-Gaud seventh-grader Bryce Marion is quickly developing into one of the state’s premier young runners. In a matter of months she morphed from one of Cyclones’ top three or four runners into the region champion and SCISA AAA state runner-up. Her second-place run at state was a personal best by more than a minute.

Becca Woodard – Cheerleading - Wando

Wando junior Becca Woodard is “the embodiment of tiny but mighty” according to her high school cheer coach. She blends in with the flyers but is arguably one of the strongest bases on the team. The all-region selection is strong enough to hold a flyer in an extended position by herself. Wando is undefeated in their region the three years she’s been on the team.

Jared Pratt – Boys tennis – Bishop England

Bishop England senior Jared Pratt isn’t simply the best in the Lowcountry, he’s the best in the nation. Pratt is ranked as the country’s No. 1 boys junior tennis player by the USTA. The Wisconsin signee earned a gold ball national championship and a third-place bronze ball in singles at the National Indoors this year. A few weeks later he earned third place at the boys 18 singles and made the doubles quarterfinals at the USTA Winter Nationals. He closed his career with a state championship at No. 1 singles for the Bishops last week.

Emma Navarro – Girls tennis – Ashley Hall

Ashley Hall sophomore Emma Navarro is ranked as the best junior in the state and fourth in the nation. The Duke commit plays a full national and Southern junior tennis schedule, as well as selective U.S. Women's Pro Circuit and International Tennis Federation events and somehow still manages to squeeze in high school tennis. She’s undefeated her two years in high school, usually only playing in key matches and rarely challenged. Most recently, she reached the semifinals of the Easter Bowl ITF national championship in April.

Anthony Battista – Wrestling – Bishop England

Bishop England junior Anthony Battista improved every year of his high school career. After qualifying for the state championship tournament as a sophomore, Battista returned his junior season to take third in the state. He finished his junior season 28-12 overall. He also qualified for Lower State as a pole vaulter this spring.

Austin Scott – Boys golf – Bishop England

Bishop England freshman Austin Scott is quickly establishing himself as one of the state’s best. Scott is ranked as the second best freshman and No. 17 player overall by the S.C. Junior Golf Association. He earned all-region honors after shooting 2-under par to tie for match medalist at the region meet. He’s placed in the top 10 of four different tournaments this season for the Bishops who have qualified for the Lower State championship tournament.

Kennedy Carroll – Girls golf – Bishop England

Bishop England junior Kennedy Carroll saved her best for last this season. Carroll, the area’s top-ranked high school junior, placed sixth or better in seven high school tournaments this fall. Carroll turned in her best card in her last match, though, shooting a 1-under 71 to win the state championship by one stroke. She was the only player to shoot under par in the state championship tournament. Carroll most recently shot the fourth-lowest score at the Metrolina Classic, competing against some of the Southeast’s top high schoolers late last month in Rock Hill.

Riley Seay – Boys lacrosse - Oceanside

Oceanside’s Riley Seay could’ve very well taken the easier route his senior season but opted instead to forge his own path. Seay, a three-time state champion at Wando, led Oceanside to a state title in its first varsity season this spring. The all-state attack finished second in the state in scoring with 65 goals, despite playing in the fewest games of anyone in the top six. Seay, a Bellarmine signee, scored eight goals in the state title match, four in the first quarter alone and finishes his career with 163 in all.

Emma Pizzo – Girls lacrosse – Bishop England

Few, if any, have had an impact on girls lacrosse in South Carolina comparable to Bishop England senior Emma Pizzo. The Mercer signee closed her high school career as the state’s all-time leading scorer and a three-time state champion. She led the Bishops to a perfect 18-0 record this season, while leading the state with 78 goals and 58 assists. She scored five points or better in all but one match this season, often sitting out portions of the second half.

Keeghan Andrews – Volleyball - Wando

Wando senior Keeghan Andrews is a two-time state champion and all-state selection. The Syracuse enrollee ranked eighth in AAAAA in total kills while leading Wando to its fourth straight Lower State title this season. More than simply an athlete, Andrews has fine-tuned her game over her four years as varsity letterman, evidenced by her high kill percentage, digs and block numbers.

Geoffrey Gilbert – Baseball – Bishop England

Long considered the state’s top player, Bishop England pitcher Geoffrey Gilbert is now tabbed as one of the nation’s best. Gilbert has been invited to the Perfect Game national showcase, a prestigious combine featuring the top 200 players in the country. The Clemson commit is 9-0 this season with a .263 ERA. He’s thrown 73 strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs through 53⅓ innings pitched. Gilbert is now 18-0 dating back to the middle of his freshman season. He’s appeared in 34 straight games without suffering a loss.

Camden Carter – Softball - Oceanside

Oceanside sophomore Camden Carter  is a versatile player with a bright future. Carter, who plays both pitcher and infield, boasts an incredible .571 batting average to go with her .972 fielding average and four wins on the mound this season.

Willem Goedecke – Boys swimming – Porter-Gaud

Porter-Gaud junior Willem Goedecke proved himself to be one of the fastest swimmers in the state this season. Goedecke won two individual gold medals and a third relay gold while leading Porter-Gaud to its fourth straight state championship this fall. His times of 52.13 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke (a state record) and 1:46.62 in the 200 freestyle were the fastest in those events in the Lowcountry.

Kaila Pardus – Girls swimming – Porter-Gaud

Porter-Gaud freshman Kaila Pardus looks to be one of the state’s most promising young swimmers. Pardus set state records in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke while leading Porter-Gaud to its third straight state championship this fall. She’s become even faster this spring, shaving almost three seconds off her time in the 200-yard individual medley at the Speedo Champions Series in Greensboro in March.

Patrick Spychalski – Boys track and field - Wando

Wando senior Patrick Spychalski’s speed on the cross-country course translates incredibly well into the spring track and field season. Spychalski is a region champion in the 1600 with the fastest time in the Lowcountry. He’s a region and county champion in the 3,200. He’s a key cog in the Warriors’ 800-realy team, also ranked first in the area. He’s ranked second in the 800 and 3,200. Spychalski placed second in the 3,200 and third in the 1,600 while helped the Wando boys team to a state championship last week.

Zeniyah Lawrence – Girls track and field - Wando

Few athletes can ever boast the resume of Wando senior Zeniyah Lawrence. The Clemson signee and two-time state track and field athlete of the year has led the Wando girls team to three team state titles while collecting nine individual state championships herself. She’s broken countless region and country records and was a key piece of the Warriors’ 100-meter relay team that broke a 34-year-old all-time state record at last year’s state championship meet. Lawrence, most recently, swept the long jump, 100 and 200 state championships to help the Warrior girls win their third straight state title.

Michel Dukes – Football – First Baptist

First Baptist junior Michel Dukes has been the most important piece to the Hurricanes back-to-back state title run the past two years. Dukes accounted for more than 2,500 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. He averaged better than 12 yards per carry. When his team needed him the most, down 20 points in the second half of the state title game, Dukes heroically rose to the occasion with more than 100 yards and four touchdowns through the final 21 minutes. He’s become one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail, picking up Power 5 offers nationwide.

Aaron Nesmith – Boys basketball – Porter-Gaud

Porter-Gaud senior Aaron Nesmith closed his high school career with his third straight state championship this winter. The Vanderbilt signee and Gatorade South Carolina Player of the Year was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, averaging 21 points per game even while regularly sitting out fourth quarters. Nesmith was named Most Outstanding Player at the Chick-fil-A Classic and Roundball Classic and finished his career with more than 2,000 total points.

Skylar Blackstock – Girls basketball - Wando

Wando senior Skylar Blackstock fell just one vote shy of earning state player of the year honors this season. The Clemson signee and 1,000-point scorer averaged 24 points on 47 percent shooting to go with nine rebounds, five steals and four assists to help keep the Warriors ranked inside the state’s top 10 for most of the season. She was a Carolinas Classic all-star selection, where she finished as the game’s second-highest scorer with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Charlie Marino – Boys soccer - Wando

Wando senior Charlie Marino has served as the offensive leader of the Warriors’ state record 54-game winning streak the past two years. The College of Charleston signee has scored 35 goals this season and has poured in 84 the past three years. He’s shown a penchant for doing some of his best work in some of most crucial postseason situations. He earned a mention in Sports Illustrated after scoring the game-winning goal in the state championship last season as part of Wando’s national championship run and he scored the Warriors’ first goal last weekend’s state title match, while setting up their second.

Riane Coman – Girls soccer – Academic Magnet

Academic Magnet junior Riane Coman secured her position atop the school’s record book this season and is quickly climbing the all-time state ranks. The all-state USC commit set the school’s career scoring record a couple weeks ago, with another season still to play. She’s now positioned seventh on the state’s all-time single-season scoring list and quickly climbing the career ranks. She’s either scored or assisted on more than half of Magnet’s 111 goals this season and ranks second in the state in goals scored. She scored 18 goals in the postseason on Magnet’s march to a state championship last year and put away 10 to help the Raptors repeat as champions this season.