BE girls' volleyball team caps 50th season as state runners-up
The Bishop England High School girls’ volleyball team’s bid for a 30th state crown came up short as Pickens High School posted a 3-0 decision over the Bishops to claim the Class AAAA state title on Nov. 8 in a match contested at Dreher High School in Columbia.
Pickens claimed its second straight title, topping the Bishops 25-16, 25-16, 25-22 to finish the 2025 campaign with a 31-4 record. Bishop England had its six-game winning streak halted and finished with a 21-12 record.
The Blue Flame was relentless on defense in recording its 57th victory in the past two seasons against 19 losses.
The Bishop girls’ program celebrated its 50th year this season with numerous accomplishments, including capturing the Region 6-AAAA championship with a 10-0 record.
The Bishops own a Palmetto State record of 29 state championships, which is second in national history to Bayside Academy in Alabama, which has 31, according to the National Federation of High School Sports’ record book.
Langdon Blackstock was named to the Class AAAA all-state team after recording 41 aces, 308 kills, and 223 digs. She also earned all-region honors along with Jules Gallo, Grace Stroud, and Hadley Irvine.
Five seniors played for their final match as Bishops: Blackstock, Irvine, Caylee Searson, Sullivan Leonard, and Avery McKian.
CROSS COUNTRY
Both area high schools will be in the hunt for state titles when the South Carolina High School League holds its state cross country championships this weekend at the Aiken Steeplechase.
Philip Simmons is the prohibitive favorite in both the girls’ and boys’ races, as both teams enter the meet ranked No. 1 in Class AA. The girls are aiming for their fourth state title in a row, while the boys will attempt to repeat as state champs.
Both Iron Horse teams competed in the odd division of the Class AA state qualifier, which was contested at the Farm in Newberry on Nov. 8.
The Iron Horse boys topped Academic Magnet 27-46, while Landrum High School was third with 98 points.
Matthew Perry won the 5k race in 16 minutes and 44.70 seconds to lead the Iron Horses. Grady Castiglia, Trent Manning, Brian Stambaugh, and Griffin Tollison all finished in the top 10.
The Iron Horse girls were even more dominant, posting a 29-56 decision over the Raptors. Pelion was third with 102.
Avah Mallek won the gold medal with a time of 19:30.80. Laura Perry, Keziah Varner, and Ronel St. Germain each finished in the top 10.
Bishop England, meanwhile, is among the top Class AAAA programs. The Bishop girls are No. 2 in the state, while the boys check in at No. 3.
The Bishop girls won the even division of the Class AAAA state qualifier, topping Hilton Head 44-80. Daniel High School was third with 98.
Nora Brahim claimed silver to lead the Bishops. Her time was 19:42.30. Siena D’Agostino, Addison Wood, and Katie Cheverie all placed in the top 10.
South Pointe topped the BE boys 39-49 in the even division. Wren was third with 112. Connor Good finished second with a time of 16:36.40 to lead the Bishops. Gabe Hislop also finished in the top 10.