Iron Horses dominate girls’ volleyball tournament

The Philip Simmons High School girls’ volleyball team picked up six victories and the championship trophy of the Warriors Showdown, which was hosted by Whale Branch High School over the weekend.

 

But don’t expect the Iron Horses to rest on their laurels. In fact, don’t even expect them to rest.

 

Coach Jay Watterworth schedules some topflight teams during the regular season, and that includes some challenging tournaments. The Iron Horses have stops at Pickens, Palmetto Christian Academy, Hilton Head and even one on their home court at the Phil.

 

“If you want to go deep in the playoffs, you have to have that tournament experience under your belt,” said Watterworth, whose team won 13 of its first 15 matches to begin the 2023 season. “Tournaments are important because you get to see different teams from different parts of the state. And, you get to see different styles of play.”

 

Philip Simmons defeated Hampton County, Branchville and Beaufort Academy in pool play and then topped Midland Valley in a crossover bracket match. Then, the Iron Horses defeated Cross Episcopal School in the semifinal and Bluffton in the championship. The Iron Horses swept Bluffton, 25-18, 25-21.

 

Watterworth had high praise for the play of Jaiden Rohs in the tourney. She tallied 38 kills, 11 blocks and a .564 average. Freshman setter Dani Gehringer led the team in assists and ran the offense well. Freshman McRae Stephenson had six kills in the last match and had the game winning block.

 

The Iron Horses have become perennial state contenders and won a school record 38 matches in 2022 before losing to Wren in the Class AAA state championship. The team is an impressive 96-13-3 since the 2020 season.

 

The Iron Horses began Region 8-AAA play Sept. 12 with a game against Beaufort and were scheduled to play in the PCA tourney this weekend.

 

BE SWIMMING

 

The Bishop England High School swimming teams fared well in the Rock the Block Invitational.

 

The Bishops girls finished in second place behind Lucy Beckham as the Bengals posted a 220-188 victory. Ashley Ridge was third with 148. 

 

On the boys’ side, Lucy Beckham topped Greer Middle College 195-126. Ashley Ridge was third with 126 and BE fourth with 119.

 

The Bishop girls claimed gold in the 200 freestyle relay. Team members included Mia Devito, Zoe Dewitt, Carley Foust and Ellie Chalupsky.

 

Chalupski claimed silver medals in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. Devito, a sophomore, claimed silver medals in the 50 and 100 freestyles.

 

Mackenzie LeVeen claimed third in the 100 breaststroke while the Bishops’ 200 medley relay claimed a bronze medal and the 200 freestyle relay also claimed bronze.

 

Fritts Owen led the BE boys with two gold medals, winning the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Justin Hafner was third in the 200 freestyle and second in the 100 freestyle.

 

BE FOOTBALL

 

The James Island Trojans proved to be too much for the Bishop England Battling Bishops (0-2), as the Trojans gained a 49-0 victory Sept. 8 at BE’s Jack Cantey Stadium.

 

James Island pushed its record to 4-0 as quarterback Braxton Scott completed 8 of 9 passing for 240 yards and four touchdowns. The Trojans have been dominant this season, outscoring foes, 189-7.

 

The Bishops travel to Woodland on Sept. 15.