Greenville, SC High School Girls Basketball: Riverside to Play for 4A State Title

Riverside’s Historic Win in 4A Girls Upper State Basketball Championship

FLORENCE – In a thrilling showdown at the Girls 4A Upper State high school basketball championship, the Riverside High School girls’ team emerged victorious, securing a spot in the state title game for the first time in the program’s history. The game, held at Florence Center, witnessed Riverside’s junior center, Elly Trickett, stepping up magnificently against Westside’s standout 6-foot-5 center, Khalia Hartwell, a promising freshman with a scholarship offer from Mississippi State.

Despite the significant height disadvantage, standing at 5-7, Trickett showcased remarkable skill and determination on the court. She delivered a stellar performance, contributing 14 crucial points to her team’s 61-48 triumph over Westside. Trickett’s impact was particularly felt in the second and third quarters, where she scored 12 points and played a key role in Riverside’s commanding lead.

A David vs. Goliath Matchup

Going up against a talented and taller opponent like Hartwell was undoubtedly a daunting task for Trickett. However, she displayed unwavering confidence in her abilities and relied on her agility and basketball IQ to outmaneuver her counterpart. Trickett’s offensive prowess inside the paint was instrumental in Riverside’s success, as she consistently found ways to score against the imposing defense of Hartwell.

Reflecting on her performance, Trickett remarked, “I know I can play against tall matchups. I can get rebounds, too. I can get put-backs, too. I might not be the tallest person on the court, but I just know where to be and I think I can read things pretty well out there.”

Height Is Not the Sole Measure of Success

Despite lacking players over 6 feet tall on their roster, Riverside’s girls’ team has showcased exceptional teamwork, grit, and resilience throughout the season. Head coach Bri Jones commended her players for their tenacity and indomitable spirit, emphasizing that their success stems from their determination and heart rather than physical stature.

Elly Trickett’s performance symbolizes the team’s collective ethos of overcoming challenges through sheer determination and skill. Her ability to outshine taller opponents through her quickness, strength, and basketball acumen has been instrumental in Riverside’s journey to the state championship game.

A Historic Opportunity Beckons

As Riverside prepares to face their final challenge in the pursuit of the state title, the team remains focused and determined to etch their names in the school’s history books. With a doubleheader scheduled at the Florence Center, including the boys’ team vying for the championship, Riverside is poised to make a strong statement in the state’s high school basketball scene.

Looking ahead to the championship game, Riverside’s leading scorer Kyndal Haroski expressed confidence in their team’s abilities, stating, “The job’s not finished. We had a good time today, but we want to be the first team in school history to win a state championship.”

Final Thoughts

Elly Trickett’s standout performance against Westside’s formidable opponent highlights the essence of sportsmanship, determination, and the relentless pursuit of success. As Riverside gears up for the ultimate test in the state championship game, the team’s unity, resilience, and unwavering spirit serve as a testament to their remarkable journey this season.