Blythewood High School just recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary as a school. So they are relatively new. However, since their inception they have been split in half twice as Ridge View High School and Westwood High School were formed.
However, what Blythewood lost in enrollment, they won in coaching hire. Head Coach Zeke Washington is a winner, and he has proven that no matter where he is an who he is coaching. Washington has won a South Carolina state championship as a girls coach (at Chester HS) and as a boys coach (at Lower Richland HS).
This year, Washington has a talented crew that will look to press, trap, and run their way to earning another state title. Washington carries a roster that has a lot of depth, a lot of length, and seniors who take on the role of leaders. That is a good recipe.
The Senior
There is no question that this team will be led by 6’6” senior Eli Lake, and with that the program is in good hands. Lake started on the varsity as a sophomore, and has continued to improve each year. This year, Lake has a 6’8” wing span on his 6’6” frame. He has always had deep touch and this year he has the confidence to also attack the rim. It would not be surprising to see Lake average upwards of 20 points per game. He carries an offer from Coastal Carolina and Navy. However, as more coaches get in to see him, there is a chance many more could come his senior year. Lake will be at the prestigious SC Top 80 on September 26.
The New Guy
Already carrying a lot of length, the rich got richer as 6’7” sophomore Robert Braswell transferred in this year. Braswell, whose mother is in the Navy in Qatar, moved in this season from Germany. Braswell has great touch with range, but also has a sense of game IQ off the bounce. This season Blythewood wont need for Braswell to take on a huge role, but his length and offensive skill will provide some interesting looks. Start tracking now.
New Buzz
This summer was a big one for 6’6” junior Keith Matthews. He grew from a relative unknown player to one that has a steady stream of colleges coming through the gym to watch him. Last week Matthews even picked up his first offer from Coastal Carolina. When he is at his best, Matthews is defending 3+ positions. He has long arms and a relentless motor. Matthews perimeter skills are developing by the day and he is transitioning to look as a true shooting guard. Matthews will be at the prestigious SC Top 80 on September 26.
Young Bucks
It is not a certainty that these two will play on varsity this year or not however, the future is bright at Blythewood. 5’9” Freshman Trey Jackson is a confidence scorer, with a quick trigger and solid handle up top. 6’4” Freshman Kameron Emmanuel has a very strong frame with great feet and loose hips in the post. Look for these two to be central figures in the Blythewood HS’s plans moving forward.