Columbia Star

1963        Celebrating 60 Years      2023

Highlanders have state championship expectations in 2023




Heathwood Hall girls basketball head coach Brionna Zimmerman feels that COVID-19 and injuries had an effect on her team’s 8-8 record during the 2021-2022 season. However, she feels optimistic for the 2022-2023 season.

Three starters return in Abby Mullins, Emily Frick, and Virginia Bowers. Four others have joined the program in Cardinal Newman transfers Lauren Jacobs and Sabreya Monsanto, Ridge View transfer Shamarie Hayes, and Gray Collegiate transfer Amariea Spriggs.

“We have leadership and talent,” Zimmerman said. “Now we need to mesh it together. The theme this year is ‘All In.’”

So far the girls have meshed well as the Lady Highlanders are off to an 8-0 start with wins over Columbia, Lower Richland, J.L. Mann, Richland Northeast, Porter-Gaud, Wilson Hall, and Laurence Manning.

Non-region games against Concord Academy (NC) and Irmo remain.

SCISA Region 1-4A feels wide open this year compared to seasons past. Cardinal Newman, which has been a perennial state championship winner, and Hammond are in some transition. Zimmerman believes that might open the door for her team to have a shot at achieving its goal of winning a state championship.

“Every game feels like a rival game,” Zimmerman said. “It allows for a different level of focus. We need to win the ones we should win. We need to battle through the tougher ones. We might be able to surprise some this year.”

Zimmerman believes every Highlanders must play well and do their job well to reach their goal.

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