Central, McBee and Chesterfield athletes honored for academic and athletic achievements

During a school recognition segment, student-athletes from Central High School, McBee High School and Chesterfield High School were honored for athletic and academic achievements, including upcoming state competitions and a collegiate basketball scholarship.

Central High School senior Caden Edmond and student Journey Huff were recognized for their performances and upcoming appearances at the state track meet Friday at Spring Valley High School in Columbia. Coach Desmond Sal, identified as Central’s basketball coach, congratulated Edmond, saying, “a huge congratulations are in order for Caden on a truly exceptional high school career.” The presentation noted Edmond has scored more than 1,300 career points, grabbed over 800 rebounds, was all-region four times and was named to the all-state team this year. Edmond is also reported to have signed a basketball scholarship with Coker University in Hartsville. Journey Huff was introduced as a multi-event track competitor who has been a regional champion in four events for three consecutive years and is ranked in the top four in the state in three individual events she will compete in at the state meet.

McBee High School coach Andy Karcher presented Lily Beasley and Tyrique Wright. Coach Callen Jowers, who was cited as Lily’s volleyball coach, said, “Lily Beasley is the kind of athlete every coach wants on their team,” and described her as “selflessness, driven, and humble.” The remarks and materials in the presentation list Lily’s athletic honors: three-time all-region in volleyball, all-state this year, north–south all-star selection, region player of the year finalist, three-time MACB defensive MVP and team captain; she is also a three-time all-region selection in softball. The presentation lists a 5.28 GPA on a 6.0 scale and a rank of 3 out of 81 for Beasley. Tyrique Wright was introduced as a four-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball and track) with a listed 4.28 GPA; his athletic honors include multiple all-region selections, an all-state basketball selection this year and appearances in the north–south all-star game.

Chesterfield High School coach Kevin Kenny presented Kai Pace, described as a five-sport athlete (volleyball, girls golf, cheerleading, basketball and softball) with a listed 4.4 GPA and a senior-class rank of 26. The presentation noted Pace’s state golf finish (20th) despite limited experience and four years of varsity play in volleyball and basketball.

Presenters named family members who accompanied the students and coaches from each school introduced the honorees. No formal board actions or votes were recorded in the provided transcript segment; the material consisted of recognitions, athlete statistics, college commitments and coach remarks.

Officials and coaches also highlighted upcoming competitions and college plans: the state track meet at Spring Valley High School in Columbia for Central athletes, and Edmond’s signed scholarship to Coker University in Hartsville. Parents named in the presentations included Jeremy Edmond, Melissa Edmond and Dee Meadows for Edmond; Timmy and Tracy (last name not specified) for Lily Beasley; Antonio and Tina Wright and sister Riley for Tyrique Wright; and Melanie Pace, Jean Pace and Mae Smith listed as family for Kai Pace.