87 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Johnson is expected to be a major factor in that run. “Blake has been part of our program since seventh grade,” Kubisz said. “He started every game for us last season, and we’ll be relying on his steady temperament and consistent level of play to lead us this season.” As for Johnson, 2025 is still smoldering, and he is ready to right the past “after coming so close and feeling like we had it right in front of us.” “All of my teammates feel the same way,” he said. “I can feel a determined atmosphere at practice because everyone has the same goal, which is to win it all this year. And I’m excited to make another run and finish this year as state champions.” PHILIP SIMMONS GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Since 2021, Philip Simmons has run the Lowcountry’s premier track program, with Region AA and AAA championships for boys and girls every season and five combined state titles, including last year’s girls team. As the Lady Iron Horses prepare for a repeat showing, head coach Emma Santor is aiming to push the bar a little higher with senior pole vaulter Ashley Roush. “We have a great chance to make it happen again this season with a strong senior leader like Ashley,” Santor said. “She is a four-event state athlete and contributes to our program in more ways than one.” For example, even though Roush is the team’s best long jumper and high jumper and runs a leg on the 4x100 relay team, she is currently ranked as the No. 1 pole vaulter in the entire state and is expected to take the team to new heights. “She is one of those girls that you can count on in just about any event,” Santor said. “We would not be surprised if we saw her place top 3 in multiple of her events at the AA State Championship meet on May 15 at Richland Northeast.” It’s a lot to look forward to – especially if you’ve never seen a high school girl pole vaulter consistently soar between 11-12 feet. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great coaching and support,” Roush said. “Nothing is guaranteed at the state level, so my goal is to trust my training and compete one jump at a time.” our sports Blake Johnson intends to help Philip Simmons get another shot at the state baseball title. Philip Simmons pole vaulter Ashley Roush will see a lot of sky as she pushes the team toward the 2026 state track title. BUY • SELL • TRADE SPORTS CARDS TRADE DAYS POKEMON @BUCKSSPORTSCARDS BUCKSSPORTSCARDS.COM LIVE BREAKS ON TIKTOK AND WHATNOT 3006 S. MORGANS POINT RD. 843-936-2972 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ‘
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