72 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com problem for any coach to have. “The one thing I want to change is the culture of the program, ensuring that girls’ basketball is seen as just as important as our other successful programs at the school,” Gethers said. “I also want to emphasize the importance of the offseason, and the hard work required day in and day out.” OCEANSIDE LADY LANDSHARKS No state basketball title yet for the Oceanside Collegiate girls’ team and head coach Mandy Harrison. Not even a trip to the finals. But operating on a philosophy that good things take time, Harrison thinks that beginning with the 2024-25 season, her Lady Landsharks are at the edge of taking their talent and the team’s fortunes to those levels. “We’ve been building since my first season as head coach in 2018,” Harrison said. “Last season was our best so far, going 19-7 and making the playoffs for a sixth time.” The Lady Landsharks also beat Marion High 46-30 in the first round before falling by 33 to a superior Andrew Jackson High in round two. Impressive considering that OCA only began operations in 2016. Even moreso, considering that the school came within an inch of closing earlier this year when its charter was revoked by their school district, then overturned. And dating back to her first season, Harrison’s inaugural squad won just five games. Yet in many ways, her first team was the pace setter for all that have come since, allowing each successive squad to build on previous years. “And we have a solid outlook for 2024-25,” she said. A big part of that solidity is centered around six key players: • Returning senior and leading scorer Ella Mae Schepp, who has received offers to play at the University of West Florida and North Greenville University. “She’s my captain and spark,” Harrison said. • Four-time senior captain and Clemson lacrosse commit Teagan Scott • All-state point guard and team leader Josie Hanks • Dead-eye shooters Henley Hanks and Ella Hunter • Multi-sport athlete Lauren Hagemeyer, whom Harrison said will “provide athleticism, rebounding and a presence in the paint.” All helped propel the team to winning streaks of six and seven games last season and led them to a No. 5 ranking among all S.C. Class 2A high school girls’ teams. And the Lady Landsharks will need every ounce of talent from all six this season to maintain that level, as they don’t really have the proverbial easy opponents. Following November’s Carvers Bay Scrimmage and PCA Showcase, they begin regular play away with Pinewood Prep, Lucy Beckham and Porter-Gaud. Their first home game doesn’t come until Dec. 9 against Marion – which finished 11-10 last season with a playoff loss to Oceanside. “So, we will be tested out of the gate with four solid opponents,” Harrison said. Then the schedule gets even harder with region play against Orangeburg-Wilkinson, a playoff team last season. In non-regional play they will face North Charleston, Northwood Academy, Lucy Beckham and Hanahan, which made it to the second round of the 2024 playoffs. One glaring omission from the schedule, however, is Bishop England, ranked No. 2 last season, which was moved to Region 6 4A. “For the past two seasons, they were our rival game,” Harrison said. “However, we are not scheduled to play them this season.” our sports OCA Coach Mandy Harrison looks on during a home game. After the dry, chilly days of fall, your hair deserves some extra care. Pop into Vanity Salon for a hydrating treatment or a Brazilian blowout, along with a fresh cut and color that will complement your warm winter coats and cozy scarves. Blonding Experts • Extension Specialists • Master Colorists • Airbrush Makeup | VanitySalonSC.com to Book Your Appointment LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR 12 YEARS It’s time to talk about Winter fashion, so remember, TWO LOCATIONS: West Ashley & Mt. Pleasant
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