LANCASTER, S.C. — A number of student athletes were recognized by Lancaster County School District at the March 19 school board meeting for their recent accomplishments.
The Andrew Jackson High School girls basketball team was honored first for its 2A State Championship victory over Landrum High on March 1. The Lady Volunteers, who finished with a 27-4 overall record and a 12-0 Region 5 record, were ranked the top 2A team in South Carolina in the final state poll.
“We give all the glory to God, who is the head of our lives. We started out with very high expectations and it was tough going through during the season. But somehow, someway, we found a way and that mission was completed,” said AJHS girls coach Steve Fair.
Nichaya Pemberton of Lancaster High was honored for winning the 2024 SCHSL 4A girls wrestling individual state championship. Competing in the 170-pound class, Pemberton is the first female state champion wrestler from Lancaster High.
Tucker Bohn and Michael Jaimez-Laney, both of Buford High, and Josh Horn of Indian Land High were also recognized for their state championship victories.
Bohn won the 2A State Championship in the 250-pound class, with Jaimez-Laney winning in the 285-pound class. Bohn is a sophomore at Buford with a 46-1 record and 38 pins on the year. Jaimez-Laney is a senior at Buford with a 32-1 record and was also the 2A Lower State champion last year.
Horn earned the 4A state championship for Indian Land in the 120-pound class. He’s also a two-time Region Three 4A champion, two-time 4A Upper State champion, and a two-time 4A state champion. Horn had a 45-7 record this past season and was named the Region 3 4A Wrestler of the Year.
Andrew Jackson High Principal Shuntay Miller was named the Region 5 2A Principal of the Year by the S.C. Athletic Administrators Association. She was selected by athletic directors from every region in 2A, who chose a region athletic director and principal to be recognized in a process that included a nomination and vote.
“With her help, we have more kids participating in athletics along with holding athletes accountable for their actions. She helps the kids and student athletes understand that they should carry themselves in a different manner,” her nomination said.
