Lauren Jacobs, a point guard at Heathwood Hall, has been named the Richland County Girls High School Player of the Year.
Richland County Recreation Foundation and Richland County Recreation Commission congratulate Lauren Jacobs, Point Guard from Heathwood Hall, who was selected as the 2024-25 Richland County High School Player of the Year-Girls Basketball by a panel of voters comprised of media members, Varsity Girls Basketball head coaches, and at large voters.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Richland County Recreation Foundation and Richland County Recreation Commission hosted a banquet at R2i2 celebrating the 2024-25 Richland County High School Player of the Year Nominees. Representatives from the county, the schools and school districts, sponsors, families, and coaches gathered to celebrate the achievements of the
13 nominees for this year’s award. Decorated player and coach, Mrs. Deborah (Stroman) Wardlaw shared her story and some of the lessons that the game of basketball taught her through her life.
The Richland County High School Player of the Year award recognizes outstanding student-athletes who excel on and off the court. To be eligible, a nominee must be a senior varsity player from one of the 17 high schools within Richland County. Each school is allowed to nominate only one player. Academic achievement is an important factor, with nominees required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in core subjects. In addition to their performance on the basketball court, nominees must demonstrate good sportsmanship, leadership, and a
commitment to their community through volunteer service.
After the season ends, coaches submit their nominees’ senior year statistics. The panel of voters consists of varsity head coaches, local sports media members, and at-large representatives. Each voter ranks their top five nominees, and a structured point system determines the overall winner. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.
The Richland County Recreation Commission and Richland County Recreation Foundation congratulate all of the nominees and their families for their outstanding contributions to their schools and communities.
For more information, contact Kevin Crawford at (803) 876-8242 or by email at communications@rcrc.state.sc.us.
