State of the Program ... Belton-Honea Path (SC)
Betlon-Honea Path (SC)
Head Coach: Chris Strickland (entering 13th season at BHP; 8 at Crescent)
Staff: Dylan Gary, Tony Luna, Nathan Turner, Derek Harris
BHP took home the 3A title a year ago and return several hammers in 21-22. But they will need all 14 weights to step up and make a mark if they are going to retain the 3A title in 2022. West-Oak, Gilbert, Powdersville, and others look ready to challenge BHP for the title. The Bears lost several key wrestlers to graduation - Easton Brannen, Tyler Center, and Hayden Lawter - as well as 2x State Finalist Will Hendricks who moved to Myrtle Beach. That means that those returning will need to lead the way and that some new faces will need to step up and make their mark.
The cupboard is far from bare at BHP - the Bears return State Champs Cooper Strickland and Jojo Morris as well as 2x State Qualifier Eli Strickland, and Region Champs Patrick Stone and Joseph Lawton. I would expect those 5 will keep BHP in the mix for another 3A title in 2022. But it will be up to Seniors Ethan Babb, Will Tollison, and Logan Lollis as well as Juniors Cason Young and Grant Lawter to help push BHP over the top. Keep an eye on Sophomore Nolan Maness and incoming freshman Jayden Morris to make some noise in 2022. The Bears have all of the pieces to keep that 3A title at home - but they must rise to the occasion and hold off a strong pack of contenders.
“Coming off a state championship year I have reminded our guys over and over you can’t live off of last week’s groceries. This team is to make thier own mark, their own legacy. The standard and expectations haven’t changed. There are several very tough teams in AAA, if we are to compete, we must come to work everyday to get better. We have had a good summer, looking forward to the start of preseason here next week. Our schedule is a challenging one that I hope will prepare us for the postseason as a team and as individuals. My hope is that we peak just at the right time.”