Westwood senior student-athletes who signed on Wednesday are, from left, Cameron Smith, Maliyah Lockett, Essence Marshall, Unique Drake, Russell Jones Jr., Joshua Wise and Brandon Anderson. | Barbara Ball
BLYTHEWOOD – Seven seniors from Westwood High School announced their plans to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level during the early signing period.
Cameron Smith, son of Kendrick and Alicia Smith, signed to continue his football career at the University of South Carolina. Smith, a defensive back for the Redhawks, had a total of 65 tackles, 25 pass break ups, four tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He was named All-Region, a US Army All-American Bowl Selection, and to the SC Shrine Bowl team.
Maliyah Lockett, daughter of Jovaughn and Suzanne Gilbert, announced her signing with the University of North Carolina at Asheville to play basketball. Lockett is an honor roll student, a CATE completer and was featured in the 2018 SC Hoops Festival Junior Showcase. Lockett averaged 9 points, 4.8 rebounds 1 steal and 2.6 assists per game last season.
Unique Drake, daughter of John and Doris Drake, signed to continue her basketball career at St. John’s University. Drake was a 2018 All-State Selection, 2018 Region 3-4A Player of the Year, was featured in the 2018 SC Hoops Festival Junior Showcase and is an honor roll student. Drake was the first Redhawk basketball player in school history to reach 1,000 points. Last season Drake averaged 21.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.9 steals per game.
Essence Marshall, daughter of Charles and Ronita Marshall, committed to continue her basketball career at Anderson University. Marshall was featured in the 2018 SC Hoops Festival Junior Showcase and attended SCBCA Elite Camp. She boasts an overall 3.65 GPA, is an honor roll student and a member of the Beta Club, Girls Empowerment Mentorship Program and A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Program.
Russell Jones Jr., son of Russell Sr. and Valerie Jones, signed to Winthrop University to continue his basketball career. Jones was 2018 Region Player of the Year and a 2018 Class 4A All-State Selection.
Joshua Wise, son of Joshua Wise Sr. and Romika Wade, announced his signing to Florence-Darlington Technical College to continue his baseball career. Wise is a two-year letterman at Westwood.
Brandon Anderson, son of Matt and Lisa Anderson, committed to continue his baseball career at North Carolina A&T. Anderson is a three-year letterman for the Redhawks.