BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood High School recently recognized 12 members of the Class of 2023 who have committed to continuing their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The group included athletes from six different athletic teams on campus.
Benjamin Blackwell, son of David and Carolina Blackwell, announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina. Blackwell, a pitcher for head coach Dolan Crolley, helped lead the Bengals to the 2023 Region and Upper State Championship. Blackwell was named the WLTX Player of the Week this Spring and pitched a one-hit shutout in the playoffs for the Bengals.
Alana Davis, daughter of Landon and Ashley Monroe, announced her plans to continue her cheerleading career at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. Davis was a Main Base for head coach Brittany Littlejohn at Blythewood High School. Davis earned team honors for Best Base and Team Spirit her senior year.
Luke Duncan, son of David and Michelle Duncan, announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Duncan is a pitcher and outfielder for head coach Dolan Crolley at Blythewood High School. Duncan helped lead the Bengals to a Region and Upper State Championship his senior year.
Rhyan Harp, daughter of Reginald and LaShawn Harp, announced her plans to continue her cheerleading career at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Harp cheered for the Bengals under head coach Brittany Littlejohn and helped led the team to the State Championship Meet in 2022.
Riley Goode, daughter of Marshall and Nikki Goode, announced her plans to continue her lacrosse career at Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina. Goode played Attack for head coach Margaret Woodruff at Blythewood High School. Goode scored 51 goals in two years on the varsity team and won the team’s MVP and Attack Player of the Year awards.
Tyler Grake, son of Rich and Kim Grake announced his commitment to Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. Grake was a cornerback for head coach Jason Seidel. Grake earned All-Region honors while helping lead the Bengals to their first region championship in 10 years.
Ryan Hart, son of Peter and Patty Hart, announced his plans to continue his soccer career at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. Hart played Forward and Midfield for head coach Robby Setzler at Blythewood. Hart was also a placekicker for the football team, helping them win their first region championship in 10 years. Hart set a school record for most field goals in a game with four.
Jaliyah Johnson, daughter of Jeremiah and Carrie Johnson, announced her intention to continue her cheer career at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Johnson was a tumbler and base for the Bengals under head coach Brittany Littlejohn and helped led the team to the State Championship Meet in 2022.
Sofia Pena, daughter of Alicia Pena, announced her plan to continue her cheer career at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. Pena was a flyer and a co-captain for head coach Brittany Littlejohn at Blythewood High School. Pena was named an All-Region Cheerleader her senior year and earned a varsity letter each of her four years of high school.
Joshua Redmon, son of Thomas and Heather Redmon, announced his decision to continue his soccer career at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Redmon played Left Back and Center Back for head coach Robby Setzler at Blythewood. Redmon helped lead the Bengals to the playoffs his senior year.
Ashlynn Scott, daughter of Christopher and Rateisha Scott, announced her plans to continue her track career at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. Scott was a hurdler and jumper for head coach Aleshia Taylor at Blythewood High School. Scott was a member of the Bengal track team that won the 2023 5A SCHSL State Championship title.
Jasmine Young, daughter of Linnie and Tonia Young, announced her plans to continue her track career at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Young was a jumper and mid-distance runner for head coach Aleshia Taylor at Blythewood High School. Young was a member of the Bengal track team that won the 2023 5A SCHSL State Championship title.