It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mann-Simons Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Central, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good”
“I have been with the company for a while now. I can honestly say that”
“ABC were able to quickly organize the 24/7 care we needed to help my mother”
“When I left my old company and went to a new one being the same”
“Always best care was my very first home health job coming out of high school”
“Dear Beth and Kathi, I want to thank you for sending Tonya to me.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everyone at Always Best is always responsive and”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming”
“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the”
“Other ABC was hired to help me take care of my mother in her last few”
“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”
“Dear Lynn, It was a pleasure working with you and your accomplished and compassionate team during”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the”
“Really appreciate how quickly Always Best Care was able to get care started for my”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the”
“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful”
“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the”
“Always Best Care provides a in-home care for a variety of needs. The owner of”
“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very”
“Great Place. Really caring people. would recommend if a friend of family member need”
“The best care anyone can offer.”
“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very”
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good at their job too !”
“I have been with the company for a while now. I can honestly say that the staff goes above and beyond for their clients. Even working nonstop trying to cover for call outs and everything else. This is a business but it is more than just a business. You can feel the love that the staff has for the clients and how they go above and beyond for them. The clients become family here and are cared for as such.”
“ABC were able to quickly organize the 24/7 care we needed to help my mother through her final days of hospice. All of the attending staff were courteous and professional. The owner communicated clearly and we were very thankful for her attention and quick response to our situation. I would highly recommend ABC to assist with your senior care needs.”
“When I left my old company and went to a new one being the same thing I was, a caregiver, I was nervous. I wasn't treated the best or appreciated at all at the old company so I figured this one would be the same way but boy was I wrong. I work for a company that appreciates me and is willing to work with me through any situation so we are all on the same page. They respect me as their employee, a mother and just a person in general. Yesterday when I went to the office to pick up my check, I was given an award. The boss of our company chose ME as "Employee of the Month of September". Talking about feeling appreciated, I've only been working for them for 4 months. I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for choosing me and believing in me and my work. It's not always easy but it's worth it!????”
“Always best care was my very first home health job coming out of high school and it has truly been a experience for me. I did leave to explore and find my way in the world however in 2020 I gotten the opportunity to come back with open arms and I couldn't pass it up. This company works hard to help employees and clients. The owner miss Beth is a strong independent women that gets the job done and will help anyone that needs it. She has seen things in me that I hasn't been able to see in my self, and that is why this will be my forever employment. If you want to work somewhere where communication is key in this business, a business that cares about you and wants to see you move up in the world you need to come and work for this company. I am not just saying that because I work there now. I am saying this because I have a job that enjoy going to work each and everyday.”
“Dear Beth and Kathi, I want to thank you for sending Tonya to me. She is a great caregiver. She has been a lot of help since my husband of 64 years passed away.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everyone at Always Best is always responsive and so helpful. They take great care of my parents and have become part of our family. In addition to caring for my parents, they assist with meals as needed and do light housekeeping and laundry. They have reduced our stress level so much, knowing that the folks are well taken care of around the clock.”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”
“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. You could tell she loves her job. she started helping in the evenings, then on weekends. Mom's health got really bad and she was hospitalized and Trudy changed her schedule so she could stay up at the hospital all night with my Mom. I never had to worry because I knew mom was in good hands and that Trudy would te… See more”
“Other ABC was hired to help me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy mom's Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. Trudy first started helping mom in the evenings but as mom got worse she changed her schedule and started helping on the weekends. Anytime I needed them Trudy came to the rescue! Mom was hospitalized and I'm a single mother and needed someone to stay at the hospital with mom during the night. Trudy stayed with my mom every night at the hospital and I never had to worry because I knew mom was in the best hands and that if anything went wrong Trudy would text or call me. I definitely will recommend this company to anyone they were a blessing.”
“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”
“Dear Lynn, It was a pleasure working with you and your accomplished and compassionate team during my husband’s illness. Each step of my experience with your company was professional and at the same time caring and loving, from the initial interview to the final day. The aid who spent time in our home was willing to do whatever was requested and was kind and truly caring. I compliment you and your competent team for lessening the burden and for making the journey as pleasant as possible. With sincere thanks, Laura G.”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”
“Really appreciate how quickly Always Best Care was able to get care started for my father with such a short notice. The caregivers did an amazing job and I would highly recommend them to others.”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”
“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful and very friendly. I could not have asked for them to be anymore helpful all while being so respectful and kind. You just don't get that everyday when dealing with different agencies and other people, so it was very important to me that to let you know what an incredible job the staff is doing in your facility. From the lady who answered the phone to the lady who assisted with transportation arrangements, each time I called was nothing short of accommodating. Thank you for teaching your staff that respect and friendliness goes a long way as does everyone helping to make things happen for the RESIDENT!!”
“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful and very friendly. I could not have asked for them to be anymore helpful all while being so respectful and kind. You just don't get that everyday when dealing with different agencies and other people, so it was very important to me that to let you know what an incredible job the staff is doing in your facility. From the lady who answered the phone to the lady who assisted with transportation arrangements, each time I called was nothing short of accommodating. Thank you for teaching your staff that respect and friendliness goes a long way as does everyone helping to make things happen for the RESIDENT!!”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”
“Always Best Care provides a in-home care for a variety of needs. The owner of the company comes in to your home for a free evaluation of the client and spent over an hour talking to us about my dad, They provide service for a minimum of one hour to overnights. Their workers are very knowledgeable and friendly. Even though their primary job is to care for your loved one they are there to do light housework, laundry, etc. Their rates are reasonable and you can be assured that your loved one is well taken care of under their care.”
“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very responsive to any request. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”
“Great Place. Really caring people. would recommend if a friend of family member need non-medical care.”
“The best care anyone can offer.”
“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very responsive to any request. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Gibson Pond Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Circa 1886 Restaurant or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Central, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Central, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Central, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The North Central volleyball team etched its name in the record books Saturday.The Knights completed an unbeaten season and earned the program’s first state championship with a 3-0 win over Ninety-Six in the Class 2A championship at Dreher High School.The title is just the second championship for a team sport in school history, joining the 1999 North Central softball team.“It is awesome. To be the first volleyball team at North Central to win a state championship is insane. It is something everyone is going t...
The North Central volleyball team etched its name in the record books Saturday.
The Knights completed an unbeaten season and earned the program’s first state championship with a 3-0 win over Ninety-Six in the Class 2A championship at Dreher High School.
The title is just the second championship for a team sport in school history, joining the 1999 North Central softball team.
“It is awesome. To be the first volleyball team at North Central to win a state championship is insane. It is something everyone is going to remember for a very long time,” North Central senior Mary Norwood said.
North Central finished the year 33-0-1, with the lone tie coming against First Presbyterian in a tournament back in September. The Knights dropped just four sets all season, with two coming in the 2A Lower State championship against Philip Simmons on Tuesday.
North Central rallied from 2-1 down against Philip Simmons to clinch a spot in Saturday’s championship.
“I’m excited for them,” said North Central coach Andy Johnson, who just completed his 23rd season. “I have been here before but hadn’t won a state championship.
“I am more excited for them and the hard work they put into it. It is special for our previous players. We have been really close for a long time. To finally get one, it is exciting for them.”
It was the Knights’ third championship appearance and first since 2021. North Central lost to St. Joseph’s in five sets that year. Seniors Addie Bittner and Norwood were on the team and had memories of that defeat.
Bittner, the Coker commit, told her teammates of that moment leading up to Saturday’s title match.
“I kind of told them everything in my little speech about how we felt and how to handle nerves,” Bittner said. “We just talked to them, told them to play their game, do what we need to do and everything will fall our way.
“It is a surreal moment and I am still shaking from it. To go from losing as a freshman to winning this year, I am so glad I got to do it with Mary and the other seniors and we got to go out like this.”
The Knights won the first set 25-19 and used a 6-0 run to win the second set, 25-17.
The third set was the most competitive. Ninety-Six jumped out to a 6-3 lead, its largest of the match.
Mya Elliott had a block and then a kill to put the Knights ahead 12-11. Ninety-Six battled back and tied it 19-19 before Norwood’s kill put North Central back up 20-19.
Norwood, a Columbia International commitment, had two more kills in the set, including the final one to seal the championship.
“Everyone wants to score that last point,” Norwood said. “It was a great pass, great set and I put it down, thankfully.”
Bittner led the Knights with 19 kills and had 12 digs. Norwood had 16 kills, two aces and eight digs. Aubrey Taylor led the team with 41 assists.
The River Bluff girls tennis team has been able to overcome a variety of obstacles and challenges this season.
The Gators nearly overcame another one Saturday in the Class 5A Division I championship. River Bluff dropped its first three singles matches only to win the final two and its No. 2 doubles to even up the match.
But Wando’s top two players, Mia El-Kheddini and Calli Casazza, proved too much and defeated the Gators’ Rose Zhu and Lauren Kim, 6-0, 6-1, in No. 1 doubles to help the Warriors to a 4-3 win in the state championship.
It’s Wando’s ninth state championship in program history and first since 2015. It gave Charleston-area schools a clean sweep of the girls tennis titles, joining Lucy Beckham (5A Division II), Bishop England (4A), Oceanside Collegiate (3A) and Academic Magnet (A/2A).
The loss ends the Gators’ season at 22-6. After the match, Gators coach Brad McKinney pulled his players off to the side to console them. Many had tears in their eyes.
“Just to get through all the adversity we had all year, make it through the region undefeated and make it to the upper state and get here,” McKinney said. “I told them to keep their heads up, just what we overcame. A lot of other teams would have been done in. But we are still playing.”
The Gators have no seniors on the roster so McKinney is hopeful for the future of the program, which was going after its third state championship.
River Bluff overcame a 2-0 deficit Tuesday to defeat Spartanburg, 4-2, in the Upper State championship.
Wando’s El-Kheddini, Casazza and Ellie Frank gave the Warriors a 3-0 lead. But Anesu Mazaiwana and Paola Silva won at No. 4 and No. 5 singles, then Emma Gibson and Blythe Hoey won at No. 2 doubles to tie the match and force a deciding match.
Bishop England added to its state record in girls tennis by defeating AC Flora, 5-1, to win the Class 4A championship.
It was the Bishops’ 27th state championship, nine more than the nearest team.
BE match winners were Bella Nava, Riley Young, Helena Finley, Elle Finley and the doubles team of Brianna Bird and Audra Schaafsma.
AC Flora’s Emily Smith won the Falcons’ lone match at No. 2 singles.The Falcons were making their seventh championship appearance and first since 2018.
AC Flora finished 25-1 on the season.
“To be back here fighting for the state title was huge,” AC Flora coach Amy Martin said. “We have a few holes to fill next year but we have younger players ready to step up. It was a great ride this season.”
This story was originally published November 16, 2024, 2:51 PM.
The State
Lou Bezjak is the High School Sports Prep Coordinator for The (Columbia) State and (Hilton Head) Island Packet. He previously worked at the Florence Morning News and had covered high school sports in South Carolina since 2002. Lou is a two-time South Carolina Sports Writer of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.
South Carolina State’s Chennis Berry and Trei Oliver of North Carolina Central have worked together as assistant coaches; now, each leads their own successful programs in the MEAC.First place will be on the line Thursday night in Orangeburg as the 5-2 Bulldogs (1-0 in conference play) host the 6-2 Eagles (2-0 MEAC) on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m.“They’re red hot, they’re scoring a lot of points, playing well on defense and in all three phases,” Oliver said of SCSU, coming off of a 69-35 homecoming win over D...
South Carolina State’s Chennis Berry and Trei Oliver of North Carolina Central have worked together as assistant coaches; now, each leads their own successful programs in the MEAC.
First place will be on the line Thursday night in Orangeburg as the 5-2 Bulldogs (1-0 in conference play) host the 6-2 Eagles (2-0 MEAC) on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m.
“They’re red hot, they’re scoring a lot of points, playing well on defense and in all three phases,” Oliver said of SCSU, coming off of a 69-35 homecoming win over Delaware State. “The good news is It’s a short week for them as well, so we have the same time to prepare.”
“We just want to focus on the now – no opportunity wasted. They understand the urgency of this week. You watch North Carolina Central on film, and they’re good in all three phases,” Berry said of the Eagles, homecoming winners with a 16-7 triumph over Morgan State.
“There’s a lot of similarities to what we do as well. Trei and I worked together at Southern, I also worked with his offensive coordinator Matt Leone. They kind of know us, we kind of know them, and the game will come down to players making plays. Everybody gets caught up in plays, but it’s about the players, and we want to make sure they’re focused on the task at hand.”
Oliver said that this matchup’s appearance on ESPN2 is a bonus for both programs and the MEAC, giving the entire country a chance to see what HBCU football is all about.
“I always brag about our conference; I think we play really good football. You’ll be able to see two really well-coached football teams lining it up on Thursday under the lights. It’s going to be an outstanding game to watch,” he said. “I know Coach Berry is going to have his guys ready to roll. He and I are good friends, we were on the staff together at Southern so we’re very familiar with each other and have a lot of similarities. Both of us are competitors, and we’re looking forward to the matchup.”
“Trei and I are both true HBCU guys. We’re at great institutions. He loves the job he has; I love the job I have,” Berry adds. “I’m glad to see the success he’s having, and I’m sure he feels the same. We’re friends before anything, and after this game is over, we’ll continue to be friends. He’s doing some good things, and we’re trying to build our program the right way. HBCU football is on good footing.”
Berry also provided advice for anyone traveling the same roads he and Oliver have throughout their careers.
“You’ve got to stay patient through the process and bloom where you’re planted. Don’t worry about the next job. God has for what he has for you. No man can take it away.” he said. “Be the best you can be where you are because if you do good where you are, people will notice.”
In a game that looked like a runaway but turned into a close call, South Carolina State held on for its biggest win since its last HBCU national championship season.The Bulldogs (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead, then held off a furious North Carolina Central rally for a 24-21 win to assume first place in the MEAC as the last unbeaten team in conference play.In a game that saw a little bit of everything, here are the key points in a game that shifts the balance of power not just in the MEAC, but in HBCU footbal...
In a game that looked like a runaway but turned into a close call, South Carolina State held on for its biggest win since its last HBCU national championship season.
The Bulldogs (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead, then held off a furious North Carolina Central rally for a 24-21 win to assume first place in the MEAC as the last unbeaten team in conference play.
In a game that saw a little bit of everything, here are the key points in a game that shifts the balance of power not just in the MEAC, but in HBCU football as a whole.
The South Carolina State signal-caller, by way of Murray State and Benedict, stepped up once again on the big stage, completing 26 of 36 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for 60 yards and a touchdown as well.
His biggest play was an 18-yard scramble on 3rd and 20 just before the two-minute warning that allowed Deondra Duehart to squeeze into a tight window for the first down that sealed the ball game.
The @Eric7Phoenix to @CadenHigh TOUCHDOWN CONNECTION is Alive and Well!!!!!!!@SCStateAthletic @SCSTATE1896 @MEACSports @coachberry77 #PayTheFEE#DigDEEP#FearTheBITE ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/snikp8zhaQ
— South Carolina State Football (@SCState_Fb) November 1, 2024
If this game was a deciding factor in who would earn the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year award, Phoenix made his case emphatically.
Neither team’s special teams unit will want to look at the film from Thursday night’s game. A blocked punt by South Carolina State turned into a new possession for Central after a Bulldog player touched it. A roughing the punter penalty against the Eagles gave SCSU a fresh set of downs and a chance to add to their lead.
Falling behind 17-0 is a recipe for disaster, even for a team as talented as the Eagles. A first-half rushing touchdown by Phoenix and a pass to Caden High, along with a Kyle Gallegos field goal, gave SCSU a lead they would hold onto throughout the contest.
NCCU made it interesting with three quick strikes—a 36-yard touchdown run by J’Mari Taylor and passing touchdowns of 51 yards (Markell Quick) and 66 yards (Chauncey Spikes) from Walker Harris—but a Harris fumble late led to S.C. State’s clock-killing drive that put the game out of reach.
There is only one unblemished team in the conference, and that is the hungry pack of Bulldogs from Orangeburg. They have three MEAC games left—a two-game road trip to Howard and Morgan State, followed by their home finale against Norfolk State. SCSU’s ticket to Atlanta isn’t punched yet by any means, but beating the preseason favorite goes a long way toward the Celebration Bowl.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- — Eric Phoenix threw two touchdown passes to Caden High and added a TD run Thursday night to help South Carolina State beat North Carolina Central 24-21.NC Central (6-3, 2-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), No. 21 in the FCS coaches poll, had won five games in a row since back-to-ba...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- — Eric Phoenix threw two touchdown passes to Caden High and added a TD run Thursday night to help South Carolina State beat North Carolina Central 24-21.
NC Central (6-3, 2-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), No. 21 in the FCS coaches poll, had won five games in a row since back-to-back losses to Elon and at North Carolina — by a combined score of 86-29.
South Carolina State (6-2, 2-0) took more than 6 minutes off the clock on the opening possession when it went 85 yards in 10 plays but had to settle for a 20-yard field goal by Kyle Gallegos. NC Central went three-and-out and Phoenix threw and 8-yard touchdown pass to High to cap an 11-play, 81-yard drive that gave the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead with 1:40 left in the first quarter.
Phoenix added an 11-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds left in the second quarter that made it 17-0 at halftime.
Walker Harris connected with Markell Quick on a 51-yard throw-and-catch for a touchdown for the Eagles with 12:31 to play and hit Chauncey Spikes at the SC State 45, who raced the rest of the way for a 66-yard touchdown that made it 24-21 just 86 seconds later.
NC Central moved to the Bulldogs’ 34 before Ashaad Hall’s strip-sack of Harris was recovered by Josh Barker with about 6 1/2 minutes to play. Phoenix scrambled for a 20-yard gain on a third-and-21 and then Tyler Smith nudged forward to convert on fourth-and-1 with about 2 minutes left to seal it.
The Eagles went three-and-out on each of their first four possessions and didn’t get a first down until the closing seconds of the first half.
Max U’Ren picked off a pass from Phoenix at the Eagles 11 and returned it beyond midfield to the 42. Three plays later, J'Mari Davis ripped off a 36-yard touchdown run to cut NC Central's deficit to 17-7 with 10:02 left in the third quarter.
On SC State's next offensive possession, U'Ren stopped Phoenix for no gain on a fourth-and-2 from the 3 — the Bulldogs' second consecutive trip into the red zone without any points.
Michael Brunson intercepted a pass near midfield and two plays later Phoenix hit High for a 42-yard catch-and-run for a TD that gave the Bulldogs a 24-7 lead with 20 seconds left in the third quarter.
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ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The No. 19/21 North Carolina Central University football team will hit the road for a nationally televised game on Thursday, heading to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium to take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State.Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the game will air live on ESPN2.Series History: This will be the 29th meeting between the Bulldogs of South Carolina State and the Eagles of North Carolina Central on the gridiron. The Eagles lead the all-time series 15-13 and wil...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The No. 19/21 North Carolina Central University football team will hit the road for a nationally televised game on Thursday, heading to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium to take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the game will air live on ESPN2.
Series History: This will be the 29th meeting between the Bulldogs of South Carolina State and the Eagles of North Carolina Central on the gridiron. The Eagles lead the all-time series 15-13 and will be making their 14th trip to Orangeburg to face the Bulldogs; they are 4-9 in games played at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. N.C. Central last won in Orangeburg on Nov. 24, 2018 (21-17).
Last Time Out: The Eagles (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) won their fifth straight game this past Saturday, celebrating Homecoming with a 16-7 victory over Morgan State. Running back J'Mari Taylor led the Eagles with a career-high 196 rushing yards and a touchdown, while N.C. Central's defense held Morgan State to 204 yards of total offense.
The Bulldogs (5-2, 1-0 MEAC) are on a four-game winning streak of their own after a 69-35 Homecoming win over Delaware State this past Saturday. Quarterback Eric Phoenix threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, while receivers Caden High (132) and Einaj Carter (114) both had 100-yard receiving games. Running back Deondra Duehart added a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Eagles on Halloween: The Eagles will play their 13th game all-time on Halloween on Thursday night; they are 9-4 in those games. NCCU's last game on Halloween was in 2015, when they defeated Norfolk State 24-16 at home. The Eagles have won their last three games that have fallen on Halloween. They are also 3-2 in road games on Halloween.
Made for Thursday Nights: The Eagles have played in eight Thursday night games and hold a 5-3 record in those contests. N.C. Central is 5-3 at home in Thursday night games, and 1-1 on the road. This game will mark the fourth time the Eagles and Bulldogs have squared off on a Thursday; N.C. Central is 2-1 in those games (including last season's 62-28 win in Durham).
Taylor Made: N.C. Central has been known for producing some great running backs, and J'Mari Taylor is cut from the same fabric as the others. Taylor has rushed for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 98.8 rushing yards per game. He has 21 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns. He has scored at least one touchdown running the ball in every game he has played in this season. Taylor leads the team and the MEAC in scoring with 72 points, and he is currently 12th in NCAA FCS rushing touchdowns (10), 13th in scoring (9.0) and ninth in total touchdowns (12).
Quick on the Uptake: In the games against North Carolina A&T and Norfolk State, Markell Quick had a combined nine receptions for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Over that same span, he recorded two catches of 60 yards or more. In the game against North Carolina A&T, Quick had four catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Against Norfolk State, he had five catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. It marked his first 100-yard receiving game, and the first multi-touchdown game of his career. In the Eagles' win over Morgan State, Quick five passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
No-Fly Zone: N.C. Central's secondary has recorded nine interceptions with one returned for a touchdown, 23 pass breakups and 22 quarterback hurries going into the South Carolina State game. They have placed continued pressure on the quarterbacks. The Eagles have also recorded 21 sacks and 63 tackles for a loss of 68 yards. The Eagles defense is ranked second in the NCAA in team tackles for loss (7.9), fifth in defensive touchdowns (3) and seventh in third-down conversion defense.
Red Zone Success: This season, the Eagles have made 33 trips into the red zone and have come away with points 29 times for an 88% conversion rate. Twenty-five of those red-zone trips have resulted in touchdowns, an 76% conversion rate.
The Coaches: Trei Oliver (N.C. Central, 1998) is in his fifth season as a college head coach. With 24 years of college coaching experience that includes five conference championships and three Black college football national titles, Oliver returned to his alma mater as North Carolina Central University's 24th head football coach in December 2018. A native of Yorktown, Va., Oliver earned all-conference and all-region honors as a defensive back and punter during his four-year playing career at NCCU from 1994-97. The 1998 graduate later returned to NCCU as an assistant coach from 2003-06, helping the Eagles to back-to-back Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships in 2005 and 2006.
Chennis Berry was named head football coach at South Carolina State University on Dec. 16, 2023. The former Benedict College (Columbia, S.C.) head coach succeeded the iconic coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough, the winningest coach in Bulldog football history who retired as head football coach at the end of the 2023 season after 22 seasons at the helm and 151 wins.
NCCU the MEAC Favorite: The 2022 MEAC champion and HBCU national champion Eagles were selected as the preseason favorite to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) for the second straight season.
Four Eagles made the preseason first team: Trevon Humphrey (OL), Jaden Taylor (DL), Kole Jones (DB) and Juan Velarde (P/K). Four more Eagles were on the second team list: J'Mari Taylor (RB), Joaquin Davis (WR), Ja'Quan Sprinkle (OL), and Max U'Ren (LB).
Nationally, NCCU is ranked 20th in the Stats Perform Top 25 poll and tied for 21st in the AFCA poll..
Youth Movement: Underclassmen have played a significant role with the Eagles during the first eight games this season, and that shows just how much youth is on this team. There are 56 underclassmen on the roster (freshman or sophomore), and they continue to play snaps for the Eagles. Eight games into the season, 45 of the 56 underclassmen have seen playing time.
A North Carolina State of Mind: NCCU's emphasis on recruiting talent in North Carolina is demonstrated with 63 Eagles calling the Tar Heel state their home out of the 110 student-athletes on the team's season-opening roster (63%).
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
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