All-Area Boys’ Basketball player announced for Thursday

Markell Smalls, G, Battery Creek, senior

Statistics (per game): 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists

Notable: Selected to the Class 2-A All-State squad, Smalls was the quarterback for a Battery Creek squad that went 20-7 and reached the playoffs' second round. Top outing was 17-point, 8 assist night to defeat Bishop England.

Announced earlier

Jermaine Patterson, G, Bluffton, sophomore

Statistics: 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.6 steals

Notable: The Region 8-AAAA Player of the Year also was an All-State selection for the first time. Naturally quick with good anticipation, extra work to improve outside shooting paid off as the season went on.

Trenard Ferrell, F, Ridgeland-Hardeeville, senior

Statistics: 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks

Notable: An All-State choice in Class 2-A, Ferrell was a reliable producer for an R-H team ranked No.1 for the season's second half. Totaled 11 double-doubles on the year, including a 24-point, 12-rebound game vs. Woodland.

Matt Garay, C, Beaufort, junior

Statistics: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 55 percent FG shooting

Notable: Garnered the Region 8-AAA Player of the Year and All-State honors after breakthrough season that included six double-doubles and five 20-point games. Twice posted career bests of 27 points and 13 rebounds this year.

Note: Each day through Friday, The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette will reveal one player of its All-Area Boys’ Basketball First Team. Full first and second teams will appear Sunday, along with the 2016 Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 12:04 PM with the headline "All-Area Boys’ Basketball player announced for Thursday."