BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood High School recognized 16 members of the Class of 2025 that have announced their intention to continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The school held a ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment with family members and teammates.
Brittany Benson, daughter of Anthony and Jameka Benson, announced her signing with the track program at University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Benson is a sprinter for head coach Aleshia Hawkins at Blythewood. Benson, a captain on the team, will look to help the Bengals secure a third-straight 5A State Championship later this month. Benson has also competed nationally at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals event.
Jackson Bottar, son of Scott and Meredith Bottar, has signed to play baseball at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Bottar pitches and plays center field for head coach Travis Poole at Blythewood. Bottar earned All-Region honors in 2024 and has helped lead the Bengals to a region championship in 2025.
Ocianna Brown, daughter of Curtis Brown, Jr. and Yolanda Brown, has announced her intentions to continue her cheerleading career at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Brown has been named a captain twice at Blythewood for head coach Brittany Little-John. During her time at Blythewood the Bengals have won six-straight region championships. Brown earned All-Region honors each of the last two seasons. This year the Bengals had their most successful season ever, finishing third at the 5A SCHSL State Championship Meet.
Tyler Davis, son of Erica Anthony, has announced his signing to play football at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. Davis played safety and outside linebacker for head coach James Martin at Blythewood. Davis helped lead the Bengals to the playoffs his senior year. Davis is an honor roll student and serves as an AVID volunteer at Blythewood.
Gabrielle Jarvis, daughter of Daryl and Taliah Jarvis, signed to continue her track and cross country career at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jarvis was coached at Blythewood by Aleshia Hawkins. Jarvis, a co-captain, is a two-time state champion with the track team and helped lead the cross country team to one of the most successful finishes in school history in 2024.
TJ Lewis, son of Taurus and McKaren Lewis, has accepted a scholarship to play basketball at University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Lewis was a guard for head coach Zeke Washington at Blythewood. Lewis, one of the top scorers in the state his senior year, is a two-time All-Region selection and earned All-State honors his senior year. Nominated as a McDonald’s All-American and selected as a Carolina Classic All-Star Game participant, Lewis helped lead the Bengals to the 2025 State Championship Game.
Tiyanna Mack, daughter of Travis Mack and Lorin Reed, announced her intentions to continue her wrestling career at Life University in Marietta, Georgia. Mack earned three varsity letters for head coach Paul Watson at Blythewood. Mack is a three-time state champion, becoming the first female wrestler in the state to accomplish this feat. Mack also won two-straight championships at the state’s strength meet. She has represented Blythewood and South Carolina in national wrestling events, earning All-American honors. She received the Tricia Saunders National Wrestling Award at the NHSCA National Championships. Mack finished her Blythe- wood career with 64 career wins against girls and 23 against boys.
Chris O’Berry, Jr., son of Christopher O’Berry and Bridgette Green, announced his signing with the track and cross country teams at Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. O’Berry was a distance runner for coaches Aleshia Hawkins and David Duncan at Blythewood. He helped lead the Bengals to their most successful season ever in Cross Country. The Bengals won the Region Championship and had their highest finish ever at the SCHSL State Championship Meet.
Russell “RJ” Owens, son of Russell and Chrystal Owens, announced his signing to play football at Greensboro College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Owens was an offensive lineman for head coach James Mar- tin at Blythewood. He helped lead the Bengals to the playoffs during his senior year and participated in a post-season bowl game for seniors. Owens earned varsity letters in three different sports in his time at Blythewood.
Jaylen Reaves, son of Teddy and Teresia Reaves, announced his signing to play football at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Reaves played for head coach James Martin at Blythewood. As a senior, the Bengals earned a postseason birth to play in the 2024 5A State Playoffs.
Aminah Rhone, daughter of Bryant and Elanda Rhone, announced her signing with the track program at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rhone is a sprinter and hurdler for head coach Aleshia Hawkins at Blythewood. Rhone has earned State Champion honors with her team (2023, 2024) and as an individual winning the 100m Race at the 2024 SCHSL State Championship Meet. She holds the school record for the 300m and 400m hurdles. She has also competed nationally where she was earned All-American honors four times.
Darron Robinson, son of Coraetta Howell, announced his scholarship signing with the track program at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Robinson is a sprinter for head coach Aleshia Hawkins at Blythewood. He has set several school records at Blythewood his senior season while earning All-Region honors at the Region Meet. Robinson also intends to play football at Capital. Robinson played football for head coach James Martin at Blythewood.
Spencer Shealy, son of Shawn and Catherine Shealy, announced his signing with the track program at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Shealy is a distance runner for coaches Aleshia Hawkins and David Duncan at Blythewood. Shealy helped lead the Bengals to a runner-up finish at the 2024 SCHSL State Championship Meet, the best finish in school history. He’s also earned a Region Championship and All-American Honors in his career at Blythewood.
Tyler Stephens, son of Edward Scott and Jennifer Harper, announced his signing to play basketball at Averett University in Danville, Virginia. Stephens played as a forward and power forward for head coach Zeke Washington at Blythewood. Averaging over 12 points per game, Stephens helped lead the Bengals to the 2025 SCHSL State Championship Game his senior year.
Sherron Waters, daughter of Ronald and Tamara Waters, announced her signing to play basketball at Denmark Technical College in Denmark, South Carolina. Waters played point guard for head coach Emily (McElveen) Shaeffer at Blythewood. Waters helped lead the Bengals to their most successful season in school history. The Bengals defeated Summerville to win the 2025 SCHSL State Championship, a first for the program.
Santana Wright, son of David and Tikeya Wright, announced his intention to continue his track career at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. Wright throws the shotput and discuss for head coach Aleshia Hawkins at Blythewood. Wright earned All-Region honors each of the last three seasons at Blythewood, winning the Region and Upperstate Championship in 2024. He earned a Top 4 finish in the 2024 SCHSL State Championship Meet and holds the school record in discus.
