News Summary
In a landmark decision, the Dallas Mavericks have chosen Cooper Flagg from Duke University as the first overall pick during the NBA Draft. This pivotal moment aims to revamp the Mavericks’ roster as they pursue a championship title. The announcement was made in Hartsville, South Carolina, a city known for its sports enthusiasm. Alongside this, local baseball teams like the Florence American Legion have also made headlines with significant victories in their ongoing tournaments.
Hartsville, South Carolina – In a historic announcement during the 2025 NBA Draft, Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the Dallas Mavericks have selected Cooper Flagg from Duke University as the first overall pick. This moment marks a significant milestone not only for Flagg but also for the Mavericks, who aim to revitalize their roster in pursuit of an NBA championship.
The announcement took place in Hartsville, a city in South Carolina known for its vibrant sports culture. Flagg, who showcased his immense talent at Duke, is expected to bring a new level of skill and energy to the Mavericks’ lineup.
Meanwhile, local sports also made headlines with the Florence American Legion baseball team opening the N.C./S.C. Challenge with a decisive victory over Wayne County. Florence triumphed with a score of 15-4 in a game held at Jimmy White Park, proving their competitiveness in the tournament.
Cooper Coleman took the mound for Post 1 from Florence, delivering a stellar performance by pitching five innings without allowing any earned runs. His efforts on the field were complemented by Web Barnes, who hit a three-run homer. Additional contributions came from Jaden Atkinson, who hit a two-run triple, while Ryan Coscetti and Hank Grider both added two-run doubles to the scoreboard.
In a Coastal Plain League matchup, the Flamingos continued their winning streak by defeating the Sharks 3-2 in Wilmington, NC. The victory showcased the strength of the Florence pitching staff, with Tanner Paschke earning the win after pitching five innings and allowing only one run and three hits. Relief from Christian Maige, Seth Kirby, and Logan Voelz kept the Sharks at bay, conceding just one additional run and one hit over the remaining four innings.
On the local coaching scene, Hartsville baseball coach Tony Gainey has made the announcement that he plans to retire at the end of the current season. Gainey has been a pivotal figure in the Hartsville baseball program since 2009, leading the team to three Lower State championships and achieving 278 wins throughout his coaching tenure. His decision comes with mixed emotions as he wants to prioritize family commitments. Previously, Gainey had considered retirement following the 2022 state finals but chose to continue coaching to support returning players.
Principal Corey Lewis was informed of Gainey’s retirement plans during the offseason and was involved in discussions with Gainey about his decision, ensuring a smooth transition for the team moving forward. Gainey personally addressed the players to inform them of his retirement, signaling the end of an era for Hartsville baseball, known for its strong tradition and several region championships, including a notable five-year championship streak.
In another significant local event, a former teacher from Hartsville High, Obonyo Matthew Abongo, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student. Abongo, aged 44, faces serious charges, including criminal sexual conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The investigation into Abongo’s actions began following a report from the school’s resource officer, which was promptly addressed by Principal Lewis, who played a key role in unfolding the investigation.
Law enforcement has seized several pieces of evidence from Abongo, including computer hardware and mobile phones, as part of the ongoing investigation. The Darlington County School District has confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement to ensure a thorough examination of the situation, highlighting its commitment to student safety and welfare.
As events unfold, both the sporting community and the educational sector in Hartsville navigate these significant developments, reflecting the intertwining of local achievements and challenges.
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Additional Resources
- SCNow Sports Article
- Wikipedia: Hartsville, South Carolina
- ESPN College Basketball Transfer News
- Google Search: South Carolina Basketball Transfer Portal
- The State USC Basketball Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- SCNow: Hartsville Teacher Charged
- Google News: Hartsville High Teacher Charged
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
