Ellison Banner Shatters Scoring Record in Playoff Victory

News Summary

Freshman Ellison Banner set a new single-season scoring record for West Florence by netting four goals in a 6-0 win over Myrtle Beach during the SCHSL 5A playoffs. This victory marks a historic achievement for the girls soccer program, increasing her season tally to 49 goals, surpassing the previous record of 47 set in 2012. Under Coach Alex Shortall, the Knights advance with a remarkable 19-3 record, embodying teamwork and skill on both ends of the field as they prepare for the next playoff challenge against St. James.

Florence, SC – In a remarkable display of skill and determination, freshman Ellison Banner shattered West Florence’s single-season scoring record with an astounding four goals, leading her team to a 6-0 victory over Myrtle Beach in the second round of the SCHSL 5A, D2 playoffs. This win not only advances the Knights in the playoffs but also signifies a historic achievement for the school’s girls soccer program.

With these four goals, Banner elevated her season total to 49 goals, surpassing the previous record of 47 goals set by Tay Thompson in 2012. Impressively, Banner reached her milestone within the first 30 minutes of the match, showcasing both her readiness and offensive prowess. The game featured additional scoring contributions from Laura Tiller and Sarah Cashin, who each added to the Knights’ commanding lead.

The victory is particularly noteworthy as it represents West Florence’s best record of 19-3 since Coach Alex Shortall took over the program in 2019. Under Shortall’s leadership, this performance reflects both the development of the team and the impact of strong teamwork. Cashin highlighted the crucial role of team chemistry in their success during the match against Myrtle Beach.

Defensively, the Knights were bolstered by goalkeeper McKenna O’Neal, who made two saves, and Jules Newton, who contributed one save, ensuring a shutout for West Florence. The team’s strong defensive performance complemented their offensive fireworks, creating a well-rounded display of soccer excellence.

As the Knights prepare for their next challenge against St. James on Tuesday, the momentum from this match could prove vital in the upcoming rounds of the playoffs. Coach Shortall commended Banner for her exceptional performance and noted that her ability to make scoring look effortless was a significant factor in the team’s success this season.

For Banner, breaking the scoring record comes with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Her achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also represents the collective efforts of her teammates, who provided crucial assists throughout the game. Teammates rallied together to create opportunities for scoring, resulting in a dominating performance against Myrtle Beach.

As the playoffs continue, West Florence’s ambitions remain high. With a combination of skill, teamwork, and the determination to build on their success, the Knights will look to extend their playoff run and further elevate the profile of their girls soccer program.

The subsequent matchup against St. James will be an opportunity for West Florence to build on their recent victory and solidify their standing as a competitive force in high school soccer. With the energy from this remarkable game fueling their efforts, the Knights aim to move closer to a championship title.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florence Athletes Set for Hall of Fame Induction
Community Unites for Kindness Always Wins Volleyball Match

Additional Resources

• SCNow: West Florence Beats Myrtle Beach
• Wikipedia: Girls’ Soccer
• MaxPreps: Soccer Recap – West Florence
• Google Search: High School Soccer News
• SCNow: Girl’s Soccer Article
• Google Scholar: High School Girls Soccer
• SCNow: Girls Soccer Highlights
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Girls Soccer
• SCNow: High School Sports Article
• Google News: Girls Soccer Championship