The 2023-24 UnionCountyHoops.com's Newcomer of the Year is Porter Ridge 's Samaj Long. Samaj started for the Pirates in the backcourt and helped lead them to a 9-16 record. Long averaged 13.4 ppg, grabbed 3.2 rbg and 3.5 assists along with 1.4 spg. Samaj scored a season high 30 points in a 76-72 win over Forest Hills and scored in double figures 14 times during the season. Samaj had a season high 7 assists twice in wins over UA and Providence. Congrats Samaj!

The 2023-24 UnionCountyHoops.com's Newcomer of the Year is Porter Ridge's Ashanti Taylor. Ashanti started for Coach Brown from game one and helped lead Porter Ridge to a 20-7 record, Co-Champs of the SCC and the 2nd of the state 4A Playoffs. Ms. Taylor averaged 18.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 4.4 spg.  Ashanti set the Porter Ridge school record for points in a game with 37 in 66-61 win over Weddington. Ms. Taylor was namd SCC Player of the Year and All-SCC as a freshman. Ashanti scored in double figures in 23 games and had double digit rebounds in a game six times. Ashanti was named UCHOOPS Player of the Week for Weeks_2, 11 & 12. Congrats Ashanti!