Pinewood wins, but Campbell reaches 3,000-point scoring milestone

SUMMERVILLE — Northwood Academy vs. Pinewood Prep in girls basketball is always intense, interesting and memorable.

But Friday's game could top the list. The No. 1 Panthers held on for a 48-45 victory over No. 2 Northwood.

On this night, individual accomplishment trumped the teams. Northwood standout Amber Campbell became just the ninth girl in state history to reach the 3,000-point mark in a career. Campbell, who entered the game with a 31.8 scoring average, needed 20 to join the elite sorority. She hit a free throw with 4:01 left in the game to reach 3,000. She finished with 25 points and is at 3,005 points heading into Tuesday's regular season finale against Ashley Hall.

“It feels really great, but I feel bad for my teammates,” Campbell said. “I would have traded this for a win. We worked very hard to get here. I really wanted to win bad. Once the playoffs start, we have to work harder and hope to see them in the playoffs again.”

Campbell has played on the varsity since the eighth grade and is only a junior. There's a chance that she could join Ivory Latta of York, Nancy Derrick of Wardlaw Academy and Northwood alum Ashley Scott in the 4,000-point club.

Latta played at York from 1997-2003 and is the state scoring champ with 4,319 points. Derrick played for Wardlaw Academy from 1994-2000 and is the all-time leading scorer in SCISA with 4,238 points.

Scott played for Northwood Academy from 1999-2006 and scored 4,107 points.

“It's possible that I will get 4,000, but it's something I don't dwell on,” said Campbell. “Again, I just have to keep working hard. I have to stay committed to the gym.”

Campbell is a complete player. She is more than a scorer, averaging 9.0 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 2.8 assists per game.

She says she is keeping her college options open and probably won't decide until the AAU season tips off this summer. Her top four colleges include South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisville.

Pinewood, which almost let a 13-point third-quarter lead slip away, upped its record to 21-4. Northwood fell to 24-4.

Bri Boyd led the Panthers with 15 points and Raygon Hendrix added 12.

Katelyn Powell was in double figures for Northwood with 10 points.