The Sumter Civic Center buzzed with strategy as 231 players from 33 schools across South Carolina squared off for the SCISA High School Chess Competition. Representing John Paul II Catholic School, seven students showcased their skills across eight rounds of chess, where each opponent was carefully matched based on prior wins.

In a game that requires precision, patience, and the ability to think several moves ahead, the JPII chess team rose to the challenge. The team scored an impressive 17 points, earning a tie for 7th place with Augusta Christian Schools. Not bad for the Warriors’ first foray into the competition!

Among the standout performances, Jonah Mast and Jack Hanagan each finished with 6 wins, securing top-20 finishes—a major checkmate against fierce competition. Jase Reynolds and Nate Moore weren’t far behind, each claiming 5 victories. Aadi Patel brought home 4 wins, while Quinn Doran added 3 wins and a drawn match. Gavin Doran showcased a tactical defense, winning 2 matches and drawing another.

“For our first experience at the SCISA Chess Competition,” said JPII math teacher and chess club moderator Tracy Sklarin. “I am very proud of our players and their accomplishments!”

Chess is far more than pawns, rooks, and knights on a board—it's a game of life skills. The strategic maneuvers required to outthink an opponent mirror the problem-solving abilities needed in academics and beyond. Students learn to plan ahead, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and see challenges from multiple perspectives.

Key skills honed by chess include:

• Critical Thinking: Every move is a puzzle to solve.
• Patience: Success comes to those who wait—and think.
• Resilience: Even after a loss, players regroup and adjust for their next opponent.
• Sportsmanship: Respect for others is integral, win or lose.

“Each match at the SCISA competition wasn’t just about the immediate play but about fostering a mindset that thrives on strategy and perseverance,” noted Mrs. Sklarin. “In chess, as in life, the ability to anticipate future outcomes while staying grounded in the present is invaluable.”

Congratulations to the JPII chess team on a fantastic showing! Checkmate, Golden Warriors!

Admission season for the 2025-26 school year is underway, and applications are already exceeding previous years. With JPII expected to reach full capacity for the first time, we encourage families to submit school and financial aid applications by Friday, January 31, 2025, to secure their spot. To learn more about JPII, visit the admissions section of our website at johnpaul2school.org or contact Admissions Coordinator Anne McClure at 843.645.3838 for a private tour.