Lander University

Fishing 12/15/2025 10:56:00 AM Turner Kirby - Director of Athletic Communications

Abbott and Carey Clinch SCBN State Championship, Bearcats Earn Team of the Year Honors

LAKE KEOWEE, S.C. – The Lander Bass Fishing team capped its season on the SC Bass Nation College Series trail by claiming SC Bass Nation Team of the Year honors, while Cody Abbott and Trenton Carey secured the team state championship.

Abbott and Carey locked up the SC Bass Nation College Series State Championship after five tournaments, finishing approximately eight points ahead of a duo from Erskine College. The championship result also punched their ticket to the Bassmaster National Championship, a tournament the Bearcats have won each of the last two seasons behind the duo of Garrett Smith and Andrew Blanton.

During the final weekend at Lake Keowee, Abbott and Carey posted consistent performances, placing fourth on both days with matching 13-pound bags. Fellow Bearcats Cole and Clay Taylor also delivered steady results, finishing second on both days with consistent 16-pound limits. The Taylors concluded the season third overall in the points standings.

The SCBN College Series trail opened in September at Lake Hartwell, with additional stops at Lake Marion and Clark's Hill before concluding at Lake Keowee.

In addition to the individual team championship, Lander claimed Team of the Year honors for the state series. The award is determined by the total weight of a program's best three boats across the first four tournaments. Lander edged out USC Union by the narrowest of margins, winning the classification by just 0.17 pounds, equating to a one-point difference.

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Players Mentioned

Andrew Blanton: Sophomore

Garrett Smith: Senior

Clay Taylor: Sophomore

Cody Abbott: Sophomore

Trenton Carey: Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Andrew Blanton
: Sophomore

Garrett Smith
: Senior

Clay Taylor
: Sophomore

Cody Abbott
: Sophomore

Trenton Carey
: Sophomore