PREP ROUNDUP: Marion girls headed to lower state final

MARION — A big third quarter helped the Marion girls earn a 66-54 win over Woodland on Tuesday and advance to its first lower state championship in decades.

The Swamp Foxes outscored Woodland 18-10 in the third quarter to open up what had been a close game.

“Our kids have a don’t-quit attitude,” Marion coach Leon Sturkey said. “We picked up the defensive pressure in the third quarter and got some turnovers and easy baskets.”

Geneika Brantley posted a double-double of 20 points and 18 rebounds to lead Marion. Candace Wright had 16 points and 11 followed by Shaquita Taylor with 13 and Jessica Grant with 10.

Marion improves to 22-2 overall and will face the Silver Bluff/Bishop England winner Saturday at 7 p.m. at a neutral site.

“It’s a tremendous feeling,” Sturkey said. “Our team set a goal at the beginning of the year to be one of the best teams in the state. They’ve played hard for the whole year and they’ve put forth a tremendous effort.

“I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

MARION (66)
Geneika Brantley 20, Candace Wright 16, 11, Shaquita Taylor 13, Jessica Grant 10, Amber Timmons 3, Kintoria Wilson 2, Amira Timmons 2.
WOODLAND (54)
Lashana Glenn 15, Shakiema Ravenell 14, Raven Wamer 12, Cherrye Rivers 5, Heather Hill 4, Te-shell Britt 4.
RECORD: M 22-2
NEXT GAME: Marion will face the Silver Bluff/Bishop England winner Saturday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined.

BOYS
Hemingway 76, C.E. Murray 74

GEORGETOWN — Hemingway held an 11-point lead late in the game, and held off a C.E. Murray comback to advance to another Class A lower state title game.

“It means a whole lot,” Hemingway coach Barry McFadden said. “It’s a long season when you were so close to winning a state championship the year before. It’s tough to get the kids to do the little things to get back.

“But give them credit because they’ve done everything I’ve asked of them.”

The Tigers face a familiar foe in Calhoun County, a 71-62 winner over Timmonsville and the same team that defeated them in last year’s state championship game.

“It’s a great challenge,” McFadden said. “It’s a great team. Our kids know what they’re about to face.

“I think it’s going to come down to who’s wants it the most.”

Tashan Frederick led the Tigers with 26 points. Emanuel Brown led C.E. Murray with 26.

HEMINGWAY (76)
Tashan Frederick 25, Kendrick Bell 3, Shaquille Wells 8, Donovan Bell 3, Quintin Brown 19, Brandon Dollard 10, Jazjuan Wilson 3, James Flowers 5.
C.E. MURRAY (74)
Emanuel Brown 26, Keaston Keels 18, Tedin Wallace 11, Matthew Cyrus 9, Fareal Walker 5, Lando Nesmith 5.
RECORD: H 26-2
NEXT GAME: Hemingway will face Calhoun County on Saturday at 7 p.m. at either Crestwood High School or Manning High School.

The Byrnes Schools 45, Carolina Academy 42 (OT)

SUMTER — Tied 36-36 at the end of regulation, Chad Scott hit a 3-pointer and Kendall Bergman hit the game-winning basket with 10 seconds left as the Trojans advanced to the final four of the SCISA Class 2A state playoffs.

Bergman finished with 10 points and J Adams led Byrnes with 14. Adams’ two free throws helped seal the win at the end.

THE BYRNES SCHOOLS (45)
Chad Scott 7, J Adams 14, Kendall Bergman 10, Clay Dickson 5, Lee Schurlknight 9.
CAROLINA ACADEMY (42)
Aubrey McFadden 3, Drew Phillips 2, Tyler Langston 8, Will McCutcheon 29.
RECORD: TBS 18-9
NEXT GAME: Byrnes will face the First Baptist/Richard Winn winner Thursday at 8 p.m. at Sumter Exhibition Center.

Calhoun County 71 Timmonsville 62

SUMTER — Alshon Jeffrey scored 15 points to lead five Calhoun scorers in double figures to oust Timmonsville from the Class A boys playoffs.
Oshwand Scott scored 18 to lead the Whirlwinds.

Darlington-Wilson to be held at Marlboro County

The Class 3A girls lower state final between Darlington and Wilson will be held Friday at Marlboro County High School at 7 p.m.
It will be the third meeting between the two schools with the Falcons winning both.

Region 8-2A awards

Several Pee Dee girls players were honored Tuesday when the awards for Region 8-2A were announced.

Marion’s Geneika Brantley won player of the year and Dillon coach Johnny Dew won coach of the year.

Candace Wright and Shaquita Taylor also made the all-region team with Brantley. Chelsea Frazier, Lontesha German and Latesha Boatwright all made the squad from Dillon.

Mullins’ Brittany Rowell and Britany Applewhite and Cheraw’s Jameka Buchannon rounded out the list.