Three Pee Dee teams hoping for state crowns

By: | SCNOW
Published: March 02, 2010

COLUMBIA — It’s a special occasion for any team that earns the right to play for a state championship.

But at Monday’s basketball press conference, it was obvious that Saturday’s game means even more to coach Willie Thomas and his Lake City squad.

Thomas has been on the big stage a number of times and has coached five different title-winning teams. But the Panthers are trying to win their first championship in any sport.

“I feel especially elated for the kids and the community,” said Thomas, who is also the school’s athletic director. “If I was the golf coach, I would have the same feeling. It’s such a tremendous experience for them, and one I’m glad they were finally able to achieve.”

Thomas won three titles with Holly Hill and two with Bowman. In order to win another, his squad will have to triumph over a 22-3 Daniel team that hasn’t lost an in-state game all season.

The Lions and Panthers square off at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Colonial Life Arena for the Class 3A title.

Also no strangers to the bright lights of the state championship, the Hemingway boys return to the Class A final after a year hiatus.

This marks the fourth time in six years under coach Barry McFadden that the Tigers made it to Columbia, and Hemingway has its sights set on another ring.

“It’s a great feeling to be back,” McFadden said. “The community and the players take a lot of pride in representing Hemingway on the basketball court, and they’re excited to be back.

“We have a number of kids on this team who were here two years ago, and they’re looking to experience a better feeling at the end this time.”

Hemingway will not have to face Calhoun County this time, but instead a Great Falls team led by Torrey Craig’s 23.8 points per game.
The two squads tip off at 1:30 p.m.

The Marion girls made history last year by capturing the first state championship since integration. Now the Swamp Foxes have a chance to add another chapter by going back-to-back.

“It’s exciting and it’s a relief, too,” junior standout Geneika Brantley said. “This was our goal all year and to finally reach it is a tremendous accomplishment.
“But we’re not finished yet.”

Marion was without coach Leon Sturkey, who was recently hospitalized for flu and pneumonia-like symptoms.

Sturkey will be back for the big game, though, as the Swamp Foxes take on Southside at 3 p.m. for the Class 2A championship.