Locations set for hoops semifinals games
By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer Thursday, February 26, 20092 comment(s) | Default | Large
The Lower State final locations for two of the four T&D Region teams still on state championship quests were set Wednesday.
Woodland High School is the host site for Friday’s Class 4-A Lower State final between former Region 7-AAAA rivals Orangeburg-Wilkinson (23-4) and Goose Creek (26-1). It’s the first state semifinal matchup for the Bruinettes since 2004 as they seek a return to Columbia for the state final a week later for the first time since 2002.
The winner will face the Upper State winner between Dorman and Spring Valley, also taking place Friday at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. Also at the Bi-Lo Center Saturday, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler will face Christ Church in the Class A Upper State final set for 11 a.m.
This is the third Upper State final meeting in four years between the Lady Trojans and Lady Cavaliers. H-K-T prevailed in 2006 (53-47) and last year (63-47) and has reached the state title game three times since 2005, winning two.
The winner will face either Estill or Hardeeville in the Class A final a week later at the Colonial Life Arena.
The same day could potentially see Orangeburg Prep (27-4) competing for its fourth SCISA Class 3-A title and first since 1992 at the Sumter County Exhibition Center. Standing in the way of OPS’ first title-game appearance since 1999 is Friday’s semifinal opponent Pinewood Prep (26-3), the winner facing either Northwood Academy or Ashley Hall.
The town of Sumter, specifically Lakewood High School, is also the location of Saturday’s Class A Lower State final between defending three-time champion Calhoun County (24-1) and Hemingway (27-2). It’s a rematch of last year’s Class A final won 67-66 by the Saints as the Tigers missed three attempts at the game-winning basket.
Calhoun County also defeated Hemingway in the 2006 final and, at Lakewood High School in 2001, beat Mullins in overtime 70-59 in the Class 2-A Lower State final.
With a win, the Saints would face either Great Falls or Landrum the following week in Columbia for a shot at a modern-era record eighth state title.
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trojanhero wrote on Feb 26, 2009 9:47 AM:
navyman96 wrote on Feb 26, 2009 1:41 AM: