Mauldin Senior Caleb Byrd was spectacular Wednesday night, as he dropped a game high 32 to lead the Mavs to victory. Mauldin downed Greenville area foe Wade Hampton 71-63 to advance in the playoffs. For Byrd it was his second straight double-double as he grabbed 11 boards as well.
Fellow Senior Eliziah Ballenger played a major role in the Maverick win as well. He had 12 points while only taking five shots from the floor. Ballenger's floor game was even more impressive. He had 5 boards from the guard spot, 4 steals, and 4 assists while only turning it over twice. Sophomore Braden Hershberger was the 3rd Maverick player in double figures, as he added 10 points and 6 boards.
Mauldin struggled in shooting the ball from deep and from the foul line. The Mavs were 4 of 15 good for just 27% from 3 point range. They went 15 of 27 from the foul line good for 55%. Two numbers that I know the coaching staff will look for improvement on in the 2nd round. Mauldin was solid in taking care of the basketball, as they turned it over 14 times on Wednesday night. That is a vast improvement from their 25 turnovers in their win last Friday over J.L. Mann.
Mauldin improves to 16-8 with the win and has won 5 straight games. They will move on to the 2nd round of the 5A Playoffs. They will welcome in Clover, who downed Blythewood 59-47 Wednesday night to advance. Clover is 19-7 on the season, they've won their last 6 in a row. That game will be Friday night at "the stable" in Mauldin, and is set for a 7 PM tip off.