The State Finals in High School Basketball are now set and our listening area will be well represented, as multiple local schools will look to bring home the big, gold trophy in their respective classes.
The Upper State finals concluded with 5A action, Monday night. On the Girls side, the Mauldin Lady Mavericks downed Spring Valley, 67-50. Mauldin led by just 6, 34-28 at the half. Spring Valley would keep it close for the opening minutes of the 3rd. However, Mauldin closed the 3rd on a 12-3 run, as part of their 33-22 2nd half scoring advantage. It was a balanced attack for Mauldin with three players in double figures. Freshman Zara Leamon led the way with a game high 18, Sophomore All-Stater Trinity Jones added 14. Her classmate, Destiny Mattison added 12. Mauldin has now won 17 straight and 23 on the season. They are back in the State Finals for the 1st time since 1997.
In Monday's nightcap, Dorman Boys kept their quest to reclaim the top spot in the state, alive. Dorman downed Lexington and Junior D-1 prospect Cam Scott, 60-52. Dorman was at a disadvantage in size, but they were relentless on the glass. The Cavs had a 35-25 rebounding advantage. Dorman All-State selection Terry Leonard had a game high 20 points. The Cavs led 16-14 after one and would outscore Lexington 27-19 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. Dorman is back in the State Finals after missing the 5A Finals last year, which was the 1st time that happened since the 5A class was created.
The State Finals will again be held on campus at USC-Aiken this weekend. The action tips off Thursday evening when Class 4A takes center stage.
On Friday, both the Wren Girls and Boys will look to capture state gold. The Wren girls will play Camden at noon, Friday. Following that, the Wren Boys will take on Crestwood. Legendary Coach Fran Campbell will look to lead the Wren Boys program to its 1st state title in his nearly 40 year tenure at the school.
On Saturday, 6ft 11 Missouri Commit Jordan Butler will lead Christ Church against Scott's Branch. The Cavalier program is looking to win its 2nd State Title in the last three seasons.
The evening session Saturday features the Mauldin Lady Mavericks taking on Stratford in the 5A Girls Finals. The Mauldin Girls are in the State Finals for the 1st time in over 25 years. In the nightcap, the Dorman Boys look to re-claim the top spot in 5A, they'll take on Goose Creek. It marks the 6th time in the last 7 years that Dorman has played for the State Title.