On Saturday, Mauldin students, fans and alumni packed the arena at Bob Jones University in Greenville. It was a see of Orange in stands as Mav nation was there to see both their Girls try to punch their ticket to the State Finals. However, that just wasn't in the cards for Mauldin Saturday night.
The Lady Mavericks fell to a loaded Rock Hill squad 75-51. Rock Hill had 4 players in double figures in the game and hit 8 three's along the way. Mauldin had trouble with Rock Hill's elite level quickness and their dribble-drive motion offense. The Lady Bearcats would spread the floor and drive, in the 1st half they were able to get high percentage looks in the paint off the drive. Then later when Mauldin collapsed down or went to a zone defense, Rock Hill was able to kick it off and knock down threes.
The Lady Mavs did open with a 9-5 lead, Rock Hill went on a 9-0 run to close the 1st quarter up 14-9. The Lady Bearcats carried that momentum outscoring Mauldin 19-10 in the second frame to lead 33-19 at the half. Mauldin went to a zone part of the 3rd quarter, Rock Hill knocked down 4 of its 8 total threes in the 3rd. The Lady Bearcats led 52-35 heading into the 4th. Mauldin was unable to close the gap and Rock Hill advanced with a 75-51 win.
For Rock Hill, Senior Guard Jada Jones was tremendous she had 20 points in the game, after coming in averaging 9 per game. Laila Hankerson had 20 as well. Alyssa Hankerson and Gracie Wilson both knocked down four 3's each and had 14 a piece. Mauldin's Lauren Wearbon had a team high 20 points. Freshman All-State Selection Trinity Jones had 14 and classmate Destiny Mattison added 10.
Rock Hill moves to 25-3 on the season, they have won 20 straight. Their last loss was to 3A defending State Champs Keenan on December 2nd. Rock Hill will play Summerville who edge Sumter in the Lower State. Those two teams will meet Thursday at 5 PM in Aiken for the 5A State Title. Mauldin finishes their season at 19-8 and with a Region 1 Championship. The Lady Mavs are a very young group, with just 2 seniors on the roster. They will return their 4 of their top 5 scorers and their top 3 rebounders. They also have been playing without Sophomore Center Timya Grice who's been out with an injury, who they expect back next season. So the future is bright for the Lady Mavs and they could well be a State Title contender for the next few years.