Saturday marked day two of the Upper State Finals at Bob Jones University in Greenville. The second day featured action from the 1A and 3A classes and local rivalries took center stage. The first session featured the 1A Girls and Boys games.
In the 1A Girls game, the story book type run came to an end for St. Joe's. They had been on the road three straight games in the playoffs. They beat a 2 seed and two region champs along the way. However, on Saturday the carriage turned into a pumpkin in their Cinderella story. Denmark-Olar who has now won 27 straight, downed St. Joe's 52-38. The Vikings led 19-15 at half and outscored St. Joe's 33-23 in the 2nd half. 8th grader Ginny Anne Dumont had a team high 15, Freshman Tiffany Helmer added 13.
In the 1A Boys game, Christ Church used suffocating defense to stifle Great Falls and cruise to a 55-27 win. The Cavs started strong opening with a 6-0 run. They allowed 19 1st half points, a strong defensive performance. However, the 2nd half would have an elite level performance locking Great Falls down allowing just 8 points in the final 16 minutes. Woods Windham had a game high 15 to lead the way for Christ Church.
In the evening session, the 3A class took center stage. The 3A games featured local rivals squaring off, which draw a capacity crowd and created an electric atmosphere. In the 3A Girls game, Wren and Southside met for the 4th time this season. Southside had taken two of the three previous meetings, but Wren took the most important one. Coastal Carolina commit Riley Stack was back in the line up for Wren for the 1st time in the postseason. The All-State Post made an impact recording a double-double in her 1st game back, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 boards. Wren All State performer Raina McGowens had a game high 19, Olivia Randolph added 14.
Wren and Travelers Rest met in the 3A Boys game in the nightcap. It's somewhat rare that two Greenville area teams make the Upper State Finals, when it happens it creates a special atmosphere. The 3A Boys game drew a sell-out crowd, as fan were turned away at the door. Wren would handle TR 63-41. Wren's Jonathan Wysong had a game high 19 and Jeremiah Campbell added 13.
The Upper State Title games will conclude Monday at Bob Jones. Mauldin will take on Spring Valley at 530. The nightcap features the Dorman Boys taking on Lexington.
The State Finals are now set in every class, except the 5A class. Thursday will mark the open of the State Finals and feature action from the 4A Class. Below is the State Finals Schedule and matchups.
4A Girls Thursday
North Augusta vs Westwood 530 PM
4A Boys Thursday
Lancaster vs Irmo 7 PM
3A Girls Friday
Wren vs Camden Noon- The Wren Girls program will look to capture its 1st State Title on over 6 decades.
3A Boys Friday
Wren vs Crestwood 2 PM- The Wren Boys will look to win their State Title in program history. Coach Fran Campbell has been at Wren for nearly 40 years, he's done everything that a coach can do, short of the State Title. We will see if he's able to capture the ever-elusive "big, gold trophy".
2A Girls Friday
Gray Collegiate vs Bishop England 6 PM
2A Boys Friday
Gray Collegiate vs Oceanside Collegiate 730 PM
1A Girls Saturday
Denmark- Olar vs Military Magnet 12 PM
1A Boys Saturday
Christ Church vs Scott's Branch 2 PM
5A Girls
Mauldin/Spring Valley winner vs Sumter/Stratford winner 6 PM
5A Boys
Dorman/Lexington winner vs Conway/Goose Creek winner 730 PM
