Unpredictable day two of lower state finals

Day two of the lower state finals was about as unpredictable as you get.
First off - Mullins loses. The Auctioneers had seemingly cruised through most of the regular season, and only received a real scare once or twice until Saturday's game against Burke.
But for whatever reason, the Aucs weren't themselves. Andrew Crawford missed a few easy layups and the Mullins' 3-point shooters were kept surprisingly quiet. Not having Saquan McFarland at full strength didn't help either.
And don't blame the loss on Donte Cooper either. Missed shot or not, the fact that Mullins was even in a position to tie the game was remarkable, considering they were down eight at the half and four in the fourth quarter with less than 20 seconds to go.
Speaking of bad games, what happened to Lee Central? I had pretty much penciled the Stallions in as this year's lower state representative and wasn't expecting much of a fight from Burke. Others around me, though, said the Bulldogs were the favorites. After all, they did beat North Charleston, the two-time defend-ing Class 3A lower state champs.
But as I've learned, you never bet against the Stallions. Despite having probably their worst game of the season, they still managed to find a way to win.
Hemingway's boys proved that a good game plan can often make up for a perceived competitive advantage from the other team. Bamberg-Ehrhardt might have had a size advantage, but big men do you little good when they're on one side of the court and the other team is already under the basket.
Now let's see what coach Barry McFadden has up his sleeve for Calhoun County.
The only game that went pretty much as planned was C.E. Murray/Bethune-Bowman. I told a fellow sport-swriter that I wouldn't be surprised if the War Eagles won by 30. They won by 31.
Schwanna Dunmore might be the most complete player in the area. Her size and quickness have led to her averaging a triple-double every other game. With Arteesha Donaldson there to take the pressure off of Dunmore, as well as a team full of role players, the War Eagles have all the makings of a champion.
We'll see what happens in Columbia.

Log In | Register as a new member