INDIAN LAND, S.C. – Fort Mill junior Wallace Campbell hit a free throw with 1.3 seconds left as the No. 2 ranked Fort Mill Yellow Jackets edged No. 1 ranked Indian Land Warriors 53-52.
The Warriors had one more attempt at a shot, but came up short as the two top teams in the state based on the state’s Basketball Coaches Association poll, battled for the first time this season.
“We did a good job of attacking the basket,” said Fort Mill head coach Myron Lowery. “We got into their bench. We were able to keep our composure. We have a great group of kids.”
The first quarter was a slow start for both teams as they tried sizing each other up. Each team matched the other’s basket for basket as neither took an early advantage. The Warriors took a slim two-point lead to the second quarter. Fort Mill’s Nas Berry quickly tied the game up to open the period.
The Jackets would get their biggest lead of the game at 20-17 about two minutes into the second quarter off foul shooting. Logan Parker got hot for Fort Mill and allowed them to keep their foot on the gas.
Donovin Jones would hit a key 3-pointer for the Warriors to bring them within five points about midway through the period.
However, Fort Mill did well drawing contact in getting to the basket, which allowed them to go to the charity stripe. Campbell and Parker scored 21 of the Jackets 23 points in the second quarter as they went to the locker room leading 37-29.
Jermier Nelson started the third quarter off with a 3-pointer for Fort Mill.
Indian Land started chipping away at the Jackets’ lead as Fort Mill mishandled the ball in the first couple of minutes of the third quarter.
Fort Mill started becoming more patient with the ball as scoring slowed down for both teams in the third quarter. The Jackets went on a 5-0 run, but Indian Land came back with a 3-pointer by Mike Jones.
The Jackets opened the fourth quarter leading 45-41. Indian Land stayed within striking distance and were aided by Fort Mill turnovers. Fort Mill held a slim three-point lead for most of the final period until Jones drained a 3-pointer with 1:41 to tie the game at 52. The score would remain that way until Campbell’s free throw.
Campbell led with 16 points, as both Nelson and Parker had 15 points each. The Jackets improved to 16-2 overall and 5-0 in Region 3-5A.
Lady Jackets pull away
The Fort Mill Lady Jackets took an early command of their game as they would go on for a 48-31 win over Indian Land.
Fort Mill opened the girls game going up 10-2 and causing havoc on defense. Indian Land would end the quarter in a 4-0 run to stay within striking distance of the Jackets. Fort Mill stayed aggressive on both ends of the court and took advantage of the Warriors’ turnovers.
Indian Land had opportunities, but struggled to convert shots in the early going. About midway through the second quarter, the Warriors started gaining traction and was able to cut the Jackets lead to eight.
Fort Mill finished the first half on a small run to go up by 10 at 27-17 at the half.
The Jackets started the second half with the first four points, but also had four early turnovers. Despite the turnovers, Indian Land struggled to make up any ground as the Jackets would get inside looks at the basket to score.
Indian Land didn’t get the shot opportunities in the third quarter as they did in the first half mostly because of turnovers.
Fort Mill started the fourth quarter up 43-25 as both teams struggled offensively in the quarter. The two teams combined for 11 points in the final period.
Saylor Heberling and Zoe Williams each scored 14 points for Fort Mill in leading the way. The Jackets moved to 10-7 overall and 4-1 in the region.
Jan. 17 Roundup
The Nation Ford Falcons varsity basketball teams were swept by the Clover Blue Eagles in basketball action on Jan. 17. The Lady Falcons fell 64-30 dropping to 3-2 in Region 3-5A and 9-9 overall on the year. The Nation Ford boys’ team fell 59-45 to drop to 8-9 overall and 1-4 in the region.
The Catawba Ridge girls’ basketball team fell to Rock Hill 43-21 to drop to 2-3 in Region 3-5A and 7-10 overall. The Catawba Ridge boys’ basketball team beat Rock Hill 56-50 and improved to 9-10 overall and 2-3 in the region.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
