The Fort Mill boys’ varsity basketball team got back on the right side of things after two consecutive Region 3-5A losses.
The Jackets beat the Northwestern Trojans 53-40 to improve to 18-6 overall and 7-3 in region play.
“Not being able to get right back to it after the losses gave us a sense of urgency,” said Fort Mill head boys’ basketball coach Myron Lowery. “We are just trying to get in a groove. We got two region games on the road next week and we just have to take care of business.”
Fort Mill started out in control to open the game. While not dominant, the Jackets were able to get to the basket and make plays happen. The Jackets went up 10-3, before Northwestern pulled within one after a 6-0 run. Fort Mill’s Wallace Campbell hit a 3-pointer right before the end of the first quarter to give the Jackets some breathing room.
Fort Mill was strong on the glass on the offensive side getting early opportunities. The Jackets’ AJ Washington was a presence on the block as a major reason for Fort Mill keeping the lead in the second quarter.
Neither team was able to put together runs, as the Jackets’ were just as strong defensively. Fort Mill hit two 3-pointers before the half coming from Canyon Hall and George Stewart. On defense, the Jackets held Northwestern to just nine points for the second straight quarter as they led 26-18 at the half.
Northwestern came out with some fire in them staying within striking distance of the Jackets. Fort Mill benefited by getting rebounds on the defensive end of the court. Fort Mill was methodical on offense and didn’t rush shots, choosing to take their time instead which led to them expanding their lead.
The Jackets entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead. Fort Mill continued to play patient with the ball and kept the momentum early in the fourth quarter. Fort Mill consistently kept a 10-to-12-point lead through the majority of the fourth quarter.
The Jackets were led by Washington with 13 points. Campbell dropped in a dozen points and Jermier Nelson scored 11 points, all in the second half.
Girls’ basketball
The Fort Mill Lady Jackets sliced their way through the Northwestern Trojans with a 64-27 win.
Fort Mill jumped out to a 6-0 start before a Northwestern timeout. The Jackets were aided by several Northwestern turnovers to give them extra opportunities. Fort Mill would go up 8-0 before the Lady Trojans would score.The Jackets kept momentum in their corner as they ended the first quarter up 13-4.
Fort Mill again got out to a comfortable start in the second quarter with an 8-0 start. The Jackets again were able to use their quickness to cause turnovers and continued to pull away despite Northwestern playing better. The Jackets used long range 3-pointers to keep improving their score as they went into the half up 31-13.
Fort Mill quickly went up by 20 to start the second half. And after a 12-0 start went up by 30 as they would go on to rout the Lady Trojans by 37 points.
The Jackets pushed their lead to 40 with about four minutes left in the game Fort Mill was led by Kate Marker with 12 points. Colbie Wolf and Ava Shave each scored 11 points as well in the win. The Jackets improved to 13-11 overall and 8-2 in the region.
“The key is how the girls have been practicing,” said Fort Mill girls’ head coach Nathan Wruble. “We have to take care of business on Tuesday and get ready for a key rivalry game.”
Fort Mill hits the road next week with games at Indian Land on Tuesday, Feb. 10 and Nation Ford on Friday, Feb. 13.
Feb. 5 Roundup
The Fort Mill wrestling team opened the playoffs with a 72-6 win over Northwestern in the second round. The Jackets had a first-round bye and faced Northwestern who beat Woodruff in their first-round match. Fort Mill, now 27-0 on the season, wrestles again at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 in the third round of the playoffs at home.
The Nation Ford wrestling team beat Greenville in the opening round of the playoffs, but fell to Eastside in the second round to end their dual season at 21-12.
The Catawba Ridge wrestling team beat Gaffney in the opening round of the playoffs, but fell to TL Hanna 52-21 in the second round to end their dual season at 16-11.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
