The top two teams in the state met for the second time this season, but this time the Region 3-5A title was on the line.
No. 1 Fort Mill and No. 2 Indian Land Warriors boys’ basketball teams met again Tuesday, Feb. 11, this time at the Hive as Fort Mill came away with the 52-44 win. The Jackets won by one in their first meeting at Indian Land earlier this season.
The Jackets improved to 23-2 overall and 11-0 in the region, but it didn’t come easy. Fort Mill came into the game not having lost a home game and Indian Land hadn’t lost on the road.
“We had a rough start and were out of sync,” said Fort Mill boys head coach Myron Lowery. “Our defense held them in check. I felt good at the half. Our balance and our unity have been our strength throughout.”
The start was a little sloppy for both teams, but then Indian Land went on a 5-0 run by getting the ball in the low post before a Jackets timeout. Fort Mill struggled to score except at the foul line which is where all their points, but two, came in the first quarter.
The Jackets started the second quarter down by three and struggled to get anything going as Indian Land took advantage of turnovers.
Logan Parker hit a 3-pointer with about three minutes left in the half and Jermier Nelson came back with one of his own. Nas Berry scored on the third consecutive possession as the Jackets put together an 8-0 run before a Warriors timeout with two minutes remaining in the first half.
The Jackets’ run ended with 10 consecutive points before Donovin Jones hit a 3-pointer for the Warriors.
Fort Mill took a 24-20 lead into the half and were a perfect 7-for-7 from the field in the second quarter without going to the charity stripe.
The game was a defensive gem for both teams. Indian Land stayed close, but Fort Mill kept an edge by getting to the basket. Nelson was clutch in the third quarter for the Jackets scoring seven of Fort Mill’s 11 points.
The Jackets carried a seven-point lead to the fourth quarter. A Wallace Campbell 3-pointer put Fort Mill up 40-30 early in the quarter.
While the Warriors tried to rally, Fort Mill had an answer for almost everything. Indian Land uncharacteristically struggled with turnovers throughout the game.
The Warriors stayed within striking distance and cut the Jackets lead to eight with a minute left in the game. Fort Mill was able to hold them off down the stretch to clinch the region title.
Nelson led with 13 points as Berry, Parker and Campbell each had 11 points.
Big third quarter helps Fort Mill
The Fort Mill Lady Jackets used a big third quarter to pull away from Indian Land for the win.
Fort Mill won 46-20 over the Warriors. The Jackets started strong scoring the first three baskets in the first two minutes of the game. Indian Land took a time out, but Fort Mill went up 9-0 before the Warriors scored.
Indian Land played their way back into the game, despite a cold streak from the Jackets.
Scoring slowed in the second quarter for both teams to open the period. Indian Land was able to get to the basket better midway through the quarter and pulled within five points.
Fort Mill went on an 8-0 run towards the end of the first half to open their lead up as they went up 21-14 at the half.
The Jackets started the third quarter on a 9-0 run and outscored Indian Land 18-1 in the quarter as they went into the final period up 39-15.
Fort Mill kept things going in the fourth quarter as they finished the game with a running clock.
Zoe Williams led the Jackets with 12 points and Kate Marker chipped in 11 points. Fort Mill improved to 15-10 overall and 8-3 in the region. The win should lock up third place in the region for them regarding the playoffs.
Feb. 11 Roundup
The Nation Ford Falcons basketball teams were swept by Clover on the road. The Lady Falcons lost 49-19 and dropped to 5-6 in Region 3-5A and 12-13 overall. The Nation Ford boys’ team lost 59-47 and dropped to 3-8 in the region and 11-14 overall.
The Catawba Ridge boys’ basketball team fell to Rock Hill 72-63 in double overtime to drop to 3-8 on the season and 10-15 overall The Lady Copperheads lost 59-43 to Rock Hill and are 3-8 in region and 8-15 overall.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
