Augusta Christian will face Hammond in Sumter tonight in the semifinal round of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) State Playoffs. The defending state champion Lions will face region foe Hammond after surviving an overtime scare against Pinewood in Tuesday’s quarterfinal round.
North Augusta’s Lady Yellow Jackets will face Wade Hampton Friday in the semifinal round of the South Carolina HIgh School League (SCHSL) Class 4A State Playoffs. Of course it was only three years ago when North Augusta completed its four-peat state championship run, so the Lady Yellow Jackets are always a championship favorite.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) only completed its first round of games last night. Returning state champions Grovetown, Cross Creek and Westside all made quick work of their overmatched opponents and easily advanced to this weekend’s second round. All three teams are one seeds. Grovetown (6A) and Westside (2A) entered the playoffs ranked No. 1 in their class, and Cross Creek (3A), who is trying to win its third straight state championship, exited the regular season ranked No. 3.
Surprise winners
Harlem defeated No. 6 Beach 57-56 Wednesday to advance to this weekend’s second round after Braylon Bussey assisted Lemar Edmond for a layup with less than 5 seconds remaining.
MORE: No. 20 Augusta tops No. 19 North Georgia after one-of-a-kind game winner by Tyshaun Crawford
Lakeside went on the road and eliminated Veterans 63-59 to earn a spot in the field of sixteen in Class 6A.
No. 5 Butler also hit the road and defeated Tatnall County 59-44. The win sets up an interesting second round matchup this weekend between top-five teams at the home of No. 3 Spencer.
Aquinas fell at home Wednesday night to Fulton Leadership Academy by the score of 59-51. Senior Tahj Vines led the Fightin’ Irish with 18 points and 4 assists despite being hampered after picking up his fourth foul early in the third quarter.
Aquinas entered the final quarter trailing 51-35. The Fightin’ Irish made a 13-2 run that reduced the lead to 5 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. But even the rowdy student section and devoted Aquinas fans couldn’t help the home team complete the comeback.
MORE: Cross Creek basketball sweeps region championship at home
Follow Chad Cook’s coverage of local sports on Facebook and Instagram at @AugustaPressSports, and on Twitter at @AugPressSports.
