Fairfield Central HS vs. Eau Claire HS
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On the final night of January 2023, Eau Claire HS, located due north of downtown Columbia played host to one of the day’s signature matchups – not only among 2A teams – but also anywhere in the state. The homestanding…
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Continue ReadingOn the final night of January 2023, Eau Claire HS, located due north of downtown Columbia played host to one of the day’s signature matchups – not only among 2A teams – but also anywhere in the state.
The homestanding Shamrocks were in search of their first region victory of the season after a pair of losses each to 2A titans Keenan and Gray Collegiate. Eau Claire’s opponent on Tuesday – the Griffins of Fairfield Central who entered the day’s play with one win over a region opponent (Columbia).
The Shamrocks got that first region victory by the slimmest of margins as they defeated the Griffins in what was a hard-fought 52-51 victory.
What Happened Last Time?
The two teams matched up for a December home-and-home last season with Fairfield Central as a 3A school. Both contests resulted in lopsided victories for the Griffins.
It was a 69-38 Fairfield Central win at home for the Griffins on Dec. 7 and a 70-25 result three days later at Eau Claire.
Quarter By Quarter
Things began auspiciously for the Griffins as their attempts near the rim were going through the basket early. With one frame having been completed, Fairfield Central assumed a lead of 15-9 over Eau Claire.
Towards the end of what was an entertaining second quarter, double technical fouls were assessed. At the end of that second quarter, the Griffins still maintained its advantage as it was 26-21 as both they and the Shamrocks headed for their respective locker rooms.
Eau Claire won the third quarter by a margin of 18-9 and, as a result, the Shamrocks managed to pull in front of Fairfield Central. One quarter remained in this fiercely contested matchup with Eau Claire leading 39-35.
The Shamrocks led 52-48 going into the final seconds prior to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Fairfield Central’s Jamya Kennedy. The Griffins may have claimed the contest’s final highlight, but Eau Claire claimed its first region victory of the season.
Where There’s a Till There’s A Way
Sophomore star Destinee Tiller Destinee Tiller 5'5" | CG Eau Claire | 2025 State SC willed her Shamrocks to victory with a resounding 34-point performance. Tiller also made plenty of plays as a passer, efficiently and effectively ran point and made plenty of her tries at the free throw line.
Fairfield Central’s Big Three
With 20 points, sophomore guard and team captain Jordyn Adams Jordyn Adams 5'6" | PG Fairfield Central | 2025 State SC paced the Griffins from start to finish. She also found her fair share of success at the free throw line and is also an effective runner of the point.
Another sophomore, Zanariah Yarborough Zanariah Yarborough 6'0" | PF Legacy Early College | 2025 State SC , added 12 points to Fairfield Central’s efforts. Her first two scores were both free throws then found plenty of success converting on high-percentage shot opportunities. She also displayed what she can do as a rebounder and ball handler.
Eighth grader Jazzlyn McMillan Jazzlyn McMillan 5'9" | SF Fairfield Central | 2027 State SC added 10 points to the Griffins’ total. What was particularly notable about how she got her 10 was her success at the free throw line. Seven of McMillan’s 10 points came via the charity stripe.
My Bench Can Outscore Your Bench
That is what the Shamrocks bench did on Tuesday night. Lost in the hoop-la of Tiller’s 34 points will be how Eau Claire’s bench outdid Fairfield Central’s by a margin of 11-5.
Up Next
The two teams will do battle again on Friday with the scene shifting to Fairfield Central’s home court. It will be the final matchup of the regular season for the Griffins while Eau Claire still has two games remaining against the Capitals of Columbia.
Other Area Results
Keenan def. North Augusta 53-49
Heathwood Hall def. Ben Lippen 77-28
Ridge View def. Irmo 51-35
Westwood def. Lugoff-Elgin 60-20
A.C. Flora def. Richland Northeast 58-27
Lower Richland def. Gilbert 60-6
Orangeburg-Wilkinson def. Swansea 48-27
Dutch Fork def. White Knoll 88-19
Lexington def. River Bluff 48-32
Camden def. Lake City 93-16
Silver Bluff def. Batesburg-Leesville 60-10
Calhoun County def. North 66-49
Sumter def. Carolina Forest 50-38