SCISA 3A/4A Girls Playoffs at Cathedral Academy

The unveiling of the various tournament brackets involving SCISA teams took place this past Wednesday. Sumter is once again on the minds of many a team in the SCISA ranks as we will soon crown girls and boys champions in its respective four classes.    This past Friday was when the SCISA girls playoffs first commenced with its 12 teams taking part. Four 3A teams – Hilton Head Christian, Pee Dee Academy, Orangeburg Prep and Shannon Forest earned automatic byes into the quarterfinals which will take place on Monday.    The four 4A teams that earned automatic byes were Heathwood Hall, Porter-Gaud, Trinity Collegiate and Northwood Academy.    Thursday's schedule of games at the home court of 2A power Cathedral Academy would decide which teams would match up against those respective teams on Monday. Starting with…   John Paul II vs. Carolina Academy   As play commenced on the home court of Cathedral Academy, it was time for the first two teams to take center stage.    Those two teams were the Golden Warriors out of John Paul II as they faced off against the Bobcats of Carolina Academy – a program whose football team still plays in the SCISA 2A realm.    Pee Dee Academy would await the winner of this matchup on Monday. The Eagles learned they would be preparing for the Golden Warriors by virtue of their 39-19 victory over the Bobcats.    With the win, the Golden Warriors' record improves to 18-5. That of Carolina Academy concludes at 4-7.    How Things Progressed   On paper, one would think the Golden Warriors would be runaway favorites, but that did not seem to be the case after one quarter as both teams were evenly matched – score-wise. John Paul II exited from the first quarter with a 9-5 advantage.    That lead ballooned in the second quarter as the Golden Warriors held the Bobcats to only one field goal in the second stanza. As both teams went into their respective locker rooms for halftime, John Paul II's lead was 18-8.    The third quarter would see the Golden Warriors' most successful one of the contest as they not only placed 15 points on the board, but held Carolina Academy to only four points. It was 33-12 with three complete.    Quarter No. 4 was the only one where the Bobcats outscored the Golden Warriors – by a margin of 7-6. This one was not in much doubt as evidenced by the 20-point margin of victory John Paul II had concluded with.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1782-crop-3634x2386-1676738101.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600240" width="330" height="216" /></figure>   The number 13 was a lucky number for the Golden Warriors. Starting with Emily O'Sullivan, who put 13 on the board. A good number of her 13 came by way of free throws – five to be exact.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1723-crop-2223x1460-1676738260.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600242" width="333" height="218" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='594320' first='Brady' last='Mahoney'] also aided the John Paul II with 13 points. Six of hers occurred in the fourth quarter. She displayed an ability to convert on high-percentage shots and draw contact to the free throw line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1744-crop-2054x1349-1676738373.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600244" width="323" height="212" /></figure>   Ester Campbell, a junior, paced the Bobcats efforts with a seven-point outing. She displayed an ability to attack the rim and also manage to make one of the two 3-pointers Carolina Academy had this game.    Palmetto Christian Academy vs. Florence Christian Academy   The second game on Friday featured one team out of the Lowcountry in addition to one team from the Pee Dee as the Eagles of Palmetto Christian matched up against the Eagles of Florence Christian.    Ironically, the winner of this contest would match up against another group of Eagles – those from former multiple-time 2A champions Hilton Head Christian.    That honor ended up being earned by Florence Christian as they concluded the first of four games by having defeated Palmetto Christian by a final score of 48-40.    The win also moved Florence Christian's record to 15-7 while that of Palmetto Christian became 9-14 to close out their season.    Have Eagles, Will Travel   Even though Palmetto Christian was sporting its road blues, a large contingency of fans made the trip to North Charleston that had to make the designated road team feel as if they were back at home. As the result showed, they had plenty to cheer about – and went home happy.   How Things Progressed   This one started in auspicious fashion for Florence Christian as it began the game with a 9-0 run. Palmetto Christian, trailing 11-2, managed to close the opening frame with a 6-0 run to trim its deficit to three (11-8) with one in the books.    An early three by Palmetto Christian knotted the contest at 11 apiece. Palmetto Christian had pulled ahead briefly by a margin of 14-13, but in similar style as they had did in the first quarter, Florence Christian finished the second quarter with a flurry. A 9-0 run allowed Florence Christian to go into halftime ahead 22-14.    Florence Christian's Eagles continued to soar higher than those of Palmetto Christian late Friday afternoon. Play was stopped briefly in the third quarter as one of Florence Christian's players – senior Gracie Dersch – suffered an injury. It was 37-21 in Florence Christian's favor heading to the fourth quarter.    Palmetto Christian managed to make things interesting in the fourth quarter as its deficit was trimmed down to single digits. But time was a sixth woman for Florence Christian and they managed to seal the deal on an eight-point victory.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1977-crop-3589x2357-1676738552.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600246" width="372" height="244" /></figure>   Two veterans and a youngster paved the way to victory for Florence Christian. One of the seniors in question was Z'nei Middleton who led all Florence Christian scorers with 16 points. Middleton knows how to find her way through defenses en route to the rim – a fearless attacker of the basket.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1972-crop-3680x2416-1676738680.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600248" width="371" height="243" /></figure>   With 12 points, [player_tooltip player_id='563859' first='Emerson' last='Poston'] was also integral in Florence Christian's efforts on Friday. She effectively ran point throughout the game for Florence Christian, found herself in iso situations, can be accurate from 3-point range and at the free throw line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1975-crop-3659x2402-1676738770.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600250" width="371" height="243" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='563860' first='Mary' last='Margaret Sterling'], another senior, concluded her game with a nine-point showing. She was particularly finding plenty of success at the free throw line and displayed her ability to absorb contact.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_1809-crop-2800x1839-1676738889.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600252" width="374" height="245" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='255967' first='Cokey' last='Suddeth'] led all scorers for the game as she led Palmetto Christian with 23 points. Suddeth had plenty of success from behind the 3-point line with the four triples she connected on. She also logged some minutes playing the point.    So Long, Seniors   Among the 2023s that will trade their Palmetto Christian uniforms for caps and gowns are Sarahanne Horne and Abby Creech.    First Baptist vs. Cardinal Newman   The last few seasons, Cardinal Newman has been a team many a Palmetto State basketball fan has become used to seeing in the finals. This year's rendition has seen a new look – and its fair share of growing pains.    The third game on the four-game card featured the Cardinals taking on a First Baptist team that Cardinal Newman defeated in last season's 3A final.    The result was very different from when these two assemblings did battle last season at the Sumter Civic Center as the Hurricanes dispatched the Cardinals with the final score being a resounding 54-17.    The win improves the record of First Baptist to 11-12 while that of Cardinal Newman concludes at a very un-Cardinals like 1-18. The Hurricanes will face Porter-Gaud on Monday at the Sumter Civic Center in the 4A quarterfinals.   What Happened Last Time?    These two teams actually met earlier this season in early December at Cardinal Newman. It was a lopsided result in favor of the Hurricanes with the final score being 50-26.    How Things Progressed   First Baptist got this matchup started on the right pair of seafoam-colored Nikes – that nearly the whole team was sporting. The Hurricanes began the tilt with a 9-0 run but the Cardinals would not go away meekly. With one in the books, First Baptist had a 12-5 advantage.    Last season's 3A runners-up began the second quarter as well with a run. And it lasted throughout the second frame as Cardinal Newman did not have a field goal that quarter. The rout was on – 31-6 in favor of the Hurricanes with two complete.    Not only was this becoming a one-sided contest, it was becoming the most lopsided matchup of the day up to that game's point. How dominant were the Hurricanes after three quarters? It was 45-9 with one quarter remaining.    With the game all but over, First Baptist starters managed to get plenty of rest in the fourth quarter as it was only a question of how lopsided the final score would be. The final answer to that query was 37 points.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2138-crop-3694x2425-1676739061.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600254" width="343" height="225" /></figure>   Just as 13 was a favorite number of John Paul II earlier in the day, 12 was a favorite number for First Baptist. Kennedi Ray provided plenty of production off the bench as she finished her evening with 12 points. Among her strong points are getting out in transition and getting to the free throw line.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2039-crop-2396x1573-1676739247.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600257" width="348" height="228" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='255966' first='Yannah' last='Seaberry'] had another productive game for the Hurricanes as she placed 12 points on the board. She as well is an effective point-runner and will take (and make) her fair share of attempts from deep.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2046-crop-2891x1898-1676739378.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600267" width="357" height="234" /></figure>   The Cardinals' leading point-getter was Katherine Wilkinson with five points. Wilkinson is a sophomore who had the only 3-pointer made by Cardinal Newman for the game. She is a two-sport athlete whose athletic resume also includes soccer.    So Long, Seniors   Cardinal Newman is graduating a quartet of seniors from this year's rendition – including Sheridan Diehl, Erin Allert, Tiffany Tuorto and Mary Cates McBurney.    Pinewood Prep vs. Ben Lippen    After the Hurricanes and Cardinals departed from the court, one game remained on the schedule and it pitted a team representing the Lowcountry and a team out of the Midlands.    Trinity Collegiate would be watching this matchup real closely as the game between Pinewood Prep and Ben Lippen would decide which team would face off against the Titans in the 4A quarterfinals.    It would be the Panthers that would earn the privilege of advancing to the second round for a get-together with Trinity Collegiate as they defeated the Falcons by a final score of 42-39. The win improved Pinewood Prep's record to 12-14 and the book closes on Ben Lippen's season with a 12-11 record.   What Happened Last Time?    The last time the Falcons and Panthers did battle was in February of 2011. It was a forgettable matchup for Ben Lippen as they were on the receiving end of a dominant 64-15 effort by Pinewood Prep.    How Things Progressed   A defensive struggle ensued between the Panthers and Falcons, but it was a tight defensive struggle in the first quarter. Pinewood Prep assumed a 10-7 lead over Ben Lippen at the conclusion of one quarter.    As the second quarter continued on, it became apparent that the day's most lopsided of the four games would be followed by the most competitive of the day's quintet at Cathedral Academy. When halftime arrived, the Panthers led the Falcons by a tally of 21-17.   A “first one to 40” vibe became apparent when the third quarter concluded as the Pinewood Prep and Ben Lippen defenses continued to rule the evening. The fourth and final quarter of the day lurked with the Panthers and Falcons battling each other to a 26-26 stalemate.    High drama ensued at the home of the Generals as the game was tied at 37 all in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Free throws made the difference as those for the Panthers were falling and those for the Falcons did not. The best was definitely saved for last as it was only a hard-fought, three-point victory for Pinewood Prep.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2321-crop-3638x2389-1676739602.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600269" width="338" height="222" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='197059' first='X'Zoria' last='Vaughn'] struggled with her shot for a good portion of the game, but eventually came through in the clutch. Vaughn finished with 11 points. Seven of those 11 came via the free throw line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2318.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-600270" width="343" height="257" /></figure>   Marissa Mangas also chimed in with 11 points. She displayed how skilled she is as a ball handler and has no issues playing the game on contact. Mangas also came through late with important shots at the foul line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2306-crop-2556x1679-1676739918.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600273" width="346" height="227" /></figure>   Alexis Jacobs led all scorers with 15 points. She managed to convert on a number of high-percentage shots and keeps the ball above her head when she grabs a rebound. Jacobs draws plenty of attention and gets plenty of contact in the painted area.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_2247-crop-2168x1424-1676740058.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-600277" width="346" height="227" /></figure>   Eden Hester concluded her evening with an 11-point showing. She led the Falcons' attack from deep as Ben Lippen drained six treys for the game. Three of those 3-pointers departed from Hester's hands.    So Long, Seniors   Jacobs and Hester are two of four seniors that will depart from Ben Lippen School. The others, per the Falcons' roster, are Mary Anne Combs and Peyton McGuire.

The unveiling of the various tournament brackets involving SCISA teams took place this past Wednesday. Sumter is once again on the minds of many a team in the SCISA ranks as we will soon crown girls and boys champions in its respective four classes.