1/21 Laurens-Greenwood Area Roundup
Fridays in January typically feature a stacked lineup of high school girls basketball games across South Carolina. The Friday of January 21 was no exception as among that schedule was a get together between two teams that are among the…
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Continue ReadingFridays in January typically feature a stacked lineup of high school girls basketball games across South Carolina. The Friday of January 21 was no exception as among that schedule was a get together between two teams that are among the best in Class 3A.
Those two teams were Emerald and Clinton. Both are part of Region 4-AAA that has the potential of sending at least three teams to the 3A tournament next month.
It was the first get-together this season between the two teams and on Friday evening, the Vikings got the better of the Red Devils in what was a defensive-minded, 33-29 victory for Emerald.
The win improved the Vikings’ record to 15-2 while remaining perfect against region opponents. Clinton’s record on Friday became 11-6 (2-2 in region).
Coach Quote
“(It was a) good game,” Emerald coach Merv Rollinson said. “I’ve got to pat Clinton on the back, give them their props. This is exactly how I thought it was going to be.”
What Happened Last Time?
The Vikings and Red Devils met twice last season with both contests going the way of Emerald. It was a 60-42 victory for Emerald as it defended its home court on Jan. 27. On Feb. 4, the two teams met at Clinton and the result just as lopsided by virtue of a 55-36 decision.
How Things Progressed
They progressed promisingly for the Red Devils in the early going as they began the game with a 7-0 run before a Vikings successful free throw snapped Clinton’s scoring binge. It was 10-2 in favor of the Red Devils with Emerald not making a field goal in the first quarter.
The Vikings began to convert on those field goals in the second quarter as they trimmed down their deficit. Football season may have concluded, but the halftime score was a very gridiron-esque 14-10 with the Red Devils ahead.
Timely scoring and offensive rebounding were keys for Emerald in the third quarter as it pulled ahead of Clinton. With three frames having been completed, the Vikings had built a three-point, 21-18 lead over the Red Devils.
The halftime score resembled one from the football ranks and the final tally did as well. A close, defensive-centric contest had gone the way of Emerald as it remained undefeated against region foes.
Primetime Performers
Points may have come at a premium, but not for Danielle Oliver Danielle Oliver 5'6" | PG Greenwood | 2026 State SC . The star freshman for Emerald led all scorers with 17 points in the come-from-behind victory. She had a pair of made 3-pointers as well as important made free throws.
“I’m going to go ahead and say she’s probably one of the best guards in the state at this level,” Rollinson said. “She’s got three more years. She’s going to terrorize people. I’m just happy that she’s at Emerald.”
The Red Devils have a young guard of their own that is an integral piece to the team. Her name is Saniya White. She was Clinton’s leading scorer with nine points. Among those were two of the three 3-pointers Clinton made.
Up Next
Region play will continue at home for both teams next week. The Vikings will host Woodruff on Jan. 27 and the Red Devils shall await Union County on Jan. 24.
Other Area Results
Carolina Academy def. Calhoun Falls Charter 53-49
Saluda def. Ninety Six 43-23
Mid-Carolina def. Abbeville 52-28
Cambridge Academy def. King Academy 35-23
Shannon Forest def. Greenwood Christian 40-32