Spartanburg keeps its playoff hopes alive with 69-58 win
Spartanburg High is fighting for its playoff life, and the Vikings' play Tuesday night reflected that.
Spartanburg (5-13, 1-6) ran out to a 19-10 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back in a 69-58 upset win over Gaffney (17-6, 6-1).
Sean Jenkins did his best Steph Curry imitation for the Vikings as he buried four first half 3’s while leading all scorers with 26 points.
Also in double figures for Spartanburg were Moe Wedman with 17 and Uzziah Dawkins with 15.
“They finally played thirty-two minutes,” said Spartanburg head coach Fred Ford. “We’ve played teams where we were up in the third quarter, the fourth quarter, but we lost it. We finally made some free throws down the stretch. I told the guys just keep chopping at it.”
Spartanburg was 18-of-22 from the charity stripe.
“That’s always a great night,” said Ford with a smile.
The win keeps the Vikings' slim playoff hopes alive. They’ll have a chance to chop their way into the playoffs Friday when they host Byrnes. They’ll need a win and some tie breaks to go their way, but this win keeps them in the hunt.
Gaffney was led by Bradley Childers with 18 points. Also in double figures for the Indians were Ladarius Foster and Stan Ellis with 15 and 14 respectively.
Despite the loss Gaffney still has a chance to win the championship when they host Dorman Friday night
GIRLS
Gaffney 51, Spartanburg 42: The Gaffney Indians were like a car left out in the cold Tuesday night in Spartanburg. It took a while for the engine to turn over but once they got started they hit on all cylinders and racked up a 51-42 win.
The win sets up a home conference title game for Gaffney on Friday versus Dorman.
Spartanburg (11-12, 2-5) cruised to a 17-12 first period lead behind 6 points each from Dawayshia Crocker and Bre Kenon.
The Vikings opened the second period on a 9-2 run and headed to the half up 30-18 to the surprise of many in the gym.
Gaffney (12-9, 4-2) head coach Susan Wade said she didn’t say anything special to her squad at the half but something set them on fire.
“The first half they just weren’t playing,” said Gaffney (12-9, 4-2) head coach Susan Wade. I mean we missed ten free throws, missed easy layups and we weren’t boxing out.”
Once they cleaned all that up they outscored Spartanburg 33-12 in second half to notch a thrilling comeback win.
“The first half they just weren’t playing,” said Gaffney (12-9, 4-2) head coach Susan Wade. I mean we missed ten free throws, missed easy layups and we weren’t boxing out.”
Once they cleaned all that up they outscored Spartanburg 33-12 in second half to notch a thrilling comeback win.
“In the second half they fought harder, gave more effort,” said Wade. “That was the difference in the game.”
Gaffney’s Jasmine Ogelsby led all scorers with 18 points and was joined in double figures by Kayla Ford who had 16.
Kenon led Spartanburg with 12.