Published: Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 09:35 AM
CHS girls finish unbeaten in region, eye playoff run
CLOVER --
Sherer Hopkins knew the Lady Blue Eagle basketball team had the potential to make some noise in Region 3-AAAA this season.
Little did the head girls coach know that this year's team would exceed expectations, winning the region championship without a loss in league play.
Clover defeated Lancaster 41-29 in Bruin Country in the final regular season game, setting the stage for this week's playoff action.
The Lady Blue Eagles opened the playoffs by hosting Riverside Tuesday night. A win would have Clover hosting a round two playoff game Friday at 7 p.m. against the survivor of the Wren-Mauldin game.
(Note: Tuesday's game was played after the Enquirer-Herald deadline was met this week. Coverage of Tuesday's game and a second-round home playoff game should Clover prevail in the opening round game, will appear in next week's paper.)
Senior mainstay Bria Huffman paced the scoring with 15 points in the win over Lancaster. Junior post player Lauren Richardson finished in double figures with 10 points.
“I am extremely proud of our players for finishing unbeaten in the region with a win on the road,” beamed Hopkins.
Playing before an enthusiastic home crowd on Senior Night, the Lady Blue Eagles shellacked Spartanburg, 57-35.
Both teams started slow, with the Lady Blue Eagles leading 7-6 after the first quarter.
With Richardson and Huffman leading the way, Clover expanded the lead and led 26-17 at the half.
The Lady Vikings turned the intensity level up a notch in the third quarter, slicing Clover's lead to a scant two points by the end of the quarter.
The Lady Blue Eagles soared in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points and limiting Spartanburg to a harmless free throw for the decisive win.
Telliya Patton got things started with a free throw.
It was at this stage of the game that sophomore post player Gadson Lefft made her presence felt, beginning with a basket and a free throw, followed by a putback.
On the next possession, Lefft's power move to the basket expanded the lead top 44-34, much to the delight of the Clover faithful.
Huffman followed with a reverse layup on the dead run that worked the crowd into a frenzy.
“When I score, it gets my confidence going and I'm ready to score again,” commented Huffman after the game.
“All of our regular players can score, which has been a key to our success this season.
“Winning the region championship and hosting a playoff game are exciting times. The seniors want to go out with a bang.”
Lefft echoed Huffman's sentiments.
“It's great to be part of the excitement my sophomore year,” she said.
Senior floor leader Logan Ballard said an all-out effort with everybody contributing is the key to a successful playoff run.
Like the energizer bunny, Ballard is continuous motion on the court, giving 100 percent every possession.
“I hustle all of the time and go after loose balls, whatever it takes to win,” she said. “That's who I am and what the game is all about.”
Hopkins lauded the players for winning the region and nailing down a home playoff berth.
“Our players were struggling two years ago and through hard work are reaping the rewards this season,” she said. “The keys to success in the playoffs are to remain focused, execute when we have the ball and play defense with the intensity we expect of them.”
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