Keenan’s boys basketball team takes its first step toward winning a third straight Class 2A state champion on Wednesday when the Raiders host a first round game against Central of Pageland.

The top-ranked Raiders enter as the No. 1 seed out of Region 3 with a 10-0 record. It was the fifth straight conference title for Zack Norris’ powerhouse, and the first perfect region report card since 2006.

Marcus Stroman, Quinton Johnson, Eric Hopkins and Erick Tisdale are the Keenan headliners.

Eau Claire, Swansea and Batesburg-Leesville are the other local teams that made the cut.

Eau Claire (20-6) has a home game against Indian Land thanks to a second place finish in Region 3 behind Keenan. The Shamrocks are 12-2 since Dec. 29. The game offers EC a shot at avenging a third-round loss to IL last season.

Wayne Henderson (10.8 ppg), Jamison Reed (10.5 ppg), Ronnie Green (10.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2.0 spg) and Marquis Jones (7.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) pace EC’s balanced production.

Swansea (11-14) finished third in Region 5 and opens the playoffs at Woodland. Batesburg-Leesville (11-10) hits the road to face Region 4 champion Lee Central.