Stuckey enters late to lift Shamrocks

No excuses. No whining. No complaints.

That is the Eau Claire playoff mantra. Shamrocks senior guard Jordan Stuckey was the embodiment of the code in Wednesday’s 73-64 win over Indian Land at George Glymph Arena in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

Stuckey entered the game late in the third quarter but he scored 13 points in the fourth quarter without missing a shot to help the Shamrocks (21-6) keep the visiting Warriors at bay.

Stuckey was 3-for-3 from the field, including one 3-pointer, and converted all six of his free throw chances in the final 1:23.

“It was kind of hard sitting there for most of the game, but I was ready when coach called my number,” said Stuckey, who averaged 5.5 points per game as a reserve during the regular season.

“The only thing that concerns any of us right now is winning a state championship. That’s something we’ve wanted to do since the eighth grade.”

Shamrocks coach Lamont Britt presented Stuckey with the game ball.

“The guys know that playing time is dictated by what’s happening on the floor, and that they have to be ready when they are called,” Britt said. “Jordan didn’t complain or sulk while he was on the bench. He was into the game, rooting the guys on. When it was his time, he performed.”

The Shamrocks shot the ball well in the fourth quarter, going 8-for-10 from the field and 8-for-9 at the line, but Britt was not satisfied with the lockdown attempt.

“We have to clean things up because the teams that best manage the end of games are usually the ones that hang around the longest,” he said. “We have to have somebody step up and take control on the floor, keep things in order. It was a good first-round win, but we can do better.”

As usual, Eau Claire had remarkably balanced production. Wayne Henderson was the leader with 15 points, six rebounds and three steals, while fellow insider Marquis Jones had 12 points, six boards and three steals.

The most significant Shamrocks stat was scoring off the bench. Stuckey, Ronnie Green, Martel Pauling and Chris Dwyer combined for 36 points. Pauling and Dwyer were recently added to the mix after becoming eligible for the second semester.

“Having those guys gives us more depth and more options,” Britt said. “We like to keep the pressure up on defense, and now we can keep guys fresher.”

Surging Eau Claire takes its act on the road Saturday to face Region 2 champion Newberry — a 117-68 winner over Liberty. The Shamrocks are 13-2 since Dec. 29 with both losses coming to No. 1 Keenan.

Lee McCall and Region 4 player of the year Hayden Sawyer led Indian Land (9-13) with 16 and 15 points, respectively.

IL: Lee McCall 16, Hayden Sawyer 15, Rashid McGriff 12, Cauthen 5, C. Barnes 9, McMillian 5, B. Barnes 2. EC: Green 9, Jordan Stuckey 13, Marquis Jones 12, James 2, Reed 8, Wayne Henderson 15, Pauling 8, Dwyer 6.