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In Bishopville on Wednesday, the Keenan Raiders saw their hopes of defending the Class 2A crown dashed against the furious determination of a Lee Central team that was driven by memories of last year’s third-round matchup.
“That’s what did it,” coach Laverne Knox said. “They have been talking about it all year, they wanted to play Keenan again.”
This time, Lee Central (21-3) posted a 67-64 win over the Raiders to advance to Saturday’s Upper State final.
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The game was nip-and-tuck throughout, with Keenan trailing most of the way.
“It seemed like they were playing not to lose instead of playing to win,” coach Zach Norris said.
But after three back-and-forth quarters where the Stallions more often had the upper hand, the Raiders showed a flash of the confidence and bravado of years past.
With just over three minutes to go, the Raiders’ deficit had swelled to seven points with a bucket from Stallions senior Shaquille Moses. Norris called a timeout.
“Keep your head UP,” the coaches yelled as the Raiders broke their huddle and trudged back to their spots on the floor.
Less than a minute later, Keenan had cut the Stallions lead to 1, with a 3-pointer from Kiante Curenton and three points from Erick Tisdale.
With 44 seconds to play, Curenton hit a jump shot and the Raiders stole the ensuing inbounds pass. Tisdale put it up for two, tying the score at 62 with 34 seconds to go.
Norris encouraged his team to maintain composure, but a technical foul sent Moses to the line and put the Stallions back in front for good.
“They have nothing to hang their heads about,” Norris said. “They faced a great Lee Central team that really had a grudge working for them.”
Knox said the Stallions — a team with nine seniors — remained confident in the face of the Raiders’ rally.
“We told them to just make good decisions and take care of the ball and they did that,” Knox said.
It was a one-point game after one quarter, with the Raiders trailing after Lee Central waged a 12-6 run in the final four minutes of the period. Lee Central’s offense was not fazed by the Raiders’ defense, piercing Keenan with three 3-point buckets to stay ahead in the first half.
The Raiders rode into Bishopville having won 15 consecutive matches. They finish 23-4.
“We had an outstanding season. I hate it for the seniors, but for the underclassmen, it’s a lesson learned. They’ll be better for it next year,” Norris said.
L: Shaquille Moses 16, Tyrell Hicks 17, Slater 3, Jackson 6, Walter Hill 17, Henry 6, Lovely 2. K: Marcus Stroman 20, Johnson 4, Kiante Curenton 18, Trey Stroman 10, Reed 4, Erick Tisdale 10.
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