A.C. Flora boys bully way past Lancaster in Class 3A playoffs
A.C. Flora coach Joshua Staley said his team’s practices lately have been some of the most intense and fiery all season.
The results have showed in the first two games of the playoffs. The top-ranked Falcons used a smothering defense and array of highlight-reel dunks to kickstart their way to a 70-54 win over Lancaster on Tuesday in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.
“We treat practice like hell and games like heaven. That is what we live by,” A.C. Flora guard Brandon Davis said. “We planned to come out with intensity and kept our composure.”
A.C. Flora travels to third-ranked Berea on Tuesday, with the winner advancing to the Upper State final Friday in Greenville. The Falcons are looking for their third straight state title appearance.
The Falcons have won 12 straight games, with 10 of them coming by 10 points or more. A.C. Flora has won its first two playoff games by a combined 37 points.
Region 4-3A Player of the Year Kendale Hamptonled the way with 17 points, while Davis had 16 for the Falcons. James Reese added 10 points, and center Deshawn Thomas blocked six shots and had nine rebounds.
A.C. Flora dominated from the start, leading 13-2 after the first quarter and were up 27-7 with two minutes left in the second.
The Falcons’ lead got below 15 points just once during the second half, and they padded the advantage at the free-throw line.
“The guys have been practicing really, well and very competitive and fiery so I wasn’t surprised we came out with so much intensity in the beginning,” Staley said. “The guys aren’t showing complacency in practice and they aren’t satisfied. And I am pleased with their effort so far.”
Staley hopes that intensity continues as they travel to Berea. The Bulldogs defeated Union County 70-57 and are coming of their first region title since 2006.
“Another very good team and No. 1 seed,” Staley said of Berea. “I got a lot of respect for them. We just got to do our best to get ready the next two or three days.”
Qua McCarter led Lancaster with 11 points.
L: McCarter 11, Stowers 2, Cooper 9, Tinsley 3, McGriff 8, Stevenson 8, Hammond 2, Heath 3, Johnson 8. ACF: Brandon Davis 16, Kendale Hampton 17, James Reese 10, C. Brown 9, Thomas 5, Hollingsworth 3, D. Brown 8, Riley 1, Boyce 1.
This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 10:50 PM with the headline "A.C. Flora boys bully way past Lancaster in Class 3A playoffs."