By Justin Mathis/The Spartanburg Sports Report
It was the opening night of the high school basketball playoffs on Monday as the second-seeded Woodruff Lady Wolverines hosted the third-seed Columbia Lady Capitals.
It was a tight-knit contest for a good portion of the game, but ultimately, Woodruff powered past Columbia 48-30 and earned a spot in the second round of the 3A playoffs.
During the entire first half, neither team held a lead larger than seven points. Columbia fought back and tied the game twice in the second quarter, only to see Woodruff take a one point advantage into the halftime break.
The Lady Capitals landed a quick punch out of the gate to start the third quarter on a layup by Syteria Dorsey, taking a 21-20 lead. Woodruff answered with a 12-0 run of their own, which put the Lady Wolverines ahead for good 32-21.
“That was big because we always talk about coming out in the second half and really setting the tone,” Woodruff head coach Jeff Parks. “I thought the most important part about it was we did it with defense – that led to what was happening on the offensive end.”
A 9-0 run spanning the end of the third and early part of the fourth quarter gave Woodruff a 16-point lead at that juncture of the contest en route to the first-round win.
“We were ready to play tonight,” Woodruff junior Faith Williams stated. “We just focused on ourselves, worked on our strengths, and believed. I think (being in Region III-3A) helped us be able to face adversity and not step down against it, but also believe that we can pull through and win in any situation.”
Woodruff (15-9) had three players finish in double figures, led by Zavia Jeter with 14 points, followed by Kaliyah Gilliam with 11 and Williams with 10, respectively. Columbia was led by Syteria Dorsey with 16 points. Amina Copeland and Imani Copeland each tallied with six points for the Lady Capitals.
In the second round of the 3A playoffs, Woodruff will travel to take on the Seneca Lady Bobcats. That contest will take place on Thursday, February 16th.
Fairfield Central 48, Broome 28
The Lady Centurions saw their season end on the road against the Lady Griffins.
