Laurens’ boys get big victory, while girls lose
The Laurens Raiders’ varsity basketball teams split a home doubleheader Friday night against Easley, with the boys picking up an important victory in their hopes of qualifying for the state tournament next month.
Laurens got 17 first-half points from Shamare Dendy to help grab a one-point lead at the half, and the Raiders ran off the first 16 points of the second half as they pulled away from the Green Wave for a 53-40 victory.
The victory moves Laurens to 5-5 in Region 3-3A play with four games to go. It also moves the team to 10-12 on the season.
Easley got out of the blocks strong against Laurens, scoring eight straight points in the first quarter after allowing the opening basket to Dee Foster. The Green Wave eventually led by as much as eight points, 17-9, in the second quarter before Laurens ran off 11 of 13 points to take the lead. Laurens then took the lead for keeps on a Dendy layup in the final minute of the half.
The Laurens girls were not as fortunate in their game with the Green Wave, giving up the final seven points of the game to lose 42-35. Laurens is now 5-15 overall, 1-9 in the region.
Qua Fortson had nine points to lead Laurens, which plays a doubleheader at Wade Hampton Tuesday.
LA: The Laurens Academy girls’ basketball team defeated King, 42-18, Friday.
Ruthie Moore had 17 points in the victory, while Blair Quarles had 11. LA is now 19-3 overall.
LA’s boys followed with a victory in their game as well, 45-30. Charlton McCall had 19 points to lead the Crusaders.
CHS: The Clinton girls suffered a 43-41 loss to Mid-Carolina Friday, dropping the team’s mark to 15-4 overall and 3-4 in the region.
Clinton lost the game despite leading 22-5 after the first quarter, and 31-25 after three quarters.
The Clinton boys’ did not have any better luck against Mid-Carolina, falling 59-51. Clinton trailed by 19 in the second half before rallying back to within two with 1:20 to go, but couldn’t finish the comeback.
Ahmari Bates had 24 points for Clinton, while J.D. Payne scored 16.
Terriauna Bennett had 11 points to lead Clinton.
