Lake City belts four home runs in victory
The Lake City Panthers blasted four home runs and came up with two late defensive gems to beat Myrtle Beach 11-10 in its Region 7-3A baseball opener on Tuesday.
Sumter shuts out West Florence 6-0
Jordan Montgomery was pretty good in the season opener on Friday against J.L. Mann High School in the Red Bank Invitational. On Tuesday in Sumter High's Region VI-4A opener, he was great.
Hartsville, Darlington tops in West Florence track meet
FLORENCE - West Florence High School hosted the first track meet of the season Tuesday, March 9. Hartsville, Lamar, South Florence and Darlington high schools participated in ten events while a large crowd cheered from the stands and excited teammates cheered from the sidelines of the track.
PREP ROUNDUP: Lake City belts four homers in victory
The Lake City Panthers blasted four home runs and came up with two late defensive gems to beat Myrtle Beach 11-10 in its Region 7-3A baseball opener on Tuesday.
Patriot golfers finish 18th in Aiken
Despite carding the ninth-best final-round team score (298) on Tuesday, Francis Marion University finished 18th at the 13th-annual Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate Tournament.
Attention turns to drivers' takes on wreck at Darlington tire test
DARLINGTON — Elliott Sadler doesn't blame Carl Edwards for his actions during Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Edwards bumped Brad Keselowski during the final laps of the race, causing Keselowski's car to go airborne and flip.
Ten-run inning propels FMU past Clarion
FLORENCE — Senior left-hander Jeremiah Meiners tossed five hitless innings in relief and three Patriots recorded their first career four-hit games as ninth-ranked Francis Marion beat Clarion 18-3 on Tuesday.
Powell takes his game back overseas
FLORENCE—Frustrated by not receiving an NBA call-up, Carlos Powell is back overseas in China. The former Wilson standout left the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA D-League and arrived in China last week. Powell will be playing for Liaoning Panpan Hunters of the Chinese Basketball Association.
PREP ROUNDUP: Marion baseball wins in final at-bat
Ira Lee's single scoring Deanny Felix in the bottom of the seventh helped Marion to a come-from-behind 10-9 win over Wilson on Monday in high school boys baseball.
Coker routs Clarion
HARTSVILLE — Matthew Kearns had four hits and Florence's Michael Rogers struck out as the Coker baseball team defeated Clarion 12-4 on Monday. On the year Coker is 12-10, while the loss drops Clarion to 1-2.
Mullins High School hires new varsity football coach
MULLINS—Mullins High School has ended its search for its fourth varsity football coach in six years. Mullins native and former assistant coach Gregory Hill, 29, takes over for the Auctioneers program.
RedWolves add Deese, Dolan
FLORENCE — The Florence RedWolves have signed Walters State sophomore pitcher Kyle Deese and Charleston Southern sophomore pitcher/utility man Patrick Dolan for the 2010 Coastal Plain League season.
FMU women fall in PBC title game
AIKEN — Riding a hot hand by Teshymia Tillman, No. 21 Clayton State captured the Peach Belt Conference championship with a 94-75 victory over 17th-ranked Francis Marion on Sunday.
Kurt Busch wins again at Atlanta after 2 crashes
Kurt Busch won again at Atlanta Motor Speedway, pulling away on a second restart Sunday after a couple of wild wrecks to capture the Kobalt Tools 500.
FMU softball swept by top-ranked Saints
FLORENCE, SC – Top-ranked North Georgia College & State University hit five home runs and senior right-hander Sarah Phillips allowed only one earned run in 12 innings as the Saints swept a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader from Francis Marion University, 6-0 and 12-8, Saturday afternoon (March 6).
Patriots and Pacers split Peach Belt baseball doubleheader
FLORENCE, SC – Early leads proved effective on Saturday afternoon (March 6) as second-ranked Francis Marion University opened Peach Belt Conference play by splitting a doubleheader with visiting USC Aiken. USCA scored the first eight runs in game one en route to a 10-5 win, while Francis Marion scored the first four tallies of game two before claiming a 12-3 victory.
Daniel too much for Lake City
COLUMBIA — The fourth-quarter magic that was prevalent throughout region play and the postseason for Lake City ran out at the worst possible time. The Panthers managed only four points in the final frame and never overcame a first-quarter deficit as Daniel defeated Lake City 59-42 on Saturday at Colonial Life Arena for the Class 3A boys state championship.
Chesterfield seeks to get over baseball hump
The Chesterfield Rams have enjoyed a lot of athletic success recently, and it doesn't just pertain to the football field. But the Rams on the diamond are still in search of the one thing their gridiron counterparts have — a state championship ring. Chesterfield has been the Class A upper state representative each of the last two seasons, and with 10 returning players, the Rams appear poised for a third trip.
Myrtle Beach defeats Daniel 64-59 in OT
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Khadijah Sessions scored 24 points and hit three straight free throws in overtime to give Myrtle Beach a 64-59 win over Daniel of Central for the South Carolina Class 3A girls state basketball championship Saturday.
EDWARDS COLUMN: A time for reflection
The season is over for the men's basketball team at Francis Marion University. February was a rough month for the Patriots, and March was no better.At 18-10, we finished with our second best overall record in 17 years. But we lost seven of our last nine games and were bounced from the Peach Belt Conference Tournament in the first round.
Winthrop wins Big South title with 64-53 victory
CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Mantoris Robinson scored 14 points and Winthrop used its smothering defense to win another Big South Conference title, 64-53 over Coastal Carolina on Saturday.
Marion girls fall short in repeat bid
COLUMBIA — Nakia Young's basket with under 20 seconds negated a furious comeback by Marion and gave the Southside a 66-64 victory in the Class 2A girls state championship on Saturday at Colonial Life Arena.
Hemingway boys win first title since ?02
COLUMBIA — Not surprisingly, it was hard for coach Barry McFadden to hold back tears as he watched his Hemingway squad form a dogpile at center court.
Lake City chases school's first state championship
COLUMBIA — Willie Thomas finds himself in a unique position today. The Lake City boys coach and athletic director has won more championships in basketball than his current school has in its existence, in any sport.
Marion hopes to recapture magic, repeat as 2A champs
COLUMBIA — Even with one big game remaining, Marion girls coach Leon Sturkey thinks his team has already accomplished something more than it did last year. "We sort of came out of nowhere last year," Sturkey said. "Nobody expected us to win the state championship. This year has been completely different."
Hemingway tries to regain seat on Class A throne
COLUMBIA — Playing for a state championship has become the norm for Hemingway during coach Barry McFadden's tenure. But the Tigers are hoping to change one thing in this year's Class A boys title game — the result. After capturing the title in 2002, Hemingway has had a rough go since, losing in all three state championship game appearances.
Darlington duo sign with Feather River College
DARLINGTON — The Darlington Falcons had two players sign with Feather River College out of California on Friday in Demario Goodson and Quiashon Ross.
FMU women play for berth in PBC tourney final
FLORENCE — Ask Heather Macy if this year's Francis Marion's women's basketball team is the best she's had in her three seasons there, and she answers quickly and decisively.
Darlington Raceway's lunch with Mark Martin sold out
DARLINGTON — The recently announced Darlington Raceway event featuring a free lunch and question and answer session with Mark Martin has reached its capacity Darlington Raceway president, Chris Browning announced Friday.
FMU to host beneift auction
FLORENCE — The Francis Marion University Foundation and the university's Swamp Fox Club will hold their annual Live Benefit Auction on Thursday.
Coker's Ambler named to Conference Carolinas' first team
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Coker's Mason Ambler was selected to the Conference Carolinas first team and Henn Koponen was named to third team as the all-conference teams were announced Friday.
Tennis Tips 2010-6
HARTSVILLE - Today let's discuss the approach shot. This is probably the most important shot second only to the serve. This shot sets a precedent for the entire point.
CCU heads to title game with semfinal blowout
CONWAY—Coastal Carolina is now just one step away from the big dance. Five Chanticleers scored in double figures, as CCU blew out UNC-Asheville 92-73 in the semifinals of the Big South Men's Basketball Championship.
Baker, Panthers receive postseason basketball honors
LAKE CITY — Lake City High School's Corey Baker has been named to the Class 3A All State basketball team and the North-South All-Star Game, while DaShawn Butler has been named first team All-Region for Region 7-3A and Willis Flowers was selected for the third team.
Florence welcomes the Palmetto State O-Run Team Challenge
LYNCHBURG—Although there is no intentional water or mud during the course of the Palmetto State O-Run, you may get a little dirty. And depending on the weather, you may get a little wet, too.
Patriot men fall in PBC opener
AIKEN—Second-seeded USC Aiken used a 17-0 run early in the game, holding third-seeded Francis Marion scoreless for over seven minutes, en route to an 80-59 victory Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Peach Belt Conference men's basketball tournament.
Prep Roundup: Late homer carries Swamp Foxes past Wolverines
Jonathon Elliot's two-out, sixth-inning homer gave Marion a 2-1 win over East Clarendon on Wednesday and propelled the Swamp Foxes into the semifinals of the Johnsonville preseason baseball tournament.
West Florence has three sign with colleges
FLORENCE — The West Florence boys tennis and girls soccer teams have enjoyed a lot of success recently. As a result, the number of players from those squads who earn collegiate scholarships continues to grow.
Patriot baseball team charms Cobras
FLORENCE — Despite a 4-1 win over Coker on Wednesday, there weren't very many smiles to be seen among the Francis Marion baseball team. But one thing the No. 2 Patriots had plenty of? Pitching arms.
FMU women advance in PBC Tournament
FLORENCE — For 35 minutes Tuesday night, No. 17 Francis Marion and USC Aiken traded points, fouls and turnovers in what was a sloppily-played contest.Over the final five minutes, though, the Patriots cleaned up the mess.
Patriots wipe slate clean in PBC tourney
FLORENCE — The Francis Marion men's basketball team is on the road at USC Aiken today for the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.Six weeks ago, though, it didn't look like the Patriots would have to leave home for the opening round.
Coker basketball ends season at Mount Olive
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — Mount Olive's Kendrick Easley scored a game-high 29 points as the the top-seeded Trojans defeated No. 8 seed Coker 95-75 in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at Kornegay Arena.
Coastal advances to Big South semifinals
CONWAY — Kingstree's Chad Gray and Logan Johnson each scored 21 points to lead Coastal Carolina to an 82-73 win over Virginia Military Institute on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the Big South Conference tournament.
Hartsville native Colclough honored
AIKEN - Hartsville native Charlie Colclough was honored Feb. 19 as University of South Carolina Aiken presents all its Hall of Fame members with a special cardinal-colored blazer, similar to a Master's green jacket.
North Myrtle hires former Appalachian State quarterback as coach
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH—North Myrtle Beach believes they've found their man to get their football team back to challenging their rivals to the South. Tuesday athletic director Joe Quigley announced thie hiring of Perry Woolbright as their new football coach.
SPORTS WRAP: Lady Swamp Fox fans on the road to Columbia
MARION—The Marion High School girl's varsity basketball team pretty much blew right through the regular season. The way they did it made me think for a moment, what if they had to play and win a close game.
Marion girls headed back to title game
MARION—Saturday's Class 2A girls basketball lower state championship game truly proved one player can make a difference. With her team holding a four-point, fourth-quarter lead against Marion, Bishop England's Mallory Molony fouled out.
Three Pee Dee teams hoping for state crowns
COLUMBIA — It's a special occasion for any team that earns the right to play for a state championship. But at Monday's basketball press conference, it was obvious that Saturday's game means even more to coach Willie Thomas and his Lake City squad.
FMU glad to be at home in PBC first round
FLORENCE - The Francis Marion women's basketball team has been here before. Sort of. With a second-place finish in regular-season play, the 18th-ranked and No. 2 seed Patriots host No. 3 seed USC Aiken tonight in an opening-round game at Smith University Center.
CCU reaps in awards after record year
Coastal Carolina had the best season in its history, and Monday a handful of the Chants were honored for their record season.
Latta's Morrell helps Tech baseball earn sweep
Former Latta standout Austin Morrell went 5-for-6 with three RBI and a game-winning homer in game one as Florence-Darlington Tech swept a doubleheader from Louisburg College.
Host Bruins win Pee Dee Pitch Off
The South Florence softball team won the Pee Dee Pitch Off preseason tournament in dramatic fashion Saturday.
CCU beats N.C. State to complete tournament sweep
The 12th-ranked Coastal Carolina University baseball team (7-1) received another stellar pitching performance by redshirt-junior Jim Birmingham and redshirt-senior Chance Gilmore hit two home runs in a 6-3 win over North Carolina State (6-1) Feb. 28 in the final game of Baseball at the Beach at BB&T Coastal Field.
Johnson reels in Gordon to win at Las Vegas
Jimmie Johnson needed luck to win a week ago in California. In Las Vegas, a city of chance, he didn't need any help at all. Johnson reeled in teammate Jeff Gordon, who had dominated Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, to win for the second consecutive week.
Patriots split softball DH with 13th-ranked Pacers
A late rally in game one allowed Francis Marion University to gain a 5-2 victory and the Patriots went on to split a Peach Belt Conference softball doubleheader with 13th-ranked USC Aiken on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 28). The Pacers won the second contest 8-0 in five innings.
No. 3 Francis Marion hammers Benedict 11-2
FLORENCE – Senior right fielder Alex Lee homered and doubled and drove in four runs, while second baseman Brooks Arnette had three hits and three runs batted in as third-ranked Francis Marion University beat Benedict College 11-2, Sunday afternoon (Feb. 28) in non-conference baseball action.
Panthers knock off Falcons for first lower state title
CHARLESTON — The Lake City Panthers have a flare for the dramatic. The Panthers thrived for most of the first half in the Class 3A lower state title game against Darlington at The Citadel. For the final quarter plus, they survived a constant comeback attempt by the Falcons.
Cinderella run ends for Darlington girls
CHARLESTON — At approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday, the Myrtle Beach Seahawks began the final approach for a shot at the Class 3A girls basketball state championship. In the process, the clock struck midnight for the Darlington Falcons.
FMU men fall in regular-season finale
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Forward Keron McKenzie scored the game's final five points in the last 27 seconds to lift Armstrong Atlantic State University to a 78-76 win over Francis Marion University.
Stingers softball splits pair of doubleheaders
FLORENCE—Brittany Godwin had six hits as Florence-Darlington Tech split a doubleheader with Gordon College, winning the first 7-5 but dropping the second 8-4.
Coker's Lynch has nine RBI in doubleheader
MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Former South Florence standout Trey Lynch hit a grand slam in helping Coker to a 8-4 win over Pfeiffer in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday.
Patriot women hit century mark against AASU
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Freshman guard Courtney Mealing scored a career-high 19 points and for the second consecutive game Francis Marion registered a red-hot second-half shooting performance as the 18th-ranked Patriots raced past Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Coastal routs VMI
CONWAY — Mario Edwards scored 20 points, Joseph Harris added 19 and Coastal Carolina dominated Virginia Military Institute in the second half for a 101-71 victory on Saturday.
Marion girls headed back to title game
CHARLESTON – Saturday's Class 2A lower state championship game truly proved one player can make a difference. With her team holding a four-point, fourth-quarter lead against Marion, Bishop England's Mallory Molony fouled out of the game.
FMU baseball blanks Benedict
COLUMBIA — Four Patriots had two hits apiece and three pitchers combined on a two-hitter as third-ranked Francis Marion blanked Benedict College 11-0. FMU ups its record to 10-2, while the Tigers drop to 4-5. The two squads will complete their home-and-away series Sunday when the Patriots host Benedict for a 1p.m. contest on Cormell Field.
Hemingway back in state title game
CHARLESTON – All is right with the world again. At least, as far as Hemingway basketball fans are concerned. Powered by four players in double figures, the Tigers turned away Carvers Bay 93-68 on Saturday at The Citadel in the Class A boys lower state championship.
Rivers' steal helps Hardeeville over C.E. Murray
CHARLESTON — After forcing a turnover from Hardeeville's Shantireya Rivers, C.E. Murray's girls found themselves 15 seconds away from returning to Columbia to play for the Class A state championship.
Crusader boys compete in final four
GREENVILLE - On Feb. 16, Coastal Division No. 1 seed Emmanuel Christian School varsity boys' basketball team won its home quarterfinal playoff game against the No. 2 seed the Northside (North Charleston) Eagles by a score of 48-43 that set the stage for a trip to the 2A final four tournament in Greenville.
Stingers split twinbill
Steven Johnson pitched two scoreless winnings and hit a two-run homer in helping Florence-Darlington Tech defeat Southeastern 11-1 on Friday in five innings in the first game of a doubleheader Friday.
Lake City, Darlington meet in 3A lower state title game
No matter the outcome of tonight's Class 3A boys lower state championship, one school will make history. The Darlington Falcons and Lake City Panthers meet at The Citadel at 8 p.m. with a trip to Columbia on the line. It will be the first time either school has made an appearance in the state finals.
Hemingway, Carvers Bay play for spot in Class A title game
Carvers Bay coach Jeff Mezzatesta described the Bears' impending lower state championship matchup with Hemingway like this: "We're kind of like those kids from ‘Hoosiers' who stepped off the bus and then measured the height of the rim," he said. "You just kind of have to embrace that underdog role."
FMU hoops closes out regular season at Armstrong Atlantic
FLORENCE — The Francis Marion men's and women's basketball teams will close out their regular-season schedules today with a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader at Armstrong Atlantic State.
EDWARDS COLUMN: It's not always good to make history
When I was named basketball coach at Francis Marion University a little less than four years ago, I said I hoped to help the Patriots make history on the hardwood.
Falcons overcome adversity, earn another shot at lower state title
DARLINGTON—Fans of Darlington High School basketball expected to see their boys basketball team play for the Class 3A lower state championship on Saturday at The Citadel in Charleston. Not many of those fans expected to see the Falcon girls play for the chance to go to Columbia and play for the state championship, however.
Swamp Foxes one win away from return trip to Columbia
MARION—Marion's girls basketball squad has had a relatively easy road through the Class 2A playoffs, smacking Hanahan, Ridgeland and Timberland along the way.
War Eagles continue recent run of success
C.E. Murray's girls basketball team finds itself in a familiar position. After winning three Class A state championships in four tries in the last decade, the War Eagles are one win away from punching their ticket to Columbia for a chance to win a fourth.
Coker squanders 10-run lead
HARTSVILLE — The Coker Cobras blew a 10-run lead and lost, 15-14, to Augusta State on Thursday in baseball action.
Coastal clinches Big South title
CONWAY — Mario Edwards scored 13 points and Coastal Carolina cruised past Liberty 71-48 on Thursday night, winning the Big South regular season crown and clinching the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament.
Furyk, Esiason to play Hootie golf tournament
Jim Furyk is among the list of golfers and celebrities scheduled to appear at the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters celebrity pro-am tournament.
