1A State Championship: Scott’s Branch vs. Christ Church
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Both Scott’s Branch and Christ Church were represented at last season’s state championships at the USC-Aiken Convocation Center. The Eagles are making a return trip to this year’s 1A state showdown – also its fourth consecutive – after suffering defeat last…
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Continue ReadingBoth Scott’s Branch and Christ Church were represented at last season’s state championships at the USC-Aiken Convocation Center.
The Eagles are making a return trip to this year’s 1A state showdown – also its fourth consecutive – after suffering defeat last season to Calhoun County. In fact, Scott’s Branch has gone 0 for 3 in its last three SCHSL showings. It was Christ Church’s girls team that competed at the Pacers’ stable last season when they defeated Andrew Jackson in the 2A state championship contest.
Winning has also become common within the Cavaliers’ boys basketball program in recent seasons – including this season where they only lost once to a South Carolina school. That remained the case on Saturday as Christ Church prevailed over Scott’s Branch by a final score of 63-41.
“When you win, that great feeling eventually wears off,” Cavaliers coach John Butler says. “But the memories from the weight room, the running hills, those grinds with your brothers, those are the things that last forever. That’s what I love. I love the journey, not necessarily the destination.”
Quarter By Quarter
The game commenced as a low scoring affair between the Cavaliers and Eagles but began more in auspicious fashion for Christ Church. With one quarter in the books, the Cavaliers had a 10-4 lead on Scott’s Branch.
There appeared to be significantly more Eagles fans at the USC-Aiken Convocation Center than there were Cavaliers fans. It was the Christ Church contingency that had a bit more to cheer for in the second quarter as the Cavaliers’ lead was 24-16 at the half.
That Christ Church lead managed to get pushed to double digits in the third quarter. That is what the Cavaliers’ edge was with one frame left to play. Eight minutes stood between Christ Church and a state championship as they led 41-31.
Late in the fourth, the Eagles’ Ernie Calloway was ejected for a flagrant two foul. One can see what Scott’s Branch’s frustration was based in. It was the looming reality that the Eagles would be denied after a fourth consecutive state try – and the fact that the Cavaliers’ lead grew into the 20s – with it being 22 points at its conclusion.
“Keep your composure,” Coach Butler says on the physical play that ensued between both squads. “Because you represent your family and your parents and this is a game. We try to play it, but your personality and who you are as a man is more important than how you overreact to the win or get upset on a loss. And I always remind them that. We do this, but there’s bigger things out there than a basketball game.”
Primetime Performers
Jordan Butler Jordan Butler 6'11" | PF Christ Church | 2023 State #57 Nation SC looked like the Mizzou commit he is. Appropriately sporting Tigers-colored Nikes, Butler’s final game in Cavaliers colors saw him drop 26 points and grab 11 rebounds. He also delivered four blocks and made 10 of his 15 free throw attempts. Butler looked ready for the SEC on Saturday afternoon.
“(I was) just praying, keeping my mind focused, listening to music (just to) get my mind right before the game,” he says.
DJ Harvey DJ Harvey 5'10" | PG Christ Church | 2024 State SC also had himself a big game with 14 points and five rebounds. Harvey was particularly valuable from the free throw line as he made seven of his eight attempts at the charity stripe. He scored 11 of his 14 in the second half.
Mike Baker is another of the seniors that will be graduating from Christ Church. He contributed 13 points to the Cavaliers’ cause. Baker also brought down five rebounds in the 31 minutes he logged.
Randy Gibson Randy Gibson 6'1" | PG Scott's Branch | 2023 State SC led the scoring charge for Scott’s Branch with a 19-point performance. Gibson went a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Gibson also brought down four rebounds in 30 minutes of play.
Tyler Kind Tyler Kind 5'10" | PG Scott's Branch | 2023 State SC finished with 12 points – eight of which occurred in the second half. Kind also collected a pair of steals and played a total of 30 minutes. Kind is a dual sport athlete who also plays football.
Closing the Book
Christ Church has felt the euphoria of state championship glory to compliment its 21-3 record. As for Scott’s Branch, it will be remembered once again as this season’s state runners-up with a 20-4 record.
“There’s no way going out better than a win,” Jordan Butler Jordan Butler 6'11" | PF Christ Church | 2023 State #57 Nation SC says. “So, yeah. It’s amazing.”
So Long, Seniors
Javier Hill, Ernie Calloway, Randy Gibson Randy Gibson 6'1" | PG Scott's Branch | 2023 State SC , Jimmy Weeks, Tyler Kind Tyler Kind 5'10" | PG Scott's Branch | 2023 State SC , Juan Dozier and Shymeik Hill are the seniors that will call it a career – athletically and academically at Scott’s Branch. As for Christ Church, Jordan Butler Jordan Butler 6'11" | PF Christ Church | 2023 State #57 Nation SC , Mike Baker and Woods Windham are among its graduating class of 2023.