Class 4A Lower/Upper State Championships: Monday’s Results

When Monday's schedule of games at the Florence Center commenced, the 1A, 3A and 5A Division 1 classifications had already determined which teams would move on to state championship play in a few days.    Monday was 4A day in the Pee Dee with Lower State combatants going first and it being followed by the Upper State finalists. Winners of those games would take part in the first of Friday's contests which would see both girls and boys 4A champions crowned.   We at Prep Hoops were on hand at in Florence for Monday's matchups. Without further ado, here is a recap of the day's 4A play.    Lower State Championship: Wilson vs. North Augusta   Following the 4A girls Lower State final between North Augusta and Lower Richland, the 4A boys Lower State championship game would pit a team from the Pee Dee vs. a team from the CSRA.    Wilson last experienced the euphoria of state glory at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. A perennial state power in boys basketball, the Tigers were eliminated in the second round of last season's 4A playoffs by eventual champion Ridge View. This season, Wilson has earned wins over region rival Lakewood as well as Bluffton and Crestwood to earn a berth to Lower State.    On the other bench was North Augusta – another of the 4A realm's top teams. The Yellow Jackets were eliminated from last year's tournament by Lancaster. This year, North Augusta's road to Florence featured wins over Colleton County, South Florence and Gray Collegiate – the very same War Eagles that dealt the Yellow Jackets its lone loss of 2024-25.   The first team to clinch a berth to 4A state would be North Augusta by virtue of its 55-44 victory over Wilson.    Records   North Augusta's latest victory of the season would improve of its overall record to 25-1. The Yellow Jackets also compiled a 13-1 mark earlier in the season against regional foes. Wilson may have been eliminated from this year's playoffs, but still posted a 21-9 overall record plus a region showing of 10-2.    Remember What Happened Last Time?    The last time the Tiger and Yellow Jackets shared the same court occurred in December of 2023 during a midseason tournament. That contest would see North Augusta prevail over Wilson by a final score of 71-64.   Quarter-By-Quarter   With large contingencies from both North Augusta and Wilson supporting their teams, the contest certainly provided a championship-level atmosphere. Both sides would have plenty to cheer for with one complete as the Yellow Jackets and Tigers were all knotted up at 13 after the first eight minutes.    North Augusta's girls team earlier in the day defeated Lower Richland to clinch its berth to the 4A girls championship game. The boys were looking to duplicate the girls' feat. At the half, the Yellow Jackets led the Tigers by a margin of 26-19.   What was a single-digit advantage for the Yellow Jackets at the half would be in the low double-digits at the conclusion of the third quarter. With one stanza remaining to determine half of Friday's 4A championship game, North Augusta led Wilson by a margin of 39-28.   As time continued to elapse off the clock – and no extended Wilson run was in sight, it became clear that Florence would be painted in North Augusta's black and Vegas gold hues on Friday as both its girls and boys teams advanced to their respective 4A state games.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1661-crop-1833x1204-1741095484.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1661-crop-1833x1204-1741095484.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798359" style="width:518px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1157438' first='Daron' last='Dunbar'] ensured that his final game sporting those black and Vegas gold hues will be with a 4A state championship up for grabs. Dunbar would lead all scorers having placed 15 points on the board. At the close of the season, Dunbar will go from North Augusta to Augusta University on the other side of the Savannah River.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1708-crop-1984x1303-1741095789.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1708-crop-1984x1303-1741095789.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798361" style="width:515px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Right behind Dunbar in the scoring department was a junior in [player_tooltip player_id='1206192' first='Quh'mareon' last='Webb']. He would add 14 points in what was a winning effort for the Yellow Jackets. Webb prirmarily operates at the two, three or wing.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1754-crop-2835x1862-1741095949.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1754-crop-2835x1862-1741095949.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798363" style="width:512px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   A pair of eight-point scorers also aided the North Augusta cause. One of those was junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2289958' first='Jordan' last='Rouse']. He added worthwhile production from the Yellow Jackets' bench. Rouse is a multi-sport athlete who also excels as a football player.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1583-crop-2291x1504-1741096225.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1583-crop-2291x1504-1741096225.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798365" style="width:518px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   As was the case with Dunbar, senior four forward [player_tooltip player_id='2642311' first='Jamison' last='McKenzie'] also ensured his final game with North Augusta will be with a state championship on the line. McKenzie would also tally eight points. He is one of six Yellow Jackets seniors.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1599-crop-2831x1859-1741096450.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1599-crop-2831x1859-1741096450.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798367" style="width:522px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Leading the attack for the Tigers was senior [player_tooltip player_id='1149789' first='Tristan' last='Thompson']. The 2025 small forward would conclude his high school career with an 11-point effort. He is listed at 6-foot-6 on Wilson's roster. Thompson is a commit to Coastal Carolina.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1712-crop-2022x1328-1741096657.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1712-crop-2022x1328-1741096657.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798371" style="width:518px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Wilson's efforts were also boosted by three starters who would finish with nine-point evenings. One of those would be junior one guard [player_tooltip player_id='1333159' first='Khristian' last='Bruce']. He led the Tigers' efforts from behind the 3-point line as he connected on three of the team's five successful tries from deep.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1588-crop-2535x1665-1741096831.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1588-crop-2535x1665-1741096831.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798373" style="width:517px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Another of the nine-point scorers would be a senior forward in [player_tooltip player_id='1425907' first='Elijah' last='Smith']. He stands at 6-foot-7 and finished his AAU career having played for [program_tooltip program_id='2412982' first='Upward' last='Stars Pee Dee']. Among Smith's offers are Dodge City Community College, Denmark Tech and Claflin.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1572-crop-2250x1477-1741097037.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1572-crop-2250x1477-1741097037.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798375" style="width:511px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Tigers also greatly benefitted from the nine points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='1486211' first='Josh' last='Leonard']. He is one of three sophomores on the 2024-25 Wilson rendition. Leonard has gained national recognition and his offers include South Carolina and Clemson.   So Long, Seniors   [player_tooltip player_id='1149789' first='Tristan' last='Thompson'], Cameron Muldrow and [player_tooltip player_id='1425907' first='Elijah' last='Smith'] are the three seniors graduating from Wilson.   Upper State Championship: Wren vs. Lancaster   With half of Friday's 4A boys championship game determined, it was time to see later in the day, which team would be North Augusta's opponent for all of the 4A marbles.    Both of these teams have become accustomed to making deep runs in postseason play. Two seasons ago, the Bruins advanced to the 4A state championship which resulted in a loss to Irmo. Last season, Lancaster was eliminated in the Upper State semifinals by Greer. This season's Lancaster rendition made it way to Florence after wins over Emerald, A.C. Flora and South Pointe.   After leaving the USC-Aiken Convocation Center two years ago with 3A state hardware, Wren was denied a berth in the 3A state championship game last season by the slimmest of margins – 47-46 to Powdersville. The Hurricanes have since moved up to 4A and have earned wins over Camden, Daniel and Greer to make it to Florence.    The 4A championship game would be a matchup of North Augusta vs. Lancaster thanks to the Bruins' 61-57 win over the Hurricanes.    Records   With the victory, Lancaster's record improves to 26-1 plus its earlier regional showing of 12-0. The story of Wren's 2024-25 season ends with a 25-5 overall record plus a 9-1 posting against region foes.    Remember What Happened Last Time?    It was nearly a decade since Wren and Lancaster last met up – 2016 to be exact when both teams were in the 3A ranks. The Bruins got the better of that matchup with the Hurricanes with the final score being…61-56.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Early on, the game was playing out to Wren's advantage as the Hurricanes would establish a double-digit advantage following the first quarter. With one in the books, Wren would build a 20-9 lead on Lancaster.    The Bruins would trim the deficit to seven at 20-13 which prompted a timeout from the Hurricanes. That gap would be whittled down to two (23-21) signaling this one would indeed be a dogfight. At the half, the Hurricanes lead over the Bruins would only be three at 31-28.    Plays would be made consistently in the third quarter by both teams – but a few more would be made by Lancaster as it briefly pulled ahead of Wren. With one quarter to go, both Hurricanes and Bruins would be all knotted up at 47.    Wren may have made more of the plays early – but Lancaster made more of its plays when it mattered most – and, because of that, would look forward to a 4A championship contest against North Augusta on Friday.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2032-crop-2075x1362-1741097255.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2032-crop-2075x1362-1741097255.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798378" style="width:499px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1145334' first='Jordan' last='Watford'] showcased exactly what Queens is getting in the veteran star guard. Watford would lead his team with 25 points. His scoring output was virtually evenly distributed between the first and second halves. A hallmark of his game is his rim-attacking abilities.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2093-crop-2766x1816-1741097437.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2093-crop-2766x1816-1741097437.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798381" style="width:504px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Watford shares the team captaincy duties with another senior in [player_tooltip player_id='2351252' first='Jacarey' last='Ballard']. The Coker commit concluded his evening at the Florence Center having placed 10 on the scoreboard. His now-complete AAU career included a stint with [program_tooltip program_id='2078724' first='Carolina' last='Pressure'].   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2049-crop-2954x1940-1741097584.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2049-crop-2954x1940-1741097584.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798384" style="width:506px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   A productive evening from [player_tooltip player_id='1955613' first='Columbus' last='Parker'] was another key element in the winning puzzle for the Bruins. Parker would add nine points to Lancaster's cause. Parker also found plenty of success at the free throw line.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2182-crop-2326x1527-1741097733.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2182-crop-2326x1527-1741097733.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798388" style="width:507px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Depth off the bench would present itself in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='2677205' first='Niquan' last='White']. He contributed eight points. White primarily can play as either a four or a five and is listed at 6-foot-5 on the Lancaster roster.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1959-crop-2207x1449-1741097915.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_1959-crop-2207x1449-1741097915.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798391" style="width:504px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   It may not have been the result that senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1543950' first='Brock' last='Cherry'] was looking for, but he still led her team with 20 points. Included in Cherry's performance was 12 points that she scored in the first half.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2029-crop-1977x1298-1741098105.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2029-crop-1977x1298-1741098105.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798398" style="width:500px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Speaking of seniors, the Hurricanes got plenty of production from its 2025 class. That includes [player_tooltip player_id='1541103' first='Rhett' last='Warga'] who finished Saturday's game with 15 points. Warga is a multi-sport athlete who has also excelled at football.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2106-crop-2249x1477-1741098280.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2106-crop-2249x1477-1741098280.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2798400" style="width:503px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1341455' first='Abijah' last='Franklin'] was hampered by foul trouble throughout the contest but still finished with 14 points. As his high school career has come to a close, Franklin will bring his talents to Furman at the collegiate level.    So Long, Seniors   [player_tooltip player_id='1341455' first='Abijah' last='Franklin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1541103' first='Rhett' last='Warga'], Max Nolen, [player_tooltip player_id='1543950' first='Brock' last='Cherry'], Tyler Morgan and Ethan Harkness are the six seniors that will soon depart from Wren.

When Monday's schedule of games at the Florence Center commenced, the 1A, 3A and 5A Division 1 classifications had already determined which teams would move on to state championship play in a few days.