The roar of “The Hive” echoed through the gym as the undefeated-at-home Fort Mill Yellow Jackets buzzed past the Woodmont Wildcats in a hard-fought second-round playoff clash, securing a 68-54 victory. The tension was palpable from the opening tip-off, as both teams showcased a relentless, aggressive style of play, leaving no doubt about their determination to advance in the Class 5A D-2 Boys Basketball playoffs.
The Yellow Jackets drew first blood, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead, setting the tone for a night of intense competition. The initial minutes were a whirlwind of fast breaks, contested shots, and physical defense, with both sides demonstrating a clear commitment to leaving it all on the court. Despite a few early turnovers, Fort Mill appeared to maintain control, their composed demeanor suggesting a team confident in their home-court advantage.
With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Yellow Jackets held a slim 8-4 lead. The Wildcats, however, were not deterred, displaying a tenacious defensive effort. Yet, their aggression led to a series of fouls, gifting Fort Mill crucial opportunities at the free-throw line. As the clock ticked down to three minutes, the Yellow Jackets extended their lead to 11-9, maintaining a narrow edge in a tightly contested opening frame.
As the first quarter buzzer sounded, Fort Mill held a comfortable 17-11 advantage. The Yellow Jackets had successfully weathered the Wildcats’ initial surge, establishing a lead they would not relinquish. Throughout the game, Woodmont made valiant attempts to close the gap, but the Yellow Jackets’ disciplined play and clutch scoring proved insurmountable.
Fort Mill’s offensive firepower was on full display, with senior guard Logan Parker leading the charge. Parker delivered a masterful performance, pouring in a game-high 28 points, showcasing his ability to score from all areas of the court. His dynamic playmaking and sharp shooting proved to be a constant thorn in the Wildcats’ side. Wallace Campbell provided crucial support, contributing 13 points and demonstrating a knack for making timely plays.
Despite Woodmont’s determined efforts, the Yellow Jackets maintained a steady lead throughout the remaining three quarters. The Wildcats fought valiantly, but Fort Mill’s superior execution and composure in critical moments proved to be the difference. The Yellow Jackets’ ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with their strong defensive effort, effectively stifled any potential comeback attempts from Woodmont.
The final buzzer signaled a 68-54 victory for the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets. The win propels the team into the third round of the Class 5A D-2 Boys Basketball playoffs, setting up a highly anticipated matchup against Indian Land next Wednesday. The clash between Fort Mill and Indian Land promises to be another thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the regional finals.
