Yellow Jackets Lacrosse Smothers Riverside to Secure 5A State Championship Berth

A mainstay on the field for 55 career games, senior Carson Maloney (#8) concludes his journey with the Yellow Jackets as a consistent offensive force. With a clinical eye for the cage and an impressive .348 shooting percentage, Maloney has been a reliable finisher throughout his high school tenure.

The Fort Mill Yellow Jackets are headed to the state finals.

Leaning on a stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack, Fort Mill defeated the Riverside Warriors 9-3 on Monday night at Bob Jones Stadium to claim the 5A-D2 Upper State Championship.

Junior Oliver Kulchuck (#16) has been a consistent force for Fort Mill this season, finding the back of the net 10 times through 17 games. With a sharp eye for the goal and 22 shots on target, Kulchuck continues to be a key offensive engine for the Yellow Jackets.

The Yellow Jackets (15-3) dominated the early pace of the game, shutting out the Warriors through the entire first half. Charlie McGuire opened the scoring five minutes into the first quarter, providing the only offense in a defensive opening frame.

Fort Mill’s patience in the second quarter broke the game open. Cam Wilcox found the net with 7:22 remaining in the half, followed by McGuire’s second goal of the night just minutes later. The Jackets went into the locker room with a commanding 4-0 lead.

Riverside showed signs of life in the third quarter, capitalizing on increased possession to cut the lead to 4-2 with 4:40 remaining in the period. However, Fort Mill responded immediately. Maddox Baucom ended the Warriors’ run with a crucial goal at the 2:45 mark.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Jackets’ veterans. Moses Bowser scored just a minute into the final frame, and Wilcox completed his hat trick with 2:53 left to play.

Senior Chase Barington-Hughes (#3) has been a defensive anchor for Fort Mill this season, consistently proving his value in the transition game and on the ground. Through 14 games played, Chase has racked up an impressive 24 caused turnovers and scooped up 28 ground balls, showcasing his relentless motor and high lacrosse IQ.

Fort Mill now shifts its focus to the 5A-D2 State Championship where they’ll face Lucy Beckham High School (15-3) on Friday at Irmo High School. Lucy Beckham advanced to the finals following a 20-6 win over Chapin in the Lower State Championship.