Perry County high school basketball teams powered through the competition at the AHSAA 1A Central Regional playoffs.
The R.C. Hatch Bobcats beat the South Lamar Stallions 60–51 in a close game. Theotis Dudley scored 28 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, while Desarion Lewis scored 17 points and hit two three-pointers.
The R.C. Hatch Lady Bobcats came out on top in an even tighter game against Lamar, winning by three points with a final score of 58–55. Dameria Bates went six for ten from the free-throw line, picked up ten rebounds, stole the ball seven times, and scored 16 points. Jakobia Ross had six assists and three steals in addition to scoring 12 points.
The Francis Marion Rams defeated Keith High School 50–45. Jeremanie Essex shot 7 for 12 with a three-pointer, scoring 17 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Amari Woods got six rebounds and two blocks with 9 points scored.
Francis Marion’s Lady Rams won by the widest margin of the four teams, beating Fayetteville High by 42 points with a final score of 58–16. Kelashia Shelton scored 14 points with 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Tracianna Moore scored 13 points with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Jessica Essex scored 13 points with nine rebounds and four steals. Leondra Rawls recorded five steals and five blocks.
Francis Marion and R.C. Hatch, Boys Teams and Girls Teams, will go head-to-head Monday, February 23, in the 1A Elite 8 games.
