Dorchester Academy’s Championship Run: A Latest Era for Raiders Basketball
St. George – Dorchester Academy’s girls basketball team has reached the pinnacle of success, claiming the SCISA AA state championship on February 28th with a thrilling 39-37 overtime victory against defending champion Cross Schools at the Sumter County Civic Center. This win marks a significant milestone for the Raiders, representing their first state title since 2017, and a testament to the dedication of the players and coaching staff.
Overcoming Obstacles and Building a Championship Culture
Head coach Callie McClure, who previously led Dorchester to a championship in 2017, emphasized the physical nature of the game and the team’s resilience. “It was a real physical game, I am not kidding,” McClure stated. “I am just thankful This proves over and that we won. I did not expect an overtime game. I am very proud of my team today for competing and pulling out a win they will remember forever.” The Raiders’ journey to the championship wasn’t without its challenges, but their ability to overcome adversity proved crucial.
Dominant Playoff Performance
Dorchester Academy showcased their dominance throughout the playoffs. They secured a decisive 60-23 victory over Lee Academy in the semifinals, with Rylee Weathers leading the charge with 18 points, followed by Emery McClure with 16 and Alyssa Grooms with 10. The quarterfinals saw a 53-30 triumph over Andrew Jackson Academy, where McClure scored 18, Weathers added 15, and Grooms contributed 11 points.
All-Region Recognition: A Team Effort
The success of the Dorchester Academy girls basketball team is a direct result of the collective effort and individual brilliance of its players. Emery McClure was named Region 2-AA Player of the Year, recognizing her outstanding performance throughout the season. Joining her on the All-Region team were teammates Rylee Weathers, Palmer Kizer, and Alyssa Grooms.
Player Statistics and Key Contributions
McClure’s impressive stats – averaging 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game – highlight her all-around impact. Weathers led the team in scoring with 13.0 points per game, alongside 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals. Kizer contributed 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.0 steals, whereas Grooms averaged 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals. Matthews also played a key role, averaging 5.0 points and sharing the rebounding lead with 9.0.
Dorchester Boys Basketball All-Region Selections
The Dorchester Academy boys basketball team also received recognition, with Abe Shuler, John Quattlebaum, and Austin Varn named All-Region players. The boys finished the season with a 17-13 record, achieving a 60-44 victory over Cross Schools in the opening round of the state tournament before falling to Bethesda Academy in the quarterfinals.
SCISA Reclassification: Maintaining the Competitive Landscape
Dorchester Academy will continue to compete in Class A for football and Class AA in all other sports following SCISA’s recent reclassification, ensuring a consistent competitive environment for the Raiders.
Did you know?
Dorchester Academy previously competed for the state championship in 2020, demonstrating their consistent presence among the top teams in SCISA AA basketball.
FAQ
Q: When did Dorchester Academy win the SCISA AA state championship?
A: February 28th.
Q: Who was named Region 2-AA Player of the Year?
A: Emery McClure.
Q: What was the final score of the championship game?
A: Dorchester Academy 39, Cross Schools 37.
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