May River girls basketball advances to first lower state championship

For the first time in school history, the May River girls basketball team is headed to the 3A Lower State championship.

The Sharks defeated Manning, 63-55, to advance to Saturday’s Lower State championship game at the Florence Center. May River will play No. 1 Marion at 2 p.m. Marion defeated defending state champion Bishop England, 59-47.

May River jumped out to a 36-22 lead at halftime before holding off a late charge by Manning. The Monarchs closed to 49-45 heading into the fourth before the Sharks pulled away.

Emma Peluso led May River with 18 points and Chynna Sneed had 13. Gracyn Drury scored 12 and Olivia Peluso had 10.

La’Tavius Wilson led Manning with 18 points and Myisha Smiling had 12.

Latta 47, Whale Branch 46

Whale Branch’s playoff run ended in dramatic fashion Monday.

Moya McDuffie’s shot with five seconds left lifted Latta over Whale Branch in the Class 2A playoffs. The Vikings will play North Charleston in the Upper State championship Saturday.

Whale Branch led 33-26 going into the fourth quarter. Erin Rivers led Whale Branch with16 points and Zhani Thompson had 12.

Riana Green led Latta with 16 points and Kaidisha Wheeler had 10.

Boys Basketball

Christian Academy 65, Hilton Head Prep 58 (OT)

Hilton Head Prep’s bid to repeat as SCISA 2A champion ended Monday at Sumter Civic Center.

Christian Academy outscored the Dolphins 7-0 in overtime to move on in the postseason. CA will play Spartanburg Christian in the semifinals Thursday.

Tyrone Calloway led Prep with 21 points. Ryan Mikell had 12 points and Kane Eanes 10.

Lowcountry Athletic Club

Former NHL official to speak at March meeting

Andy McElman, a former NHL official from 1993-2016, will be the guest speaker at the Athletic Club of the Lowcountry meeting March 9 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on 351 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with refreshments at 6:30 p.m.

McElman worked 1,500 games in the NHL and worked the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He also worked 2002 NHL All-Star game and Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

Members of the Athletic Club of the Low Country and guests are welcome to attend. Guests should call Judy Barry at 843-705-5223 to register.