By Thomas Grant Jr.
A day after the girls’ basketball season ended on the road, the Dutch Fork boys looked to move on at home.
The Silver Foxes entered last Tuesday’s Class 5A Division I third-round matchup with J.F. Byrnes with a 10-0 record at home. A win would have advanced the Silver Foxes to their first state semifinal since 2022.
Despite homecourt advantage, Dutch Fork was unable to slow down the Rebels. Led by 34 points from Class 5A Player of the Year point guard Colt Fowler, they defeated the Silver Foxes 71-51.
Fowler scored 17 in each half as he was motivated by last year’s second-round loss to Blythewood and the prospect of handing Dutch Fork its first home loss this season.
“I just wanted to get my team a win, being the leader that I am and get us to move on,” Fowler said. “I’ve been here before. I’ve been on each side of it. Last year, we lost in the second round (to Blythewood). Definitely, it was a hurt in my stomach.”
Sikhi Singh was the beneficiary of Fowler’s assists with 17 points.
Dutch Fork All-State guard Samajee Govan kept his team close. His basket to close out the first quarter provided a spark for the team as he finished with 16 points.
Caleb Garner added 13 points and All-State forward Justus Bell had 12 points. Despite the scoring, the Silver Foxes were hampered by its struggles behind the arc.
They made just one attempt from 3-point range and were 12-24 from the foul line.
J.F. Byrnes went on to lose 84-76 Saturday to 2-time defending Class 5A Division I champion Ridge View.
Dutch Fork ended the season with a 23-4 record. Bell will have one more game in high school with the South Carolina team facing North Carolina at the Carolinas Classic March 21 at Dorman High School.
