By Thomas Grant Jr.
The first trip in a decade to the state girls basketball semifinals was denied Monday to Dutch Fork.
The Lady Silver Foxes fell 57-47 to J.L. Mann in the third round of the Class 5A Upper State playoffs.
In ending Dutch Fork’s season and 9-game winning streak, the Lady Patriots were led by point guard Jade Hillstock. She scored 11 of her game-high 27 points in the first half to help put Dutch Fork in another early hole.
Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.
Unlike the previous comeback win over Dorman, the Lady Silver Foxes struggled with turnovers and slowing down J.L. Mann’s ball-handlers. They fell behind as many as 19 points in the second quarter.
As All-State guard Michaela Fairwell managed just nine points, Jamia Gerald helped keep Dutch Fork within striking distance. She scored seven of her 11 points in the second quarter during which the Lady Silver Foxes scored the final nine points to get within 29-19.
Dutch Fork only got as close as seven points in the second half. Hillstock continued to create problems on offense along with senior Breah Franks who had 13 points.
The Lady Patriots (20-6) will face Blythewood in the Upper State final Saturday at the Florence Civic Center. Dutch Fork finished with a 22-3 record.
Feature Photo – Dutch Fork center Claire Howard shoots over J.L. Mann’s Breah Franks. Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
