Keith Workman puts up the fall-away jumper. (Photo/Joe Seibles)
WINNSBORO – The Griffins of Fairfield Central were the most recent victim of another outstanding performance by Keenan guard Marcus Stroman, whose 36 points carried the Raiders to an 82-77 victory over Fairfield Saturday night.
After a chance to win the region title with a victory, the Griffins drop to 7-2 in the region, firmly in second place behind Keenan at 10-0.
Fairfield put in a valiant effort against of the state’s best team, as the Griffins were in the game until the final buzzer.
Fairfield senior guard Keith Workman gave the Griffins an early lead, scoring the teams first five points and sending a message to the Raiders of Keenan that they were not to be taken lightly. But Keenan, on the back of Stroman, battled back to regain the lead at 15-10 going into the second quarter.
Fairfield committed a few key turnovers in the second quarter that gave way to points on the other end for Keenan and allowed the Raiders to stretch the lead and implement their will on the game. The Griffins trailed 37-29 at halftime.
The second half was more of the Stroman show, as he helped the Raiders extend the lead with most of the damage done from the free throw line. Stroman shot 26 free throws and earned 20 of his 36 points from the charity stripe.
Fairfield head coach Devin Liferidge noted how the tight officiating threw his team out of rhythm.
“We had to take a step back defensively, and when we have to take a step back, that’s not who we are and not how we’re accustomed to playing,” Liferidge said.
By the end of the third quarter, Keenan had extended the lead to 62-48. The Griffins did not roll over and die; they fought back to close the lead to four points in the closing minutes of the game, but could not counter Stroman’s free throws, falling 82-77 for the final.
Workman led the Griffins with 21 points on the night.
Despite the loss, Liferidge believes that this team has what it takes to accomplish all of their goals, saying, “I still feel like we are a state championship team. Our path may have changed but we can still get better.”
