Griffins Race Past Shamrocks

 

Victor Alston (12) lofts up an uncontested shot against Eau Claire Saturday. (Photo/DeAnna Robinson)

WINNSBORO – The Fairfield Central Griffins were finally back in action Saturday after two postponed games when they hosted Eau Claire, defeating the Shamrocks for the second time this season, by the score of 75-62.

The Griffins have ‘fast-breaked’ their way into the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association Top 10 Poll after defeating Newberry on Jan. 25, utilizing the team’s speed and quickness to score fast, and often.

“Teams try and slow us down,” head coach Devin Liferidge said. “But we’re just so good when we play at a faster pace, so that’s what we want to do.”

The matchup with the Shamrocks proved Liferidge’s point, as the Griffins scored basket after basket in a blur of black and gold. Within the first three minutes of the game, the Griffins had acquired a 17-3 advantage.

Senior Griffin Keith Workman was kept in check properly in his first matchup with the Shamrocks, as they held him to a mere 13 percent shooting. This time, however, Workman was the man.

He allowed the game to come to him, working on defense to generate offense. Even though one of his more impressive dunks was waved off for hanging on the rim, Workman established the tone early and sent the message to everyone in attendance that he was the man to beat.

The Griffins speed on defense overwhelmed the Shamrocks in the second quarter as the Griffins continued to pour it on. As soon as a Shamrock basket was scored, Fairfield Central would inbound the ball and cross half court before the defense could react. The Griffins doubled-up the Shamrocks in the third quarter and held the advantage for most of the fourth quarter, cruising to a 75-62 victory.

“We played well and were able to get the ball and quick-and-go,” said Liferidge. “Our defense stepped up to the challenge and created some turnovers and scoring opportunities for us.”

The Griffins improved to 5-1 in the region and 14-6 overall. They will play Columbia High School Wednesday for a chance to continue their growing success. Saturday, the Griffins host Keenan in a battle for region supremacy.

 

FC: Weldon 8, Keith Workman 23, Jalyn Davis 10, Adams 5, Maple 8, Hopkins 7, Alston 5, Rikard 2, J.Cook 3, Sampson 4. 

EC: Terrence Goodwin 20, Thompson 7, Smith 7, McNeil 2, Dwyer 4, Egleston 4, Allen 4, J. Thompson 6, Green 6.

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