SCISA 1 A -STATE CHAMPIONS!

The 2009-2010 JICS Varsity Girl's Basketball team claimed JICS' first ever SCISA State Championship in Varsity Girl's Basketball! The 38 - 33 win over two-time defending champion Wardlaw Academy did not come easily and the girl's had to overcome several deficits en route to the victory.  The first quarter belonged to JICS as the Lady Lions got on the scoreboard first to open the 2010 Championship game.  JICS led at the end of the first quarter 6 - 2.  The second quarter belonged to the defending champs, Wardlaw Academy, as the Lady Patriots would go up 10 - 14 and then be leading at the half, 12 - 14.  The third quarter found JICS down for most of the period with the biggest margin being six, 14 - 20.  At that moment JICS went on a 7 - 0 run to recapture the lead, 21 - 20 and at the end of the third quarter it was JICS on top, 23 - 22.  JICS led 25 - 22 early in the 4th quarter, but Wardlaw would fight back in with a 5 - 0 run of their own and take the lead 28 - 29.  JICS got the lead back 32 - 29 and Wardlaw would close within one two more times in the final minutes of play, but JICS would hold the lead for the title.  With the score 36 - 33 and just under 20 seconds to play, Katelyn Gochnauer would ice two freethrows to put the game in the bag for the Lady Lions.  The win avenged a loss in the championship game in 2009 and found many smiling faces on the girls who fought to make it happen. Shelbi Bottoms led all Lion scorers with 11 points, while Katelyn Gochnauer and Chelsea Bentz both had 10 points to help JICS capture the title.  Shelbi Bottoms, Katelyn Gochnauer and Chelsea Bentz were named to the All-Tournament Team. Coach Bethany Smith and the Lady Lions finish the 2009-2010 season with an overall record of 25 - 2.

(updated 2/25/2010 7:00pm)

The JICS Varsity Girl's Basketball team advanced to the State Championship Game of the SCISA 1-A State Tournament for the 2nd consecutive season with a 40 - 25 win over Laurens Academy.  The Lady Lions will face the defending State Champions who defeated JICS in last year's finale. Coach Smith and the Lady Lions have a chance to return the favor this Saturday, February 27th at 11:00am at the Sumter Exhibition Center.

Directions to the Exhibition Center: Sumter County Exhibition Center (ECCOS) 700 West Liberty Street
Charleston: I-26 to I-95 North. Exit 108 Summerton. Take Left at end of exit ramp. Take Right on to Hwy.15 to Sumter. From Hwy. 15 turn Left on to Guignard Street. At the intersection of Guignard and Liberty, turn Left. ECCOS is on the left.

(updated 2/23/2010 9:00pm)

The JICS Varsity Boy's Basketball faltered late into the game in their quest to upend the #1 Seeded Glenforest Academy.  The Lions were within three, 46 - 49 headed into the last quarter, but Glenforest prevailed 54 - 71.  The season came to an end for the 4 seniors, who helped JICS finish with 17 wins in 2009-2010.

(updated 2/22/2010 5:00pm)

The JICS Varsity Girl's Basketball team advanced to the Final Four of the SCISA 1-A State Tournament with a 42 - 21 win over Newberry Academy.  The Lady Lions will play in the Semi-finals versus Laurens Academy. The semi-final game will be played at 3:30pm at Wilson Hall in Sumter.

Directions to Wilson Hall:

 (803-469-3475) -Take Hwy 378 to Sumter. At the traffic light next to Boyle
Oldsmobile Car Dealership, turn onto Wilson Hall Road. There will be a sign for Wilson Hall School. Continue until you see the school on the right.

(updated 2/20/2010 10:00pm)

The JICS Varsity Boy's Basketball team pulled off an amazing comeback in the first round of the SCISA 1-A State Tournament with a 62 - 60 overtime win over Patrick Henry Academy.  JICS overcame a 12 point half-time deficit and an 18 point 3rd quarter deficit to send it into overtime. Johnny Jones scored 21 points to lead the Lions into the next round. Their second round game will be on Tuesday, February 23rd at Orangeburg Prep versus the #1 seeded Glenforest Academy. The game will begin at 6:30pm.