By Craig Brown

The Dillon Christian School Warriors started out slow trailing in the first quarter and barely managing a 4-point lead by the half time break before coming alive in the second half with dominating play and finishing with a 63-44 region win.

The game was played in Dillon Monday night after a six-day delay due to sleet and snow and power outages.

The Warriors observed senior night and honored some great players that will be hard to replace. Will Brown, Matt Jordan, Mark Minges, and Tyler Davis were brought to center court along with their parents for the recognition service. Three Warrior Cheerleaders also took center court for the honor, Hailey Harris, Emilee Evans and Ashlynn Hatcher.

The Warriors’ slow start resulted in them trailing the Golden Eagles 13-9 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors crawled back into the game in the second quarter and managed a 30-26 lead at the halftime break.

Warrior Coach Timothy Smith gave what must have been a great pep speech during the break because the Warriors were a different team in the second half. The Warriors upped their lead by 15 with a 49-34 third quarter lead and finished the game with a 19-point lead and the 63-44 victory.

The Golden Eagles were led on the board by Thomas Page and Dalton Rowe with 11 points each. Chase Ankarstran added nine points, and Gil Fenters had seven points. Koacy Thomas also added six points for the Golden Eagles.

Every time these teams play there are always players with strong family ties to the others town. In this case Gil Fenters’ grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Williams of Dr. Hardy Circle in Dillon.

On the score board for the Warriors, Tyler Davis had 16 points, six rebounds, and four blocked shots; Mark Minges earned 12 points with five rebounds and three steals; Will Brown added 12 points with two rebounds and four steals; Jim Carr earned 11 points; Matt Jordan scored six points with two rebounds; Mathew Price earned four points with eight rebounds; and Luke Price added two points with two rebounds.

The Dillon Christian School varsity boys basketball team was the only team to advance to the playoffs. The Warriors will play Spartanburg Christian at Heathwood Hall on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Photos by Craig Brown. Click the images below to view at full size!