School seat to be filled in May

Ware Shoals superintendent says district is determined to address scandal honestly

January 31, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS — After the resignation of one of its school board members, Ware Shoals School District 51 must wait until May 8 before filling the spot.
Marcus Bishop resigned from the board last week following the arrest of his daughter, former Ware Shoals cheerleading coach Jill Moore, on charges of providing alcohol to a pair of cheerleaders and putting them in “incredibly inappropriate situations” in connection with a sexual relationship Moore was having with a National Guardsman.
Greenwood attorney Townes Jones confirmed last week that Bishop resigned to avoid any appearance of impropriety on his part.
Greenwood County Voter Registration and Elections director Connie Moody issued a release Tuesday outlining the process for election of a new board member to replace Bishop.
The release said vacancies occurring for any reason other than the expiration of a term must be filled by election at the next scheduled election for trustees of District 51 for the remainder of the unexpired term, or for a full term if that is the case.
Moody also noted there will be two separate filing forms for the May election, one one-year form to replace Bishop’s term and one three-year form for a separate full-term ballot. Moody said the voting ballot will designate which candidates are running for the one-year term and which candidates are running for the three-year term.
Until the election, Ware Shoals Superintendent Fay Sprouse said the board will continue with four members.
“We’ll just proceed ahead,” Sprouse said. “That’s just the way it operates. Greenwood District 50 operates much the same way, with the board continuing on until the next duly held election.”
With four members, there is the possibility that a vote could end up tied 2-2. Sprouse said any vote that ends in a tie is considered a losing vote, with a majority vote needed for an issue to pass.
Sprouse also issued a release Tuesday addressing matters surrounding the cheerleading scandal that rocked WSHS and the town last week. Beside Moore’s arrest, WSHS principal Jane Blackwell was also arrested and faces charges of obstruction of justice.
The combination of allegations involving Moore and the two cheerleaders, Blackwell, National Guardsmen Thomas Fletcher and Jeremy Pileggi, sex and alcohol formed a combustible mix that drew the attention of national and international media.
The release said those in the district must not lose sight of the primary mission to educate students in all its schools.
Sprouse, who is Blackwell’s first cousin, also said the district is determined to address the matter in an honest and forthright way. She said believes the right steps to doing so have been taken in the receiving of Moore’s resignation and placing Blackwell on administrative leave. The district has launched its own investigation into the matter, which is being handled by the school board’s attorney.
Sprouse’s release said she is taking four steps in particular to address questions raised by the recent allegations. They are:
* To review existing policies and procedures concerning staff conduct, rights and responsibilities and the treatment of student concerns.
* Provide training and assistance to all staff to ensure there is open communication among staff, students and parents. * To establish a program, such as Campus Crime Stoppers, for anonymously reporting suspected breaches of the law. * To provide targeted legal training for administration, faculty and staff.
“Our district and community are bruised, but we are far from broken,” Sprouse’s release said. “There is great and growing strength at our core, and we ask your help in sustaining our determination to move forward together in these trying times.”
In a telephone interview, Sprouse addressed why she thinks the four steps are important.
“We want to see more communication,” Sprouse said. “According to what we saw in the news, so many people in the community said they knew about things that were going on. I think those steps will provide a good mixture that will lead to better communication.”
Sprouse said she does not know why people who might have known something about Moore’s activities did not come to her.
“I wish I knew,” Sprouse said. “I really do.”
One of the accusations against Moore is that she would complete paperwork to get the two cheerleaders in question out of school early. According to a supplemental report from the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, on at least one occasion Moore signed the girls out under the auspices of going for college recruitment at Newberry College.
The report alleges that she instead took them to a motel, where Moore had sex with Fletcher while the two cheerleaders had the opportunity to “hook up” with Pileggi in another room. Vodka reportedly was involved in the party.
As a result, Sprouse affirmed that the procedures on signing out students early will be examined.
“That will certainly be a procedural that is addressed,” Sprouse said. “We go over that with the school administrators.”

Enrollment rising at Greenwood Christian School

Private school sees ‘surge’ in new students

January 31, 2007

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

When Mike Edds came to Greenwood last fall, he saw it as South Carolina’s hidden jewel.
What the Greenwood Christian School head would find in the school was a second jewel, something parents and students in Greenwood are noticing more, he said.
The private Christian school has seen a measured increased in enrollment for the 2006-07 school year, Edds said.
GCS began with 426 students in August, but increased to 439 students by January.
With 445 students probably by the end of the year and 500 by the beginning of next school year.
Edds said the school’s tradition of Christian-based education is part of the enrollment “surge.”
“I call it an epidemic of demand,” he said.
Sometimes, people can see Christian schools as “glorified Sunday schools,” but Edds said GCS is a first-rate academic institution that offers superior education for body, soul and spirit that develops character.
“I think it’s reaching the whole student,” he said.
Extracurricular activities at the school include student council and the National Honors Society, but there’s also a high school mission trip to Costa Rica this year.
Higher enrollment also comes from teachers who enjoy coming to the school to teach. Students can see GCS teachers like being there, so they get excited about being there, too, Edds said.
“I think passion begets passion,” he said.
Teachers also can help students more at the school, as there’s 15 students for every one teacher.
The school’s tuition is about $3,600 a year for middle and high school students, with 10- or 12-month payments available, Edds said. GCS charges less in tuition than it costs to run the school. GCS tries to keep up with the average take-home pay and funds the rest with its annual auction and fundraising campaign.
Word of mouth helped spread interest in GCS, as parents learn about the school from other parents who’ve enrolled their children, said Kathy Clarke, administrative assistant.
Tammy Wade, a fourth-grade teacher at GCS and parent of two children who attended the school, said Christian education, small classroom size and teachers’ concerns for students impressed her as a parent.
As a teacher with 25 years of experience, she said GCS is one of the best schools she’s seen.
“I just think it’s the greatest place to learn,” Wade said.
High tests scores also draw parents to the school.
After working at schools in West Virginia and Ohio with high test scores, Edds said GCS has the best test scores he’s ever seen in a school. GCS uses the Stanford Achievement Test, a standard for private schools, to see progress in reading, math, social studies, science and listening skills in its students.
The third-grade class made a composite score in the 90th percentile of the nation on the test in 2006, while fifth grade had a reading score in the 91st percentile, eighth-grade achieved 92nd percentile and ninth and 11th grade reached the 96th percentile in reading, according to a GCS press release.
GCS also did well in the math portion, with the fourth-grade making in into the 97th percentile.
Early enrollment for K4 and K5 begins Feb. 5, while open enrollment for middle school and high school students begins Feb. 28, Edds said.

Ninety Six still needing police chief

Applications for job due at end of week

January 31, 2007

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

NINETY SIX — The search for a new police chief continues here, with applications for the job due at the end of the week.
The town has been searching for a chief after former chief Pat Dixon resigned Jan. 10, citing “personal reasons” for leaving, said Mayor Tim Griffin.
Griffin said Dixon didn’t say what personal reasons made him resign.
“To me, he didn’t elaborate,” he said.
Dixon’s role as police chief hasn’t been without its share of adventure.
He was suspended without pay July 20, 2005, with the suspension being upheld by town council until Aug. 22, 2005.
The official reasoning for the suspension remains a mystery, with talk in the town at the time being that Dixon was trying to stick up for himself and the police department during a discussed disbanding of the Ninety Six Police Department in favor of service by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
Dixon blamed a council member’s personal vendetta against him for the suspension, saying he cited former public safety committee chairman Steve Turner’s son and daughter-in-law for a traffic violation for expired tags.
Part of Dixon’s reinstatement agreement included a written apology to Turner and his family.
Large crowds of Ninety Six residents booed Dixon’s suspension at a council meeting and cheered when he was reinstated at another meeting.
The Town of Ninety Six will take applications until Friday, Griffin said. Three people have applied so far.
Candidates for police chief need to be graduates of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and have a minimun of five years of experience, said Elliott Richardson, town council’s public safety committee chairman.
Finding a new chief could take as little as a couple of weeks or as long as a month, depending on how many applications are received, Griffin said.
One of the applicants is interim police chief Lt. Don Denny, who’s been working for the Ninety Six Police Department for 15 months. Denny said he likes being chief and hopes to become the new police chief.
Denny said the town hasn’t had any major upheavals since Dixon’s resignation, with everything being about the same. He doesn’t mind being the interim chief and he said he has the experience to get the job done.
Denny served in the past for Dixon while the former chief was on medical leave.
He’s familiar with law enforcement procedures, along with warrant processing and some of the other paperwork that needs to be filled out, but now he also hears from members of the public. If he becomes police chief, Denny wants to create more stability in the department.
The department has had a high amount of people leaving over the past few years.
Once a new chief is chosen and a new officer graduates from police academy, the department should have its full regiment of three road officers, a lieutenant and police chief, Denny said.
Griffin and Richardson will help choose the new chief, then present their findings to town council for a vote. Griffin said council would probably do the last interview with the final police chief candidate.

Obituaries

Sarah Bagwell

Sarah Anne Blum Bagwell, 97, resident of 307 Manning Road, widow of Paul William Bagwell, Sr., died Jan. 29, 2007 at her residence.
Born in Greenwood April 29, 1909, a daughter of the late William Leroy and Mattie Russell Blum, she was the last member of her immediate family. Ms. Bagwell was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Union Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Mildred Adams of the home; sons, Paul William “Jack” Bagwell, Jr. of Greenwood, John Marvin “Johnny” Bagwell and Joseph David “Joe” Bagwell, both of Anderson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. Nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Charles Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Union Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Donnie Bagwell, Ronnie Bagwell, Michael Parsons, Bryant Bagwell, Robbie Sweezy and Derrick Bagwell.
Honorary escort will be grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Sam Phillips, Bern Bagwell and Vernon Bagwell.
The family is at the home, 307 Manning Road, and will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 in memory of Ms. Bagwell.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Bagwell family.

Jack David Burton

DUE WEST — Jack David Burton, 95, of 223 Murdock Road, husband of Ethel Burton, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary Inc., Abbeville.

Lily Irene Frazier

WARE SHOALS — Lily Irene Jackson Frazier, 93, of 109 W. Main St. Extension, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, at her home.
The family is at the home of her nephew James Wilson, 2810 Nations Road.
Services will be announced by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service.

Pauline Holloway

WAVERLY, Neb. — Pauline Elizabeth Wall Holloway, 91, former resident of McCormick, widow of Mark Raymond Holloway, Sr., died Jan. 28, 2007.
Born in Henderson County, NC, July 10, 1915, she was a daughter of the late William Sidney and Mollie Elizabeth Merrill Wall. She was twice married, first to the late Dorsey L. Wilkie. Mrs. Holloway is the last member of her immediate family.
Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Faye Wilkie of McCormick; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Holloway was predeceased by a son, Leroy Wilkie and a daughter, Catherine Silvers.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Plum Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. A.B. Parsons officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Plum Branch Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 10 to 11 Wednesday morning.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Plum Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, PO Box.150, Plum Branch, SC 29845.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Holloway family.

George Ligon Sr.

HODGES — George Ligon, Sr., 83, resident of 1223 Miller Road, widower of Alice Thelma Smith Ligon, died Jan. 27, 2007 at the Hospice House of Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood May 27, 1923, a son of the late Hubbert and Mary Jane Ball Ligon, Mr. Ligon was a US Army Air Corps Veteran having served in Guam during World War II. He was retired from the US Postal Service in New York, New York, where he served for over 30 years. A loving father, he cared for all he came into contact with. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his sister, Nettie Shedrick of the Bronx, NY; sons, George Ligon, Jr and wife, Cynthia Drakeford of Greenwood, Alvin Ligon of Brooklyn, NY, and Myron Ligon of Mauldin; grandchildren, Taurus Jerome Ligon of Covington, GA, and Leila Janeen Ligon of Simpsonville; great-grandchildren, Te’anna Shaneice Ligon and Tyree Ligon; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Wendell Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 in memory of Mr. Ligon.
The family would especially like to thank the Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Ligon family.

Ray McMahan

LAKE SECESSION — Ray Duckworth McMahan, 83, husband of Colleen Suttles McMahan, of 396 Ray McMahan Road, Iva, SC, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Anderson Area Medical Center, Anderson, SC.
Born in Abbeville County, he was the son of the late Floyd F. and Sadie Lewis McMahan. He is survived by his wife, Colleen of the home; one son, Mickey McMahan of Starr, SC; four grandchildren, Kelly, Mike and Glenn McMahan, all of Iva, SC, and Christy Suttles of Anderson, SC; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, John F. McMahan of Iva; three sisters, Mildred Beeker, Glendle Roper and Jackie Bonds, all of Lowndesville, SC.
Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Edith McMahan and his son, Terry McMahan; and brothers, George, Ed and Harold McMahan and one sister, Winona Bonds.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC. The family will receive friends at the Lowndesville Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. Services will be Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 at 3 p.m. from Midway Baptist Church, by the Rev. Kirt Mitchell, with burial following in the church cemetery. The family is at the home, 396 Ray McMahan Road.
Memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church 1218 Hwy. 284, Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

Greg Medlock

KIRKSEY — James Gregory “Greg” Medlock, 49, resident of 1407 Martin Town Road, died Jan. 29, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, March 6, 1957, he was a son of Lois Horne Medlock and the late James Workman Medlock. He was a 1975 graduate of Greenwood High School, retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant, and was a member of Mt. Caramel Methodist Church.
Surviving in addition to his mother of the home are a sister, Julie Annette Medlock; three brothers, Stanley Keith Medlock and wife Regina, Al Kent Medlock and Kendal Reames Medlock and wife Jennifer; a niece, Stephanie Nichole Medlock and three nephews, Stephen Craig Medlock, Seth Reid Medlock and Robert Tyler Medlock, all of Kirksey.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bob Napier, Rev. Morton Belk and Rev. Louie Murray officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Roy Horne, Clem Rushton, Kenneth Scarboro, Mark Rhodes, Hardy Higgins, John Henry Blocker, Sr., Doug Abney and Mark Terry.
The family is at the home on Martin Town Road and will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 Wednesday morning.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Caramel Methodist Church, 820 Mt. Carmel Road, Troy, SC 29848 or to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Medlock family.

Donna Morgan

WATERLOO — Donna Lynn Davis Morgan, 41, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Laurens District Hospital. She was born in Laurens County, a daughter of Janie Wrenn Addis of Waterloo and the late Gordon Davis.
Surviving besides her mother are her stepfather, Richard Addis of the home; three daughters, Crystal Morgan, Rochester, N.H., Kayla Morgan and Stephanie Morgan of Waterloo; three stepbrothers, Rick Addis, Jr., Anderson, Bill Addis, Greenville and Donavan Addis, Anderson; one sister, Pattie Phillips, Honea Path; and a special friend, Rodney Hooper.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at Bethlehem Union Church at 3 p.m., with Rev. Grady Lothridge and Rev. Tommy Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Nathan, Bryan, Mark, Randy and Michael Wrenn, Glen and Troy Case and Buddy Simpson.
The family is at the home of Glenda Wrenn Kimbrell, 377-B Riverfork Road, Waterloo and will receive friends at the church 2-3 p.m. Wednesday. Parker-White Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Charlie D. Robinson

Charlie D. Robinson, 83, of 201 Cole St., died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

Jeanette Rollinson

ANDERSON — Jeanette Rollinson, 47, of 124 River Oak Apts., passed away Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007 at AnMed Hospital.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of John Albert Williams, Sr. and the late Julia Mae Booker.
She is survived by, in addition to her father of Ninety Six, a son, Bryant Williams of Greenwood; a daughter, Keoitra Williams of Anderson; six brothers, Joe Louis Williams, John Albert Williams, Jr., both of Greenwood, Johnny James Williams of Anderson, Odell Williams of McCormick, Carlos Lindsey of Greenwood and Lecheto Sullivan of Hawaii; a sister, Brenda Bobo of Anderson.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Ronnie Parkman officiating. Burial will be in Pine Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Flower bearers and pallbearers will be friends of the family.
The family is at the home of her father, 303 Little Mountain Road, Ninety Six.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is assisting the Rollinson family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net.

Edgar Schultz

TAYLORS — Edgar “Ed” Schultz, 70, husband of Lula Collins Schultz, of 296 Pebble Springs Drive, passed away Jan. 30, 2007.
Born in Edgefield County, he was a son of the late Lonnie Schultz and Daisy Turner Schultz Miller. Mr. Schultz was the former owner of Ed’s Shell Station in Greenwood and Ed’s Phillips 66 Gas Station in Greenville.
Surviving in addition to his wife are children, Dwight Schultz, Lowana Goodman, Tyron Schultz, all of Greenwood, Brad Cunningham of Greenville and 8 grandchildren.
One brother and five sisters predeceased him.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home of Pickens.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home of Pickens is assisting the Schultz family.

Christine Spelts

Christine Williams Spelts, widow of Bennie Franklin Spelts, of 106 Oaklane Drive, died Jan. 29, 2007 at her home.
Born in Edgefield County July 23, 1918, she was a daughter of the late Willie Chriswell and Ida Griffis Williams. She was a graduate of Edgefield High School and Draughan’s Business College in Columbia, SC. She was retired from the Greenwood Community Chest (United Way) after 28 years of service as executive secretary.
Mrs. Spelts was a member of First Baptist Church and was also a member of the Ruth Bible Class and a former member of the Jo Ann Gray Circle.
Surviving are a sister, Ida Williams Timmerman of the home and a brother, Thomas Griffis “Griff” Williams of Greenwood. Also surviving are her nine nieces and nephews and their families that she loved and adored.
She was predeceased by a sister, Ada Williams Wells, and a brother, Fred Evan Williams.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with the Dr. Tony Hopkins officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Sammy Charles “Chad” Corley Jr., Allen Kent Atkins, Jeffrey Andrew Constant, Evan Chriswell Williams, Fred Adam Williams, David Glenn Williams, Jr., Griffis Williams King, and Heath Leonard Waterson.
The family is at the home on Oaklane Drive and will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 to 4 Wednesday afternoon.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 722 Grace Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Spelts family.

Ken ‘Snake’ Stevens

Kenneth “Snake” Stevens, of 113 Frances Street, husband of Ruby McKenzie Stevens, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at his home.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of John and Beatrice Burnett Stevens. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School, retired from Fluor-Daniels, was a member of South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church and attended Abney Memorial Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife of the home; his parents of Danielsville, PA; a daughter, Stephanie Stevens-Rodgers and her husband, Mike Rodgers, of Greenwood; a son, John Stevens of Greenwood; a sister, Ginger Silfies and a brother, John Stevens, both of Danielsville, PA; three grandchildren, Briana Stevens, Alicyn Rodgers and Garrett Rodgers.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Ted Williams officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Willie Baker, James Kelly, George “BooBoo” Kerhoulas, Demetrius Andrews, Jerry Lance and Archie Fallaw.
Honorary escort will be Olin Scoggins, Richard Higginbotham, Howard McCoy, Herbert McCoy, John Lawton, Marvin Dodgen, Doug Dodgen, Frank McCoy, Andy Butler, Gary Culbertson, Rudy Able, Roger Lamb, Wilson Jones, Don Farmer, Dean Butler and Louie Bowie.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Eagles get payback with win over Wren

January 31, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Greenwood boys’ basketball team had some unfinished business Tuesday night against region foe Wren.
The Hurricanes won by a point in the first meeting of the season between the two teams, thanks to a last-second shot after trailing for most of the game.
That was almost the case this time around as the Eagles watched a double-digit lead evaporate late in the game before finally securing a 67-61 victory on their home floor.
The Eagles (12-8 overall, 4-3 Region I-AAAA) led 63-61 with less than 30 seconds to play when Sam Montgomery missed a free throw. A rebound by the Hurricanes (15-5, 4-3) would have put them in a position to tie the game or take the lead.
Dexter Syrkett, who finished with 10 points, made sure they didn’t have a chance to do either when he skied above everyone and tipped the ball in, giving the Eagles a four-point lead with little time remaining.
“My team needed a big rebound,” Syrkett said. “It was just luck really. We’re tied for second place in the region, so we should come out pretty good.”
The Eagles held the lead early in the second quarter when Syrkett found Montgomery inside for an easy bucket.
Montgomery returned the favor on the next possession as Syrkett’s basket gave the Eagles a 20-10 lead with 6:24 remaining in the first half.
“I thought we played a very good first half and we went on a little surge in the second half when we went up by 10,” Eagles coach Hob Chandler said. “We gave up too many open shots. Playing against Wren, they’ve got some guys who can shoot the ball if they get their feet set.”
The Eagles second-half surge was aided by a technical called against Hurricanes coach Fran Campbell who had been warned to calm down by the game officials.
The Eagles used the Hurricanes’ setback to their advantage and scored seven unanswered points, building a 39-26 lead.
The Hurricanes were able to whittle the lead down to 44-41 following a 3-pointer by Rodriguez Pitts with 2:02 remaining. The Eagles went on a 8-4 run to end the quarter though, capped off by a Javaris Rhode 3-pointer, giving the Eagles a 52-45 lead with one quarter remaining.
“I thought Javaris really stepped up the last three or four minutes and made some clutch shots. That was very critical,” Chandler said. “We’ve got three games left and we’ve got to take them one game at a time.”
Wren’s first lead since the first quarter, 56-55, came with 5:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles took a 61-59 lead following a jumper by Rhode with 3:10 remaining in the game that hit nothing but net and the Eagles scored six of the final eight points for the win..
“I thought we showed a lot of guts by coming back,” Campbell said. “We just kept battling. We never had it even and the ball and they made a couple of big shots down the stretch. The big one was the missed free-throw and the offensive rebound.”

Wildcats nearly blow win

January 31, 2007

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

NINETY SIX — Ike Dickey had seen it far too often this season. In eight of his Wildcats’ 10 losses, his team had enjoyed a lead in the fourth quarter.
The Ninety Six High School boys basketball team let an 18-point fourth-quarter lead turn into a two-point deficit with less than a minute to play Tuesday night.
But Dickey’s Wildcats weren’t about to let their coach nor themselves down Tuesday night at home with the playoffs on the line.
Senior Ken Mathis drove to the basket and kicked out to fellow senior Daniel Longmire, who drained the 3-pointer to give the Wildcats the lead for good in a 59-55 win over Batesburg-Leesville to end a four-game losing streak and qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the team moved to Class AA.
“We put the ball in Ken’s hands for that reason because I knew I could get Ken going to the glass or I could get Daniel open for a 3,” Dickey said. “I was worrying that we couldn’t finish a game, but it was good to finally finish one. Even barring Mid-Carolina beating two of the top five teams in the state, we’re going to be in the playoffs. ”
Longmire finished with nine points and was one of five Wildcats to score nine or more. The Quins — McGraw and Butler — led Ninety Six with 13 points apiece. McGraw also chipped in a team-high 11 rebounds. Mathis finished with 11 points, while Tori Wideman chipped in nine.
“Basketball is all about teamwork and that’s what we did tonight,” Longmire said. “Going to the playoffs, you can’t ask for anything better.”
The Wildcats’ 47-31 lead evaporated behind a 21-6 Panther run. B-L’s Josh Harris and Brandon Butler sank a pair of free throws consecutively to give their team its first lead of the night, at 55-53 with 39 seconds remaining. Harris led all scorers with 20, while Butler added 11.
Longmire’s 3-ball put the Wildcats (10-10 overall, 3-4 Region III-AA) up 56-55 with 25 seconds to play. The Panthers (9-9, 1-6) had a chance to go up on their ensuing possession, but Harris’ shot was short and Longmire came down with his seventh rebound and was fouled.
On the following out of bounds, Ninety Six’s James Jones was fouled. Jones, who was making his first start at point guard, calmly sank both ends of a one-and-one for his only points of the night, giving the Wildcats a 3-point lead.
“He (Jones) jokes that he hits them when they count, and he’s not a very high percentage free throw shooter,” Dickey said. “But at Mid-Carolina, he was 4-for-4 in the fourth and tonight he hits two big ones. I think that starting job is his for a little while.”
Wideman stepped in front of a pass intended for Harris on B-L’s next possession and was fouled with 2.8 ticks remaining. Wideman hit one of two from the line to ice the victory.

Lady ’Cats fall to Lady Panthers

January 31, 2007

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

NINETY SIX — Samantha Boyd had 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Batesburg-Leesville girls basketball team to a 51-19 win over Ninety Six Tuesday night at Ninety Six gymnasium.
The Lady Panthers (6-11 overall, 2-5 Region III-AA) got scoring from seven of their eight players. The team scored 25 fastbreak points, as B-L constantly had a player or two cheating out on offense rather than play defense, and it added 18 points on putbacks on its 53 rebounds.
All of the 19 points for the Lady Wildcats (3-12, 0-7) came off the bench. Sirrena Boyd led the way with 11 points, while Sara Trowbridge pitched in an interesting double-double performance. The junior center had 14 rebounds and 10 block shots and was three points shy of a triple-double, as she finished with seven points.
Bea Calhoun provided the remaining point for Ninety Six on a free throw.
Both teams had difficulty getting started, as 5 minutes, 10 seconds went off the clock before the ball went through the hoop.
B-L’s Allison Summers ended the drought with a breakaway layup, kickstarting an 8-0 Lady Panthers run.
Ninety Six’s first points came with 13 seconds remaining in the first. Sirrena Boyd dropped in a 4-footer to make it 8-2 after one quarter.
After cutting the deficit to five, at 10-5, the Lady Wildcats suffered yet another scoring drought. This time going 5:26 without a point, allowing the Lady Panthers to run off seven unanswered points and take a 19-5 lead with 2:05 left in the first half. B-L led 19-6 at the half.
Ninety Six scored more in the third quarter (10) than it did in the first half, but the Lady Panthers were able to extend their lead after pouring in 16 in the period to take a 35-16 lead into the final quarter.
Trowbridge’s short jumper made it 37-19 with 6:24 remaining, but that was the last points for the Lady Wildcats, as B-L closed out the game with a 14-0 run.

Opinion

Anti-war rally? Really? It was hate Bush, U. S.

January 31, 2007

How do you explain the hostility and vitriolic rhetoric that is constantly aimed at President Bush? If anyone doesn’t say “hate,” don’t pass Go and don’t collect $200.
Hate is indeed the word. One South Carolina newspaper reader put it plainly when he wrote: “I am an older person, and in my lifetime I have never seen a president slandered like President Bush is. The Bush-bashers accuse him of everything that is wrong in our country and give him no credit for the good things that are happening.
“I am not against anyone expressing an opinion, but it is shameful some of the things President Bush has been called and falsely accused of .....”
That hatred couldn’t be more pronounced than it was this past weekend . What was billed as an anti-war rally in Washington, D. C. was more like a total farce.

THE “USUAL SUSPECTS” WERE in evidence, of course. Even “Hanoi Jane” Fonda participated after being somewhat muted since she stood on the Vietnam soapbox and trashed the United States. Needless to say, her message was no surprise. She wasn’t alone, though. There were a number of “celebrities” who took the opportunity to rail against America while hiding behind the war in Iraq. Also adding to the trashing included well-known leftists Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, and ultra liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich. And, the opportunistic Jesse Jackson was also there.
For all practical purposes, though, the “anti-war” tag should have been changed to “anti-Bush,” for it was obvious that was what the so-called “peace” rally was all about. It was an opportunity to participate in a nationally televised, high-profile orgy of left wing abuse of the American president.

PERHAPS THE MOST ABUSIVE of all was actor Tim Robbins. His words left little doubt about his obvious hatred for Mr. Bush. They dripped with the vitriol that has, it appears, been substituted for legitimate and honest disagreement over issues. Issues, though, are not relative to those who spew hatred. They have taken personal attacks to new heights.
They also leave a pertinent question looking for answers: How do you stay civil when you’re dealing with uncivilized people? Debate of issues is the basis of government. What is demonstrated, though, is outright, unadulterated hatred of the president. It’s unfortunate, and is, in effect, an oxymoron: A lovefest of hate ..... hate for this country.