St. James, which currently sits atop the standings in both boys and girls action, hosts Myrtle Beach tonight in a double-header that will go a long way toward determining playoff positioning.
In boys action, the first-place Sharks (11-7 overall, 6-1 region) can secure at least a second-place finish in the region and a first-round home playoff game by beating the Seahawks (10-11, 4-3), who have won three of their last four region contests to climb into third place.
The second-place Tigers (14-7, 5-2) play host to Socastee (11-7, 3-4), which is trying to solidify its position for the final playoff spot. Wins by Myrtle Beach and Socastee would create a three-way logjam atop the standings with only two games remaining. Also, North Myrtle Beach (10-8, 2-5) tries to move into the top four with a win over Georgetown tonight.
In girls action, the No. 5-ranked Lady Sharks (18-3, 7-0) can all but lock up the region title with a win over two-time defending state champion and six-time reigning region champion Myrtle Beach (17-4, 5-2). The Lady Seahawks are trying to secure a second-place finish behind a tight pack of contenders.
Third-place North Myrtle Beach (14-7, 4-3) can move into a tie for second place with a win at Georgetown tonight and a loss by Myrtle Beach. The Lady Seahawks hold the head-to-head tiebreaker but the two teams meet again next Friday.
Socastee (8-11, 2-5) is in a fourth-place tie with Wilson (11-11, 2-5), with the winner of tonight’s game in position to claim the final playoff spot.
In Region VI-AAAA boys action, Carolina Forest (13-6, 4-2) finds itself in a three-way tie for first place with a huge showdown against first-place mate Sumter tonight. The winner is assured at least a share of first heading into the final week. The Lady Panthers (10-11, 2-4) need a win over the first-place Lady Gamecocks (15-3, 6-0) to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Conway boys and girls are both winless in region play and out of the postseason race at 0-5 in their respective divisions.
