The Socastee High boys basketball team won a thrilling Region 6-5A opener Tuesday night with a 69-63 victory over visiting West Florence.
In a contest that was tight throughout, the Braves seized control down the stretch behind a stellar performance by Andrew Gardner.
Gardner posted a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Braves. Teammates Jay Williams and Jonathan Wright added 11 points apiece.
* Conway 57, Sumter 35: The Tigers opened Region 6-5A play with a dominating victory over the Gamecocks.
Conway’s Jimmy Nichols scored 20 points and Darren Grainger added 10 points to lead the Tigers.
* Wilson 59, Myrtle Beach 55: The Seahawks suffered a tough Region 7-4A opening defeat to the defending champion Tigers.
The Seahawks got off to a sluggish start and trailed 22-18 at halftime. Wilson doubled its lead entering the final frame 40-32, but had to hold off a late run by Myrtle Beach.
Robert Swanson, who scored half of his game-high points in the fourth quarter, hit some big baskets late to make it close. Teammates Brady Vest scored 11 points and Emorie Knox added 10.
Alex Caldwell scored a team-high 16 points for the Tigers.
* South Florence 62, Carolina Forest 54: The Panthers opened region play with a loss to visiting South Florence.
The Bruins shot the lights out in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Panthers 26-14 to erase a third-quarter deficit.
Carolina Forest was led by Derek Alston with 16 points. T-Jay Brunson added 13 points and Mason Garcia tallied 10.
The Panthers look to recovery against rival Conway at home on Friday night.
– Photo by Michael Graves/Digital Magic Photo