Hardwood Report (Feb. 20, 2016)

Rarely in this lifetime is one given the chance to right a wrong, another chance to atone for a missed opportunity.

Her team had barely put a bow on its win over Stall to advance in the Class AAA playoffs, but Myrtle Beach girls basketball coach Jennifer Dennison’s focus had already shifted to Monday night, knowing all too well the hurdle that lay ahead for her team.

The magnitude of the moment isn’t likely to get to the Seahawks, having played in more than their share of big games over the past several years. However, Myrtle Beach does find itself in an unfamiliar position – having to prove its wares against a formidable foe.

Last February, the Seahawks seemed to be in cruise control heading into a third round playoff matchup with Crestwood, the winner earning a berth in the Lower State final in Florence.

As high as Myrtle Beach was coming into the game, a solid Knights team took all the wind out of its sails, eliminating the Seahawks on their home floor with a 48-38 win.

No player’s presence loomed larger than that of Crestwood center Shaquanda Miller-McCray, who scored nine points and blocked eight shots in the game.

“We knew she was a great player,” Dennison said following last February’s game. “She’s a great player on defense. Our girls weren’t disciplined enough to head-fake, body-fake, to take it to her. It was just the little things.”

Additionally, the Myrtle Beach coach felt her team’s response to adversity was less than satisfactory, and led to uncharacteristic mistakes. “We had a great (2014-15) season. But we need to work on mental toughness … we need to get a lot tougher,” Dennison said.

She will receive a clear indication of how far her team has come in a year’s time Monday night, when Crestwood again visits Myrtle Beach for a Class AAA third round battle. The contest pits the No. 3 and No. 4 teams in the latest state Basketball Coaches Association (SCBCA) poll, respectively.

Familiar faces again litter both lineups, particularly on the inside where Miller-McCray’s presence will provide a tough test for the Seahawks’ dynamic duo of Kiana Adderton and All-State performer Nia Sumpter.

“They have their entire team back,” Dennison said. “And we have our entire team back.”

Myrtle Beach’s win on Thursday marked the 11th time since 2001-02 it advanced to the third round of the state playoffs. However, the Seahawks have not moved past that point since 2011, which also happened to be the last time the basketball program won a state title.

To finally overcome the stumbling block that is the third round, mental toughness will be key.

See you Tuesday night …

Hitting the road to take on the Class A’s top-ranked team proved to be no problem for Carvers Bay on Friday night.

The Bears advanced to the third round of the Class A boys basketball playoffs, getting past Denmark-Olar with a 55-49 win.

Earlier in the week receiving an All-State nod by SCBCA voters, leading scorer Arkel Williams led the way with 16 points.

Next up for the Bears is a trip to C.E. Murray, which also was able to notch a road victory on Friday night, claiming a 66-54 win over Charleston Charter School for Math and Science. Tip off is 7 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Among the area basketball squads joining the Bears in action on Tuesday is Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, which advanced in the SCISA Class AA boys basketball tournament with a 50-33 win over Calhoun Academy.

Down after a period of play, the Saints picked things up a tad in the second stanza, outscoring Calhoun Academy 22-3.

“Things started slow, and we didn’t look to have much energy,” said Christian Academy coach Darren Gore. “But that 22-3 spurt kind of gave us a lift, and allowed us to build a comfortable lead.”

Robert Guyton led the way for Christian Academy in the win, scoring 16 points while hauling in seven rebounds. Jaylen Johnson chipped in nine points of his own.

Carolina Forest probably had to work hardest for their trip into the second week of playoff basketball, defeating James Island 53-49 in overtime. The win along with the Panthers’ victory over Bluffton earlier in the week were the program’s first at the Class AAAA level.

Awaiting Carolina Forest in the third round is perennial powerhouse Irmo, which shellacked Summerville on Saturday night, 84-56.

Fab Five Performances of the Week

Angel Holmes (Carvers Bay): Scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Bears to a Class A first round playoff win over Scott’s Branch.

Kiana Adderton (Myrtle Beach): The Seahawks junior forward scored 23 points to lead the team to a first round victory over Lakewood on Monday

Nia Sumpter (Myrtle Beach): Her 19 points led the way for the Seahawks in a second round playoff win Friday night over Stall.

Zach Werba (St. James): The senior guard scored 19 points for the Sharks in a 64-48 loss to Marlboro County.

Arkel Williams (Carvers Bay): The Bears’ leading scorer scored 17 points en route to leading Carvers Bay to a first round win over Scott’s Branch. He also had 16 on Friday night in the team’s upset win over top-ranked Denmark-Olar.

Ian Guerin (@iguerin) contributed to this report

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 10:43 PM with the headline "Hardwood Report (Feb. 20, 2016)."