Lady Pioneers Clinch 2nd Place in Region X

SPARTANBURG, SC- The SMC Lady Pioneers one-upped Clinton Junior College in their Region X record Wednesday night with a 65-54 win at home in Bridges Arena.

SMC got off to a good start, going up 9-0 in the first two minutes of the game.

As the first half continued, the Lady Pioneers had three consecutive steals from the Golden Bears before they were able to get to half court with possession of the ball. Two of those three steals led to points for SMC.  

The Lady Pioneers struggled with transition defense and were in some foul trouble early on but were able to keep the lead by knocking down their open shots. At the end of the first half, SMC was leading Clinton 31-25.

"The first half we came out slow and then the second half we jump started our offense through our defensive pressure, which resulted in a 16 point lead two minutes into the second half," said head coach Melissa Nafzger.  

Standout players for the game were Whitley Smith (Lee Central HS / Bishopville, SC), who hit some key three-pointers, along with 22 points and three assists. Starrcree Mixon (Wade Hampton HS / Yemassee, SC) was relentless on the boards with 14 rebounds. Kendra Brown (Swanseas HS / Swansea, SC) had 22 points, three assists, four rebounds and seven steals.  

Sophomore Schatavia Gray (Lovejoy HS / Jonesboro, GA) had a double-double for the night with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

 The Pioneers clinched 2nd place in Region X with the win over Clinton Junior College.. SMC is now  5-3 in Region X, 11-13 overall.

"The team finished strong and played hard despite foul trouble. It was a great win," said Nafzger.

The Lady Pioneers will take on Louisburg College at home Saturday Feb. 13 at 4 pm.  

Spartanburg Methodist College has 14 intercollegiate teams that compete in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association, which includes colleges in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The College is in its 99th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.   

For more information, contact sports information director Susie Williams at (864) or 587-4008 or (864) 285-7516.