BACK to BACK REGION X TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

Nobody picked them to win much this season.

A new coach taking over a inexperienced roster, a crazy schedule left behind with several 10 day lay-offs with no games. 

Nobody expected them to win much this season. 

They lost the 2011 Coach of the Year, the 2011 Player of the Year, multiple all region team members. How could they win?

A strong 11-3 regular season record and a second place finish to Denmark Tech set up the Pioneers for what could be a magical tournament run. 

The run began on Tuesday night with a 81-48  drubbing over USC-Sumter on sophomore night. Friday night was total domination as the Pioneers destroyed Clinton 64-49 and setup their rematch with #1 seed Denmark Tech.

SMC defeated Denmark, giving them their only loss in Bridges Arena but lost two on the road to in the regular season.

Denmark Tech had the 2012 Coach of the Year, the 2012 player of the year,  multiple all region team members. 

SMC jumped out to a quick first half lead and held a 28-24 lead at the half. The Pioneers maintained that lead and even increased it to ten points early in the second half. 

How? They were not supposed to win this year. 

Spartanburg Methodist didn't have a single player selected to the 2012 All Region X team. Not one single player. Why? Who knows, the coaches voted on who made the team and SMC was treated like a 1-14 team that finished in last place. 

"It's ok" some of the players told Coach Clark.. "They used the lack of reconigtion as motivation for the tourney. said Clark. We are a true definition of a team and I'll take that anyday over individual awards. I feel bad for the kids that should've gotten the nod but we'll take the Region X tournament Championship and be just fine!." 

With time winding down in the game, SMC fought for dear life to hold on to their lead. As Denmark tied the game at 56 all. Kierra Phillips took control and was fouled. She calmly sank both free throws and Denmark Tech's final shot wasn't close.

The Pioneers had just defeated the #1 seed 58-56 and advance to Saturday's district championship against Georgia Perimeter.

What are the Pioneers chances? Who knows, but I sure wouldn't count out this group. 

Congrats ladies and Coach Clark. Good luck next weekend!