When the junior varsity boys team traveled to Greenville for the SCACS JV tournament, they knew they would be facing the state's top competition. But such tight games?

When the fans could sit down, it was only on the edge of their seats. In the quarter finals, the lead changed between the teams constantly. From a 6-point gap at halftime, the Mariners battled back Friday to win at the buzzer.

In Saturday's semi-finals, the territory was strangely familiar. Down by six points again at half time, the Green came roaring back with the lead swapping again and again. Down by a bucket with seconds left, the LPA defense stole the ball and raced down the court. The shot just at the buzzer was right on target, but bounced away, and Oakwood Christian of Anderson clinched a victory.

While the victory slipped away, the strong play suggests that next year's season will have strong talent on both the JV team and -- with the 10th graders rising -- a powerful varsity.

Congratulations to both the girls’ and boys’ varsity teams for making it to the SCACS 2A basketball play-offs!

Both squads earned home court advantage for the first round, and those games were held this past week. In both contests, the Mariners came out on the short end of the score to teams from Oconee Christian near Clemson. In the case of the guys’ game, LPA had a last second chance to tie with a long 3-pointer that bounced off the rim. Thanks to the fans who turned out both nights to cheer on the young men and women.

The Mariner varsity teams have one final match to complete their season, a road game this Monday in Lancaster, SC against Carolina Christian.

In evaluating the season, a win-or-nothing mindset might focus just on the play-off losses, but actually, there is very much to celebrate:

• The boy’s varsity played very well during the year.
• The girls’ team won its SCACS Piedmont region, based upon strong defensive play.
• Both teams faced off against excellent competition, including public charter schools.
• With only five seniors on the two squads, younger players put a lot of playing experience in the bank for next year.

Formal basketball practices began this week for both boys' and girls' teams. Strong rosters are apparent, standing firmly upon key returning and senior players.

The first game of the schedule for boys' and girls' squads is a non-conference SCACS home event. Slated for Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Blessed Hope's gym, the match pits the Mariner teams against Carolina Christian of Lancaster, SC.

GO GREEN!

In its first official season in SCACS 2-A competition, the boys' soccer team faced Bob Jones Academy at the Bob Jones University stadium in Greenville.

After playing spirited defense, and holding the Bruins scoreless for much of the first period, the Mariners fell to BJA's excellent skills and teamsmanship.

While the Lake Pointe schedule is now over, the team's record is commendable, suggesting great promise for the next season.