By Chris German
LATTA ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM – Kneeling (left to right): Darius McRae, JR McClam, Peyton Benson, Jason Norton, Matt Sellers, and Tyree Porter. Standing (left to right): Lavond Dingle, Hank Baxley, Brandon Hayes, Jonquell Lampley, Nasir Sellers, and Deonte’ Stanley. Coaches: Clint Brown, Andy Herring, Derrick Crawford, and Eric Crawford. (Photo submitted.)
Coming off an 11-12 All-Star Football State Championship, the Latta All-Star basketball team had a tough act to follow. For many of the All-Star basketball players, who were also football players, grabbing another state championship was something that they mentioned from the beginning of the season.
After defeating Lake View, Mullins, and Cheraw in the Eastern Bracket, Latta traveled to Barnwell, SC, to face the winner from the Western Bracket, Seneca.
The game with Seneca went back and forth with both teams forcing turnovers with their similar style of defense. Latta was able to pull away in the fourth quarter with key free throws and by forcing Seneca to turnover. Latta defeated Seneca 41-31 to place them in the championship game.
After a 2-hour rest, Latta was ready to play in the championship game against the home team, Barnwell, the winner of the Southern/Northern bracket. It was a very close game, but Latta was able to pull away in the third quarter and stretched the lead up to 20.
Latta defeated Barnwell 48-37 and claimed their second calendar championship.
“It’s an honor and privilege to have an opportunity to coach these guys to prepare them for school ball,” said Coach Derrick Crawford. “I look forward to watching these young men mature and perfect their game in the next couple of years.”
“Don’t be surprised if they continue to win state championships in the next couple of years.”
“This is a special kind of talent to be able to win two championships in the same calendar year in football and basketball,” says Coach Andy Herring, who was a coach on the championship football team All-Star staff. “The future is going to be bright for this group of young men.”
The coaching staff wants to thank all the parents, fans, community, recreation department, and schools for all their support during this season.
