Wade Hampton (13-7, 5-2) had a tough fall to Silver Bluff 44-43 last Friday, making the Devils second in the region.
"This was a tough loss for the Red Devils," coach Shelby Strother said. "Although facing early foul trouble, the Red Devils found a way to keep the game close until the final two seconds of regulation. After a made free throw by the Bulldogs with 2.2 seconds remaining on the clock, the Red Devils were unsuccessful in our attempt at a three-point shot at the buzzer."
According to Strother, the Red Devils had very few turnovers and very few missed opportunities. Even though the Red Devils were where they needed to be, they still lost by one point, making them second in the region.
There is still a chance of Wade Hampton taking over the region crown from Silver Bluff, but "somebody would have to beat them," Strother said.
Even though it is unlikely for the Red Devils to finish the season as region champs, they will most likely be the number two seed in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs came on strong, outscoring the Red Devils 12-5 in the first quarter. The Red Devils bounced back to outscore Silver Bluff 14-6 in the second quarter. Still the Bulldogs had a 3 point half-time lead. In the fourth quarter Silver Bluff outscored Wade Hampton 15-13. In the fourth they both scored 11.
Earlier in the week Wade Hampton defeated region opponent Barnwell 56-54. After the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 12. The Warhorses outscored the Red Devils in the second 14-9. With good post play and free throw shooting in the final quarter the Red Devils were able to pull out yet another close win.
Strother said that this game proved to be another test for the Red Devils.
"The Red Devils rallied from behind to win yet another close contest," said Strother. "My hat goes off to the Warhorses who are much improved from the first contest. I think we came out a little flat thinking this would be a win for us if we just simply showed up"
The Red Devils face Edisto (9-10, 4-3) at home in a region game this Friday. The Cougars beat visiting Wade Hampton last month, so this will be the Red Devils chance for revenge. The Red Devils also travel to Pelion (13-7, 5-3) next Tuesday.