Community Corner

Video: Eastside Prepares For State Title Game

Eastside High School focusing on Hartsville, not history.

Eastside High School is aiming for its first state title in school history on Saturday as it goes up against Hartsville at the Colonial Center. 

But Coach Tom Chamness is trying to keep his players' attention - and his own - on Saturday's opponent, and not the prospect of making history. 

The Eagles have four days this week to prepare for the most important four quarters of their lives. Eastside, ranked No. 1 in the state at the AAA level, will take on No. 2 Hartsville in a battle of this year's clear-cut titans of Palmetto State basketball. 

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Hartsville won the state title last year and spent much of this year ranked No. 1 in the state before dropping a close decision in the final week of the regular season to Darlington. That loss was avenged in the Lower State final. 

Eastside was preseason ranked No. 2 in the state this year after returning the likes of AAA Player of the Year Davaris McGowens, as well as its entire frontcourt and perimeter threat Keil Sherman. 

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The rosters are star-studded, with McGowens averaging more than 20 points per game and Sherman, an assassin from the 3-point line, averaging some 16 points per game. Hartsville's star point guard, Jaylen Shaw, averages 23 points per game, while 6-foot-4 forward Devontea Washington averages 12 points per game. 

In short - this is the state title game most foresaw when the season started months ago. 

Eastside takes on Hartsville at 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Check out Patch's video coverage of the Eagles' preparation for the state title game. 


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