News Summary
Fort Mill will host a crucial boys’ lacrosse game as Nation Ford takes on Greenville in the 5A/Division 2 Upper State regional finals. With a chance for a fourth consecutive state championship berth hanging in the balance, both teams are gearing up for a fierce showdown following Nation Ford’s recent narrow victory over Fort Mill. Greenville also enters the game with impressive momentum, hoping to capitalize on their winning streak. Fans are eager for an exciting match that will shape the postseason landscape.
Fort Mill Prepares for High-Stakes Lacrosse Showdown
Fort Mill will host a critical lacrosse match on Tuesday night as the Nation Ford boys’ lacrosse team faces off against Greenville in the 5A/Division 2 Upper State regional finals. This game is pivotal as it will determine whether Nation Ford can secure its fourth consecutive boys’ lacrosse state championship berth.
Nation Ford enters the matchup with a record of 11-7 after claiming a dramatic 11-10 victory over Fort Mill last week, marked by a last-minute goal from senior Trevor Keaton. With only 11 seconds left on the clock, Keaton’s decisive play proved crucial in securing the win.
On the other side, Greenville arrives with momentum, boasting a winning streak of seven consecutive games and a record of 10-5. The team carries experience from previous state championship games, having lost to Lucy Beckham in last year’s 4A finals. Greenville, now in Class 5A/Division 1, is looking to make a significant mark in the postseason.
Nation Ford’s Path to the Finals
Nation Ford’s journey has had its ups and downs, including a loss in last year’s 5A title game to Wando with a score of 18-7. The last meeting between Nation Ford and Wando resulted in a victory for Nation Ford in 2023, while Wando took the state championship in 2022. Notably, Wando is not in the running for a rematch this year as they are competing for a Lower State regional title in Class 5A/Division 1.
Key Players
For Nation Ford, standout players include Trevor Keaton, who is part of an impressive roster that features five all-district players. Other key members include leading scorer Josh Ameo, as well as Holden Kestnbaum, Caleb Nickola, and Dylan Ross, each contributing significantly in past games. Caleb Nickola notably scored three goals during last year’s state finals, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
Greenville’s lineup is equally formidable, highlighting senior Christian Carbonell, who leads the team with 25 goals and 13 assists. Additional threats on Greenville’s roster include senior Will Wright with 24 goals and 21 assists, junior Rhodes Schaefer with 21 goals and 12 assists, and junior Capers Gross contributing 20 goals and 8 assists.
Upcoming Championship Game
The victor of the Upper State finals on Tuesday will advance to compete for the 5A/Division 2 championship at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Irmo High School. The competition is expected to be fierce as both teams aim for a coveted state title.
Girls’ Lacrosse Championship Contenders
On another note, Fort Mill’s girls’ lacrosse team is also in contention, set to face T.L. Hanna on Monday night for the Class 5A/Division 2 girls’ Upper State lacrosse championship. Fort Mill’s girls have a record of 8-7 and are led by standout players like sophomore Cece Shia, who has achieved 56 goals, and junior Molly Bennett, contributing 45 goals. T.L. Hanna’s girls’ team, however, enters the matchup undefeated with a record of 16-0.
As the lacrosse season approaches its climax, fans and players alike look forward to an exhilarating continuation of the postseason, culminating in the state lacrosse championships set to take place at Irmo High School on May 2-3.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Lacrosse
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: High School Lacrosse
- USA Today High School Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
- WYFF4
- Google News: SC High School Lacrosse
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