Laurence Manning Academy is one win away from playing for a state championship.
The Swampcats will face Heathwood Hall Episcopal at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the SCISA Class 4A boys basketball semifinals at the Sumter Civic Center, with a berth in the state title game on the line.
Laurence Manning (25-4) enters the matchup riding a nine-game winning streak after defeating Hammond 50-38 in Monday’s playoff action. Heathwood Hall (20-7) advanced with a 65-46 win over John Paul II and brings its own momentum into the semifinal.
The two teams are no strangers to one another. Since February 2016, the programs have split 10 meetings, each winning five games. Their most recent contest came in December, when the Swampcats edged the Highlanders 55-54 in a tightly contested game that was decided in the final moments.
Wednesday’s semifinal is expected to be just as competitive.
Laurence Manning has relied on disciplined defense and balanced scoring throughout its current run, holding Hammond to 38 points in the quarterfinal round. Heathwood Hall, meanwhile, has demonstrated offensive depth, topping 60 points in its playoff opener.
The Swampcats’ social media accounts called on supporters to pack the Sumter Civic Center, noting the team is “just one win away from the State Championship.” School officials encouraged fans to create a postseason atmosphere reflective of “Swampcat pride.”
The Class 4A semifinal is the final game of the evening session, following earlier girls and boys matchups at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The winner of Wednesday night’s contest will advance to the SCISA Class 4A state championship game later this week.
