Dorchester Academy secured the SCISA Class AA girls basketball state championship on February 28, defeating Cross Schools 39-37 in a hard-fought overtime contest held at the Sumter Civic Center. The victory marks Dorchester Academy’s first state title since 2017, having previously competed for the crown in 2020.
The game was characterized by numerous lead changes, fouls, and missed free throws, according to Dorchester Academy head coach Callie McClure. “It was a real physical game, I am not kidding,” McClure said. “I am just thankful it is over and that we won. I did not expect an overtime game. I am very proud of my team today for competing and pulling out a win they will remember forever.”
Emery McClure led the Raiders in scoring with 14 points. Rylee Weathers contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Palmer Kizer added six points, while Alyssa Grooms, Rylee Matthews, and Madison Downey each scored two points.
Dorchester Academy’s path to the championship included a dominant 60-23 victory over Lee Academy in the semifinals. Weathers led the team in that game with 18 points, followed by McClure with 16 and Grooms with 10. Kizer scored eight, and Downey added six.
In the quarterfinals, the Raiders defeated Andrew Jackson Academy 53-30, building a significant lead early in the game. They led 26-7 after the first quarter and 35-15 at halftime, ultimately securing a comfortable victory. McClure again led the scoring with 18 points, while Weathers added 15 and Grooms contributed 11. Matthews and Kizer each scored four points.
Following the tournament, McClure was named Region 2-AA Player of the Year. She was joined on the All-Region team by teammates Weathers, Kizer, and Grooms. McClure averaged 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game. Weathers led the team in scoring with 13.0 points per game and shared the rebounding lead with 9.0 rebounds, along with 4.0 steals. Kizer averaged 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.0 steals, while Grooms averaged 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals. Matthews averaged 5.0 points and also shared the rebounding lead with 9.0 rebounds.
On the boys’ side, Dorchester Academy also recognized its All-Region players: Abe Shuler, John Quattlebaum, and Austin Varn. The Dorchester boys finished the season with a 17-13 record, achieving a 3-3 record in region play. They secured a 60-44 victory over Cross Schools in the opening round of the state tournament before being eliminated by Bethesda Academy in the quarterfinals.
Dorchester Academy will continue to compete in Class A for football and Class AA in all other sports following SCISA’s recent reclassification.
