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Two Richland One Basketball Teams Advance to State Championships

Two Richland One basketball teams are one step closer to becoming state champions. W.J. Keenan High School’s boys basketball team and Eau Claire High School’s girls basketball team have advanced to the state championships.

W.J. Keenan’s boys basketball team defeated Loris High School to win the Class AAA Lower State Championship February 28. The Raiders will face off against Powdersville High School Thursday, March 6 at 8 p.m. The last time the team won the state championship was in 2020.

“The players are happy they’re playing in the championship. Their goal this year is to win the championship,” said W.J. Keenan Head Coach Zachary Norris. “I told the players we got to make sure we’re on top of our game. It should be our best game of the season for us. If they do the things we do, they’re going to come out pretty well.”

Eau Claire’s girls basketball team became the Class AA Upper State champions after defeating Clinton High School March 4. Eau Claire will face Andrew Jackson High School for the state championship title Saturday, March 8 at 12 p.m.

This is the first time since 1998 that the Shamrocks have made an appearance at a state championship. This Saturday could be the first time since 1995 that Eau Claire’s girls basketball team has won a state championship.

“It feels amazing to be having the opportunity to get to this point. The girls have been working hard. They said at the beginning of the season that they were going to Florence. They stayed faithful to their work ethic and here we are,” said Eau Claire Head Coach Ashley Gilmore.

Both championship games will take place at the Florence Civic Center (3300 West Radio Drive, Florence, SC 29501). Tickets are $15 at the box office or you can click here to purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster. Tickets purchased are for the day only. Re-entry is not allowed, and a new ticket must be purchased if a patron decides to leave the building with plans of returning.

Parking is $10 per car. All parking for guests attending an event is located at Gates 3 and 5. Overnight parking is not permitted.

The Florence Civic Center requests that guests arrive early and travel light, as all guests and bags entering the facility are subject to search (see clear bag policy). Walk-through metal detectors and/or handheld security wands may be utilized during entry.

Spectator entrances are located at doors on both sides of the box office. Gates open for spectators one hour before the start each day. Persons with South Carolina High School League passes (with a picture ID) will enter through the SCHSL Pass Gate located to the right of the box office.

No artificial noisemakers or handheld signs will be allowed. No parents or fans will be allowed on the court during and following any game. Fans and parents are allowed to have cameras at the event.

Concessions will be available; cash, debit cards and major credit cards will be accepted.
 

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Group of boys standing and posing.

PHOTO 1: W.J. Keenan High School’s boys basketball team defeated Loris High School February 28 to win the Class AAA Lower State Championship. The Raiders will face Powdersville High School for the state championship title March 6.

 

Group of people standing and sitting

PHOTO 2: Eau Claire High School’s girls basketball team defeated Clinton High School March 4 to win the Class AA Upper State Championship. The Shamrocks will face Andrew Jackson High School for the state championship title March 8.