Jackets boys, girls teams win home openers

Using a quick start, the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets boys’ squad improved to 4-1 on the season by beating South Point (N.C.) 71-55 in their home opener.

Fort Mill was led by three players who scored in double figures, including senior Tanner Mitchell, who led the way with 17 points. Both senior Kawan Walker and junior Austin Grainger added 10 points each as well.

The Jackets were aided by a good start, hitting 56 percent from the field in the first quarter to take a 20-7 lead. Fort Mill started the game 7-0 and used short range jumpers from Mitchell and senior AJ Foti to gain a comfortable lead.

“We started well,” said head coach Dwayne Hartsoe, who saw some things he didn’t like as well.

“We got a lot of work to do,” he said. “We fouled too much. It’s little things, but I like how hard we are playing.”

South Point crept back into the game in the second quarter, hitting nine of 11 foul shots and going to the line often.

Leading by 10 to start the second half, Fort Mill again picked up the pace and was led by Mitchell, who scored seven of his 17 in the quarter. The Jackets used fast breaks and their quickness to hold South Point to a 10-point margin most of the second half.

Fort Mill also beat the Rock Hill-based South Pointe 84-47 earlier in the week.

Girls impressive in win

The girls’ team was just as impressive in their home opener as they won 46-21. Plagued by turnovers for most of the game, South Point’s miscues allowed Fort Mill to take quick advantage and used a strong second quarter to pull away.

Outscoring the Belmont, N.C.-based school 19-4, Fort Mill was led by junior Meredith Christopher, who dropped in 13 in the process and freshman Amiah Lindsay, who added 12 points.

The Jackets’ defense pushed South Point into 33 turnovers in the game and when they had the ball shot 38 percent from the field in the second quarter to pull away.

“We have got some good athletes this year and we are trying to get as many easy layups as we can get,” said Lady Jackets’ head coach Brett Childers.

Fort Mill opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run to get the momentum swinging its way and also went inside to Lindsay often to take advantage of her 6-1 height.

“She has a lot of potential,” Childers said. “She has the potential to have a big year.”

With a comfortable 27-13 lead, Fort Mill didn’t hold anything back when the Jackets came out in the second half and went on a 6-2 run. South Point’s ball handing and limited shot opportunities held the team to just 10 attempts from the field and two points in the quarter.

South Point played better in the fourth quarter, but by then the deficit was too great.

Fort Mill now host home games against South Pointe from Rock Hill this week and travels to Westwood in Blythewood Friday night.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Jackets boys, girls teams win home openers."