Dutch Fork will once again seek to clinch the Region 5-5A boys’ basketball title.

It will play host at 5 pm Thursday to Chapin, whose head coach Marquett Carr will apparently miss a 3rd straight game due to a league suspension. 

“The head varsity basketball coach at Chapin High School is not coaching his team currently based on a decision by the South Carolina High School League,” in a statement released from the Lexington/Richland District 5 office. “Assistant coach Peter Wilkerson will coach the team's final game this season.” 

Wilkerson has reportedly worked in Carr's place since he was ejected during the Jan. 29 game against White Knoll. Following the game, game officials reported the incident to the SCHSL whose rules and regulations regarding unsportsmanlike conduct stipulates the following:

• A coach's action that leads to an ejection will be considered as serious unsportsmanlike conduct. The minimum penalty will be a 2-game suspension (Must be served at the level of ejection before resuming coaching duties at games) and a $300 fine. The minimum penalty for a second offense will be two games suspension and a $500.00 fine. If a coach is ejected from the final game of the season, the minimum penalty will be a $500.00 fine assessed to the school. 

Suspended coaches are not allowed to be present at a venue during any contest while under suspension.

The Eagles are 1-1 under Wilkerson, losing to River Bluff 59-29 on Feb. 2 and defeating White Knoll 49-37 this past Saturday at home. The victory by Chapin eliminated the Timberwolves from the post-season.

Another win by the Eagles (6-6, 2-5) would put the Silver Foxes (9-2, 5-2) in a 1-game playoff at a neutral location against River Bluff (10-4, 5-3) to determine the region's top seed for the Class 5A playoffs.