The setting in The Swamp Tuesday featured a matchup between a pair of Top 10 Class 5A teams.
For the head coaches and fans, the game proved frustrating to watch and enjoy. Fourth-ranked Irmo defeated 6th ranked River Bluff 50-44 in a contest bogged down by fouls. 
The two teams combined for 40 personal fouls and 48 free throws. A total of 31 fouls were called in the 2nd half, 16 by the Gators with the Yellow Jackets whistled for 2 technical fouls. 
C.J. Washington fouled out in the 3rd quarter for Irmo. He and Dylan Williams led the Yellow Jackets with 13 points.
Irmo head coach Tim Whipple declined to speak afterwards about the officiating. Despite the win, he was more concerned about his team's level of play as they prepare to enter Region 4-5A portion of the schedule.
"I would say that this group has not progressed like I would liked out on the floor with execution and doing the things that they need to if they're going to be able to compete and get into the playoffs and compete there," Whipple said. "But at the same time, we're finding a way to win no matter how ugly it is and I think that's an important thing in a team that they're going to do whatever it takes." 
River Bluff many as 12 points and went the entire 2nd quarter without a field goal. Josh Crenshaw kept the Gators close with a game-high 18 points, followed by Myles Jordan with 13. 
In the 4th quarter, Khari Felder helped pick up the offensive load for Irmo. After the Gators got within 5, he scored 5 of his 7 points in succession to push the lead back to double digits. 
Irmo travels to Chapin Friday, while River Bluff heads to Fort Mill. 

White Knoll 57, Camden 47
Jaylen Ray scored 13 points and Braxton King added 10 as the Timberwolves improves to 12-5 on the season.
White Knoll opens Region 5-5A play on the road Jan. 14 against Lexington. 

Midland Valley 44, Chapin 39 
Mid-Carolina 40, Pelion 30