The Irmo High School boys basketball varsity entered the Feb. 15 first round playoff matchup with North Myrtle Beach with momentum.

The Yellow Jackets were riding a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season and having claimed the Region 5-4A title.

They easily extended their winning streak with a commanding 79-34 win that was never really close, showcasing why they are one of the top teams in the state.

Irmo took charge early, jumping out to an 18-4 lead early in the second quarter by utilizing full court pressure on the Chiefs, which resulted in multiple points off turnovers. Throughout the second period, Irmo extended their lead with easy points in the paint from their efficient passing game; they led 40-12 at the half.

North Myrtle Beach scored the opening basket of the second half, but couldn’t get consistent scoring going under continued pressure from Irmo. Within minutes, the Yellow Jackets’ lead topped over 30 points in the fourth quarter. 

Region 5-4A Player of the Year Brandon Crawford, who was selected to participate in the Carolinas Classic All-Star Basketball Game on March 25 in Wilmington, N.C.,  and Jonathan White both finished the game with 17 points and Madden Collins added 14 points.

Asked after the game about the importance of securing the win, Irmo head coach Tom Whipple noted that it was a necessary first step in the playoffs for the team.

“It’s good to get that out of the way,” he said. “With a first round playoff game, just playing the game is the important thing, getting it over with.” 

As for the ease of the victory, Whipple credits his team with playing their regular game. 

“We usually play well as a team, and they are unselfish players,” he said. “That showed tonight.”

The Yellow Jackets will remain at home to face West Florence in the second round. 

“I wish every game would be like this,” Whipple said, “But it’s certainly not going to be from here on out–our region was one of the toughest in the state this year, so all of those games have helped us prepare for this.” 

Girls Basketball 

Lexington  56, J.L. Mann 26

Dutch Fork 48, Goose Creek 32

Hillary Offing scored 21 points and Aaliyah Lee had 11 to lead the Lady Silver Foxes.

They will travel to Stall Feb. 17 for the second round of the Class 5A playoffs

River Bluff 57, Carolina Forest 49

The Lady Gators will travel to Stratford for the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

Gray Collegiate 83, Greer Middle College 21

Maliyiah Mason scored 16 points, Diamond Tatum had 13 and Jordan Mintz and Kadence Walker-Lee each had 12 to lead the Lady War Eagles. 

Gray Collegiate plays host to Mid-Carolina Feb. 17 in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Mid-Carolina 61, Batesburg-Leesville 48

Mauldin 73, Chapin 21 

Saluda 64, Pelion 22

Boys Basketball 

Lexington 77, J.L. Mann 53

Beaufort 77, Brookland-Cayce 50