The final basketball game for the 2022-23 season at Wildcat Gymnasium offered plenty to celebrate for the home team.

A new scoring king for Lexington boys’ basketball was crowned and the team clinched its first state semifinal berth in four years.

The Wildcats defeated T.L. Hanna 64-56 in the third round of the Class 5A Upper State playoffs. Junior Cam Scott scored a game-high 21 points in surpassing Shaq Roland for most career points in program history.

“I heard he was a Mister Everything,” said Scott about Roland, who also won Mr. South Carolina football at Lexington. “Coming in, he’s been one of the best athletes (to come) through Lexington. So, him being at the top and me climbing that mountain and finally reaching over is something special to me.”

Needing seven points to set the new mark, Scott scored eight in the first half. The record-setter took place at the free throw line after Scott was fouled as time expired attempting a three-pointer. 

Scott made all three free throws to break the record and give Lexington a 28-27 halftime advantage. Jaxon Prunty scored all 11 of his points in the first half to lead the Wildcats.

The third quarter saw the Yellow Jackets take a 43-40 lead following a 3-point play by Anthony Edwards, who also finished with 21 points.  A quick downcourt pass to Kaleb Evans set up a layup and free throw after he was fouled to tie the game.

The fourth quarter opened with back-to-back layups by Evans, who finished with 17 points, and Scott off a steal by Kamadi Maxwell to make it 47-43. The senior guard sat out the previous game for a suspension, but his defensive prowess and nine points helped Lexington maintain its lead.

“I know that (T.L. Hanna) probably thinking ‘where did that guy come from,'” Pope said. “Obviously, he was ejected for the second round. But came back tonight and really some things that we can’t replicate on defense. We can’t replicate his speed and instinct a lot of the time and we’re fortunate that he’s wearing a Lexington jersey, but we’re really happy that he is and we want to finish out his senior year the right way.”

“I’ve just been pushing everybody, telling them ‘let’s play defense. Play as hard as we can,’” Maxwell said.

Down the stretch, the Wildcats managed to distance themselves at the foul line. Lexington (20-6) ran out the clock with 14 seconds left, the same number of consecutive wins it has amassed going into the Upper State final. 

“It was a really exciting moment,” said Scott, whose career total now stands a 1,786, 13 more than Roland. “When it got down to 14 seconds (in the game), I talked to Kamadi (Maxwell) and I was like ‘Ah, now I can celebrate.’ Just knowing the history that’s come through Lexington, the impact that I’ve applied here, even the amount of time I’ve been here, it’s just been amazing to be here by these fans and people that love you all the time and support you through everything.”

Standing in the way of the school’s first state title appearance since 2012, ironically with Roland leading the way, is a Dorman team led by a former Wildcat.

The Cavaliers rolled past Fort Mill 66-33 to reach the Upper State final for the sixth time in eight years under head coach and Lexington alumnus Thomas Ryan.

“I have the utmost respect for Thomas Ryan and Dorman and, hopefully, we can get every game they played this year, last year, the year before that because we’re going to need it,” Pope said. “They’re a great ballclub. They get their guys ready to go so we’ve got to be ready to go as well.”

The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bob Jones University in Greenville.

Conway 44, River Bluff 20

Luke Chapman scored nine points, including seven to open the second half, as the Gators were eliminated for the Class 5A Lower State playoffs.

Girls Basketball

Mauldin 46, Lexington 43