The girls basketball season is getting even more interesting.

Last week saw many crucial region matchups that will surely affect the end-of-season standings. The biggest was a game between two of 5A’s heavyweight contenders, Lexington and Dutch Fork.

The Silver Foxes and Wildcats have competed for the region title in each of the past five seasons. Dutch Fork has taken the last two and Lexington took the three before that. 

Last week was the first meeting between the two juggernauts. Both had been playing good basketball, and both are a threat to win the region again. 

Lexington was the visiting team and got out to an early advantage, leading 21-3 after the first quarter. Dutch Fork slowly clawed back into the game before making a push in the fourth quarter. 

The Silver Foxes outscored Lexington 25-12 in the final frame. Dutch Fork tied the game and then took the lead in the closing minutes, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. 

The Wildcats were not discouraged by the late comeback and full-court pressure from Dutch Fork. The team settled in, drew some key fouls and hit some big shots to retake the lead. 

Dutch Fork had a few looks in the final few possessions, but Lexington’s defense held strong and crashed the boards to limit any putback opportunities. 

Once the final horn sounded, the Wildcats erupted into celebration, knowing they now hold an advantage over their rival. 

Lexington and Dutch Fork will meet again at Lexington on Feb. 6. While that meeting will be important, the teams will need to take care of business against the rest of their competition to keep the game meaningful. 

With a lot of attention on Dutch Fork and Lexington, Irmo has come out and surprised people with how well they’re playing. 

The Yellow Jackets took sole possession of first place in the region after Dutch Fork’s loss to Lexington. Irmo defeated the Wildcats earlier this month to sit at (3-0) in conference. 

After Tuesday's slate of games, all three teams sit at (3-1) in the region. Irmo picked up its first conference loss against Chapin, who now sits at (2-2). River Bluff is a spot below Chapin, with a (1-3) record. White Knoll is still searching for its first win at (0-4). 

Friday's games should provide more clarity with games between Dutch Fork and Irmo, Lexington and River Bluff and White Knol and Chapin. 

Upcoming games to watch

Northside Christian vs. Heathwood Hall - Jan. 23

Irmo vs. Dutch Fork - Jan. 23

Pelion vs. Batesburg-Leesville - Jan. 23

Gilbert at Aiken - Jan. 27

Gray Collegiate at North Augusta - Jan. 27

Last week’s top performances 

Aneya Britt had a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double in Gray Collegiate’s win against South Aiken. 

Tiana Randall scored 20 points and had 10 rebounds in Irmo’s win against White Knoll. 

Sydni Anderson had 13 points and 15 rebounds for Lexington in a win over Chapin.

Kaleigh Howell finished with 19 points as Northside Christian beat Cardinal Newman. 

Last week’s scores

Chapin - Lexington (48-26, L), River Bluff (52-31, W), Rock Hill (46-44, W)

Dutch Fork - White Knoll (60-29, W), Lexington (70-68, L), Camden (61-38, L)

Irmo - River Bluff (46-41, W), White Knoll (70-31, W)

Lexington - Chapin (48-26, W), Dutch Fork (70-68, W), 

River Bluff - Irmo (46-41, L), Chapin (52-31, L)

White Knoll - Dutch Fork (60-29, L), Irmo (70-31, L)

Airport - North Augusta (57-18, L), Richland Northeast (44-26, L), Gilbert (39-33, L)

Brookland-Cayce - Gilbert (54-17, L), North Augusta (61-24, L)

Gilbert - Brookland-Cayce (54-17, W), Airport (39-33, W)

Gray Collegiate - South Aiken (68-32, W), Aiken (62-10, W),

Swansea - Keenan (61-12, L), Barnwell (46-27, L)

Batesburg-Leesville - Strom Thurmond (45-36, W), Ninety Six (49-44, L), 

Pelion - Ninety Six (61-41, L) 

Northside Christian - Ben Lippen (50-30, L), Cardinal Newman (64-26, W), Powdersville (36-27, W)