By Wilson Senn

For The Newberry Observer

https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_basketball_old.jpg

PROSPERITY — While Keenan and Fairfield Central high schools are all but guaranteed playoff spots in the upcoming AAA boys’ playoffs, Newberry, Mid-Carolina, Eau Claire and Columbia are all vying for the final two playoff spots.

Newberry’s 71-49 victory Friday night in Prosperity over the Rebels still hasn’t locked up or knocked out either team from the postseason but both teams may rely on each other to avoid wrapping up their seasons next week.

Mid-Carolina’s Jhi Wright lit up the nets as he got seven of his team’s 11 points in the first quarter. They only trailed by a point after the opening eight minutes of play.

Tyriq Goodman hit two three-pointers in the second quarter from practically the far end of the Mid-Carolina bench as the sophomore got 10 of Newberry’s 27 second quarter points. Newberry took a 39-23 lead into the locker rooms.

Six players from each team found their way into the scoring books in the third quarter as Newberry was holding onto a 14-point lead, 57-43, heading into the final quarter.

Newberry made five field shots compared to one for Mid-Carolina in the final stanza as the Rebels drop to 7-11 on the season and 2-6 in regional play. Newberry improves to 9-10 and 4-5.

Wright led the Rebels’ scoring with 15 points while Malik Pearson and Cade Ruff had eight points apiece.

Keenan Boland saw seven points go in while Terrell Long scored five points in the third quarter.

Iyon Thompson scored four points while Westley Hall rounded out the Mid-Carolina scoring with two points.

Zy Riley and Goodman both scored 18 points for Newberry as they were the only players in the game to score in each quarter.

Chris Neal and Terrell Rogers scored nine points apiece while Ocyrus Chaplin finished with eight.

Tramas Ruff scored five points while the Newberry scoring was rounded out with the two points apiece of Jaleel Gilliam and Derrick Scurry.

Before playing three straight games on the road, Mid-Carolina will honor its seniors Tuesday while entertaining Pelion.

Newberry will have several days off before a road trip to play the Griffins on Friday.