Irmo High School

Defending South Carolina AAAA champions after a 29-2 season, Tim Whipple's Yellow Jackets were loaded and among the favorites, if not yet as sharp as he wanted. Three-year letterman Marvin Orange, a 6-1 senior point guard signed with Alabama, averaged 24 points and had scored 26 in the state final; 6-4 post Ronnie Cannon added 12 points and eight rebounds, and three senior wings rotated. Starter Freddie Hogshead was doubtful because of an illness in his family, and starter Marc Himes had missed all but two games with a wrist injury. 8-1 coming in.