Aiken ends Summerville’s season, 58-45

SUMMERVILLE — What had been a very nice run ended with a second-round playoff loss to visiting Aiken as the Summerville girls dropped a 58-45 decision on Friday night.

Summerville (20-6) saw its 11-game winning streak snapped.

Summerville got off to a very slow start, falling behind 18-7 after one quarter. Though the Wave did make a run early in the third quarter, Aiken was simply too strong inside.

“The start of the game certainly did not go the way we wanted, but we battled, got the lead to four and six there in the third quarter. You have to tip your hat to them (Aiken). They just hit some big shots,” said Summerville coach Matt Legare. “They beat us in every facet really. They’re a good team and we knew that coming in. We did think we could win. We had won 11 straight and were playing pretty good but Aiken played very well.”

Kwanza Murray led Summerville’s effort with 14 points. Aiken (18-7) placed three players in double figures, led by forward Alexis Odom with 12 points.

Down 26-18 at the half, Summerville trimmed the lead to four at 32-28 with 4:20 remaining. The Green Wave then went cold from the floor, and Aiken put the game away with a 23-2 run over the next eight minutes.

Summerville continued to battle and trimmed the lead to 11 late in the game.

“We don’t quit and this basketball team showed a lot of fight tonight,” said Legare. “Even with under a minute left, I think this team still believed they could win. I’m very proud of the season we had and we have a lot to look forward to.”

Aiken moves on to play West Ashley in the lower state semi-final game on Tuesday.