Pioneers Capture Region 10 Championship

The SMC women routed Denmark Tech 86-52 claiming the Region 10 Championship at Bridges Arena Saturday afternoon. The win sends the Pioneers to the Southeastern District Championship next Saturday at 1:00 in Americus, Georgia to take on South Georgia Tech, currently ranked Number 1 in the country.  The winner receives an automatic bid to the national tournament.

Four Pioneers scored in double figures. Layla Wall led the way with 16 points. Tarewyn Dawson had 14 points. Zye Alexander and Najah Gilliam sparked the team coming off the bench with energy and points. Alexander scored 14 (with 9 rebounds) while Gilliam had 10 points. Lauren Thomas had her usual productive day on the boards with 10 rebounds and Ari'yana Hayes had 8 rebounds with four blocks. Ya'Niah Smith also had 9 points as the Pioneers rang up 86 for the big 34-point win. 

The post-game included the awards ceremony for the Region 10 player and coach of the year awards. Dawson and Thomas were both named to the all-conference team with Dawson earning the Player of the Year. Coach Kelly Britsky took home the Region Coach of the Year award.  

The Pioneers are now 15-7 on the season heading into the Southeast District title game next Saturday, March 11 at 1:00 in Americus, Georgia.