March 7, 2015

IN SPORTS: Lady Gators shoot for Lakewood’s 1st state basketball title today B1

Spring forward Don’t forget to set clocks ahead 11 12 1 one hour 10 2 at 2 a.m.

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Pilgrim’s President visits Columbia Obama Local kid Pride speaks to makes splash with offers 1,100 question $50,000

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

Company seeks identity of chicken house vandal

BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

COLUMBIA — Friday was a day Trace Adams will not soon forget.

The 10-year-old Willow Drive Elementary School fourth grader said he was not expecting to have a conversation with the President of the United States when he left Sumter with his step dad, Allen Bailey, to hear President Obama speak

he decided he wanted to be president. Adams’ stepdad, Allen Bailey, SEE OBAMA, PAGE A7 chairman of the Sumter County Democratic Party, is to his right.

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the “arrest and conviction” of the individual sought by Clarendon County deputies for vandalism that has so far led to the deaths of 300,000 locally farmed chickens that have been killed so far in Sumter and Clarendon counties.

The company is offering $50,000 for information, according to a news release. The affected farms are “family farms” contracted to raise chickens on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride, a leading poultry producer whose Sumter location partners with more than 90 local farmers.

“These heinous acts resulted in a cruel death for several thousand chickens that were under the care of dedicated family farmers,” said Randy Stroud, the live operations manager for Pilgrim’s Pride. “These are not factory farms — they are family farms operated by good men and women who work hard each day to provide humane care and safe living conditions for their birds.”

The company said they will deliver new flocks of birds to the vandalized farms to make up for the losses. Pilgrim’s Pride thanked Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office for its work, and urged anyone who has information to come forward.

The reward announcement comes on the heels of another reward offer from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA, an animal rights group that normally would be fighting against animal farms has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Bill Lovette, president and CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride, said the farms are the “backbone” of the American economy and that such a crime affects American families. “An attack against the family farm should not and cannot be tolerated and we hope this reward will help bring the perpetrators to swift justice,” Lovette said.

“Anyone with information about these incidents or as to the identity or whereabouts of the perpetrators is urged to contact the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 435 – 4414,” said the release. “Please contact law enforcement directly if you come in contact with a suspect. Do not take independent action to apprehend.”

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COLUMBIA — President Obama is well known as a great speaker in small venues, and his appearance in the gymnasium at Benedict College in Columbia on Friday was no exception. The supportive, enthusiastic crowd of 1,100, containing large contingents of Benedict RICK CARPENTER/THE SUMTER ITEM students and faculty as well as many leaders of Ten-year-old Trace Adams asks President Obama how old he was when

.com

SEE TRACE, PAGE A7

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

Sumter earns 4A hoops title in 61-55 win

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter celebrates its first state basketball title since 1985. The Gamecocks posted a big early lead and held on for dear life for a 61-55 win over Hillcrest in Friday’s 4A championship game at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. The title is Sumter’s first since 1985. The crown is the first for 2nd-year head coach Jo Jo English.

Daimler to build S.C. plant, create 1,300 jobs

BY BRUCE SMITH The Associated Press NORTH CHARLESTON — MercedesBenz Vans will build a new assembly plant for its Sprinter vans in South Carolina, investing a half-billion dollars and creating 1,300 jobs, the company announced Friday.

The company said the plant will allow vans to be more economically produced for the growing domestic market. It will manufacture them under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner nameplates.

Last year the company, a division of Daimler AG, sold almost 26,000 Sprinters in the United States, second only to

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sales in Germany.

“Given the future growth in the North American market, it simply does not make sense to supply customers with imported vehicles,” Volker Mornhinwig, the head of MercedesBenz Vans, said at a news conference at the existing Daimler assembly plant.

The announcement brings another major assembly plant to the South where the footprint of the auto industry continues to grow.

The company’s existing South Carolina operation reassembles Sprinter vans that are made in Germany, disassembled and then shipped to North Charleston. The process is used be-

DEATHS, A7 Earlene M. McLeod Louis Fulton Jr. Talmuch A. Burgess George Wells Jr.

Edward Hicks Vera M. Watson Glenn A. Snow Mary C. McCall

cause of high duties on importing finished vehicles.

Construction of the new plant begins next year on a 200-acre site adjacent to the existing facility. Mornhinwig would not say when production would begin or how many vans the plant would produce. About 80 percent of Sprinter vans are sold to commercial businesses.

While 140 workers are employed at the existing plant, that number will increase by 60 later this year when the company begins selling its new midsized Metris domestically. The vans will be assembled in Spain, disassembled and sent to South Carolina for reassembly.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

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Call: (803) 774-1226 | E-mail: pressrelease@theitem.com

Officials warn about power bill scams

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com Duke Energy is urging customers to be wary of fraudsters pretending to represent the power company.

According to a recent news release, scammers have invoked Duke in their schemes lately and are targeting customers of the regional electricity supplier. Duke Energy is the largest electric company in the U.S., serving 7.2 million customers in Indiana, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio and

the Carolinas.

“It’s a year-round thing,” Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier said. “We receive reports from all of our service areas of folks impersonating Duke employees to steal money all year round. So we’re always on the lookout of ways we can educate our customers on how they can protect themselves.”

Local business officials said they began hearing rumblings about the scams sweeping through Sumter this week.

That prompted the Greater Sumter Chamber of Com-

merce to send out a recent advisory notice from Duke Energy on Thursday morning, putting residents on notice about the fraudulent activity.

The alert consists of a list of fraud prevention tips to protect customers and details some of the tactics scammers use. The vast majority target residents and small businesses. Among those are schemes where scammers call and overcharge customers for things such as convenience and service fees. Other ploys involve scammers pretending to be Duke customer service

employees and offering to wipe customers’ account balances clean for a cash fee.

According to Mosier, Duke receives most reports about a scheme in which scam artists call customers and threaten to disconnect their power. In these schemes, the fraudsters demand victims use a pre-paid debit or credit card — such as a Green Dot cards — to pay the outstanding balance within a certain timeframe. Duke Energy officials note they would never call a customer demanding payment in such a manner and indicate the threat of dis-

connection comes at the end of a several-weeks-long process that includes multiple previous notifications.

“Duke Energy never, ever operates that way,” Mosier said. “There are multiple ways you can pay your energy bill, and that’s not one of them. For instance, you can go online and pay for it first. But we don’t take the pre-paid debit cards.”

To find the advisory and more information about how to avoid falling victim, visit Duke Energy’s website at www.duke-energy.com.

McMaster kicks off Red Cross Month

Ezra Tribble, 17, and Savannah Thompson, 19, special-needs students from Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, sing “I Believe I Can Fly” at Sumter School District’s Teacher Forum meeting held on Thursday.

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

BY DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ Special to The Sumter Item

State’s top teacher visits forum, encourages showing respect to special-needs students

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Teachers broke down in tears as two special-needs students gave a heart-throbbing performance to R. Kelly’s 1997 hit song “I Believe I Can Fly.” Applause and a standing ovation followed at Sumter School District’s Teacher Forum meeting on Thursday.

Jennifer Ainsworth, the 2015 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, spoke on the importance of showing respect to special-needs students. Ainsworth, a special education teacher at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, was accompanied by two of her students, Savannah Thompson, 19, and Ezra Tribble, 17.

“From all ages we hear people using the ‘R’ word, not realizing the hurt that they are causing to people with special needs and their families,” Ainsworth said. “Our goal is to ban the ‘R’ word and replace it with respect. It is an outdated word that has no place in our society. It hurts, it belittles, and when people meet our students, most often they don’t use that slang anymore. It is about

changing hearts and words one at a time.”

Ainsworth said when the two students who came with her to the forum joined her class, their parents were unsure about their transition to the 1,600-student high school.

“It was a big step from middle school,” she said. “I am so blessed that at Socastee High School, direct bullying of my students is almost nonexistent.”

However, on social media and in public settings, Ainsworth said the “R” word can often be heard as slang, even if it is used unintentionally. She asked teachers to encourage their students not to use this word.

“When you hear the ‘R’ word, don’t get mad or defensive, but instead educate, stand up for Ezra, stand up for Savannah, and above all remember that they should receive the same respect as everyone else,” she said.

Ezra is a drummer and singer in his church. He loves to compete in talent competitions and was described by Ainsworth as a dedicated and amazing student who loves to write.

Savannah has performed with So-

castee High School’s Bravettes dance team and loves to sing and dance.

She was described by Ainsworth as being an active member in the community who has never met a stranger.

Savannah recently received the inaugural Champions For Life Community Service Award. The award recognizes people in the Coastal Carolina University community who make a difference and inspire those around them. It was also recently announced that the award will be named in Thompson’s honor and henceforth be known as the Savannah Thompson Humanitarian Award.

“I heard a person say that in ‘every opportunity that you have, be good to people. It is not a coincidence that they are in your path; do not miss this opportunity,’” she said.

Ainsworth also spoke on the importance of Special Olympics Project UNIFY. This is an education- and sports-based strategy powered by an engaged youth community that increases athletic and leadership opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities while creating communities of acceptance.

The month of “uncovering your inner hero” has begun, as the Red Cross’ website puts it.

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster presented Gov. Nikki Haley’s proclamation that March will again be “Red Cross Month.”

Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving communities and responding to disasters both large and small.

McMaster praised Red Cross for its efforts in South Carolina during the past year. More than 120,000 pints of blood were donated last year, he said, and more than 75,000 people were trained by Red Cross in CPR. He also said when disaster strikes there’s only so much that state governments can do. He said the work Red Cross does helps offer relief when and where governments aren’t able.

After reading the governor’s proclamation, McMaster handed the framed document over to Louise Welch-Williams, state CEO for the American Red Cross.

“There is always a need for blood, and South Carolina has been good at rolling up its sleeves to help us,” she said.

She said that more than just blood donations, what Red Cross needs most are more volunteers. She said the three things the organization needed most were blood, volunteers and people to dedicate their time to helping others.

The Sandhills chapter of Red Cross serves Sumter, Lee, Kershaw and Clarendon counties. Nancy Cataldo, the services to the armed forces manager, said she wants people to better understand what Red Cross does.

“Everyone thinks of the Red Cross in conjunction with big disasters because that’s what you see on the news,” she said. “In February, we responded to at least 15 disasters in the area.”

On top of the blood drives and disaster relief that it offers, Red Cross has trained more than 5,000 children in water safety at Sumter Aquatics Center.

To volunteer or for more information, contact the Sandhills Chapter at (803) 775-2363. Reach Nancy Cataldo by email at Nancy.Cataldo@redcross.org.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ANNOUNCEMENT ARE YOU GOING ON Birth, Engagement, Wedding, VACATION? Anniversary, Obituary 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Rick Carpenter Managing Editor rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

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talks.

Schedule of events: • March 16, talk on “Tenth of December” and March 18, writer George Saunders; • March 23, Nikky Finney discusses “Incarnadine” and March 25, writer Mary Szybist; • March 30, talk on “The Great Man” and April 1, writer Kate Christensen; • April 6, Peter Steinberg discusses “Mercy” and April 8, USC professor and writer David Bajo; • April 13, talk on “Open City,” and April 15, writer Teju Cole; and • April 20, talk on “On Such a Full Sea,” and April 22, writer Chang-rae Lee. While the Open Book is free, participants are asked to register at artsandsciences.sc.edu/ theopenbook/.

COLUMBIA — The Open Book, the University of South Carolina’s popular community reading series, returns for 2015 with an exciting lineup of authors that includes George Saunders, Mary Szybist, Kate Christensen, David Bajo, Teju Cole and Chang-rae Lee. The series, free and open to the public, will be held at 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, March 16 through April 22, at the Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library.

Each Monday will feature USC English professor and Master of Fine Arts Program Director Elise Blackwell or a guest scholar talking about one of the writers’ books. On Wednesdays, the writers will give public

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Alton Geddings, 30, of Dalzell, was arrested Thursday morning and charged with his fourth driving under suspension offense after police reportedly witnessed him run a red light at the intersection of Guignard Drive and Liberty Street.

Brandon Tedder, 25, of Dalzell, was arrested early Friday morning and charged with his second driving under the influence offense after deputies spotted his vehicle swerving along Broad Street.

Archie Rogers, 59, of Sumter,

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Celebrating Read Across America

USC’s Open Book features 6 authors, 12 events FROM STAFF REPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Firefighter Zachary Rogers reads to Stephanie Harper’s first grade class at Willow Drive Elementary School on Thursday as part of Read Across America week and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Community members visited classes and read to the students to celebrate.

was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with shoplifting after reports he tried to steal five purses valued at $823 from a Belk’s in the 1000 block of Broad Street. Belk’s loss prevention recovered the items, and criminal records showed Rogers had more than two prior property crime convictions.

STOLEN PROPERTY A 1979 Ford van valued at $5,000 was reportedly stolen from a Dalzell residence in the 4900 block of Seymour Road sometime between Oct. 11 and Nov. 20.

A 32-inch flat screen televi-

sion valued at $200, a .22-caliber rifle valued at $200 and about $150 in coins were stolen from a home in the 1600 block of Jessamyn Road about 8:15 Thursday morning.

A 2004 Chevrolet Suburban valued at $7,995 was reportedly stolen from a used car lot in the 1600 block of Toole Street at 9:10 Thursday morning.

DAMAGED PROPERTY A home in the 200 block of Murphy Street sustained $1,000 in estimated damages during a fire that burned there about 8 a.m. Thursday.

Authorities think someone

may have tried to ignite the blaze by sparking insulation beneath the structure.

Several items, including an air conditioning unit, screen doors and two closet doors, were reportedly damaged

inside a rental residence in the first block of Edwards Street, which sustained a total of $2,600 in estimated damages between 5 p.m.

Wednesday and 9 a.m.

Thursday.

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Islamization fears rise after terror attacks Despite headlines, Europe shows little evidence of becoming predominantly Muslim

BY FRANK JORDANS The Associated Press BERLIN — The headlines would suggest Europe is under siege: Thousands of Germans march against the continent’s “Islamization.” French readers flock to read a novel about a Muslim president who imposes Sharia law on their country.

Commentators warn darkly about an encroaching age of “Eurabia” in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.

But is Europe actually heading toward Islamization?

Research shows that Europe’s Islamic population has indeed risen sharply during the last two decades, and continues to grow. But the numbers fall far short of any possibility of Europe becoming predominantly Muslim. And there are little signs that Islamic culture is spreading beyond the boundaries of Muslim communities — let alone becoming dominant in Europe.

The Pew Forum published research in 2011 predicting that Europe’s Muslim population will almost double to nearly 57 million by 2030, from just under 30 million in 1990.

That may seem like a lot, but it still means that Europe’s Muslim population would only increase from 4.1 percent to 7.8 percent, according to the Pew

paper. Moreover, the Pew report says that the period of greatest growth in Islamic populations is already past.

“As Muslims become more integrated, they tend to have fewer children,” said Brian J. Grim, president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, who worked on the Pew report. “Based on the demographic data, Europe cannot be Islamized, if by that is meant demographic dominance.”

If population trends don’t point toward Islamization, could there be a cultural change with the same result?

In London, Paris, Berlin and other major European cities, anti-Muslim sentiment is frequently directed against the growth of mosques, halal butchers and Islamic dress in the streets — with many seeing them as infringements on European norms.

Following major Islamist terror attacks in London and Paris, anxieties are soaring in Europe about the rapid growth of a culture that, its critics say, simply refuses to adopt the values of the host country. Ordinary people across Europe are increasingly wary of the insular-looking Islamic communities that have cropped up in major European cities and think that its members are hostile to the

AP FILE PHOTO

Turkish people arrive at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, in July, 2014, to cast their votes for the Turkish presidential election. Research shows that Europe’s Islamic population has indeed risen sharply during the last two decades and continues to grow. But the numbers fall far short of any possibility of Europe becoming predominantly Muslim. And there are few signs that Islamic culture is spreading beyond the boundaries of Muslim communities, let alone becoming dominant in Europe.

European mainstream.

A stream of news stories about homegrown Islamic youths traveling to Syria to wage jihad with Islamic State has tended to put the entire Muslim community under a pall of suspicion. Meanwhile, the attack in Paris on a Jewish supermarket after the murder spree against cartoonists at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo has caused many Jews to consider fleeing Europe and moving to Israel.

Kathrin Oertel, one of the founders of the group Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the West, or PEGIDA, and one of the key figures behind the rallies in the German state of Saxony, says Muslims are eroding German cultural identity.

“In Europe, there are some countries where Islamization has gone so far that it affects the culture and life there,” said Oertel, who has since left PEGIDA to form her own group.

Mainstream conservative politicians, too, have responded angrily to news reports of

Muslims refusing to assimilate. Often, they center on Muslim parents who refuse to let daughters take part in co-ed swimming lessons, or Muslim students insisting that a prayer room be available at a university that already has a chapel.

Cases such as that of Germany’s “Shariah Police” go further.

Last September, about a dozen Muslim men donned high-visibility vests and patrolled the streets of Wuppertal, Germany, handing out leaflets declaring the area to be a “Shariah-controlled zone” where alcohol, music and pornography were banned. Their behavior prompted a sharp outcry in the German media. But there was no evidence that it had broad support among Wuppertal’s Muslim population — and the group has since disappeared from public sight.

Isolated, and ultimately unsuccessful cases such as the Shariah Police, appear to be the exception that under-

scores a general rule: Muslim customs such as wearing a headscarf or praying at the mosque are not entering the European mainstream. In fact, many Muslims in Europe don’t even adhere to them.

Europe does have hardcore Islamist groups such as Islam4UK in Britain or Sharia4Holland, which have campaigned for an Islamic future for Europe. And among the thousands of Europeans who have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic extremist groups there have been those who believe they will eventually fight a holy war to conquer Europe. But they are a vanishingly small minority of Europe’s diverse and overwhelmingly secular Muslim population.

“Most Muslims don’t go to mosques and even those who do aren’t all extremists,” said Aiman Mazyek, chairman of Germany’s Central Council of Muslims. “Unfortunately, Muslims are quickly put under general suspicion whenever there is some kind of attack.”

295K jobs added in February; rate at 5.5 percent

BY CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON — A burst of hiring in February underscored the resilience and confidence of U.S. businesses, which are adding workers at the fastest pace in 17 years. Yet the strong job gains did little to raise wages last month.

U.S. employers added 295,000 jobs, the 12th straight monthly gain above 200,000, the government said Friday.

And the unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent. But the rate declined mainly because some people out of work stopped looking for jobs and were no longer counted as unemployed.

The average hourly wage rose just 3 cents to $24.78 an hour. Average hourly pay has now risen just 2 percent over the past 12 months, barely ahead of inflation.

Still, over that time, 3.3 million more Americans have gotten jobs. More jobs and lower gas prices have led many consumers to step up spending. That’s boosting the economy, offsetting sluggish growth overseas and giving employers the confidence to hire.

Most economists have forecast that the economy will grow about 3 percent this year, supporting about 250,000 additional jobs a month. Those increases should raise pay this year, they say.

Friday’s figures provide “more evidence that the labor market is recover-

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ing rapidly, with employment growth more than strong enough to keep the unemployment rate trending down,” said Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.

Falling unemployment “makes more acceleration in wages increasingly likely.”

At 5.5 percent, the unemployment rate has now reached the top of the range the Federal Reserve has said is consistent with a healthy economy.

That could make it more likely that the Fed will raise interest rates from record lows as early as June.

“This is quite a symbolic change that increases the pressure on the Fed to hike rates in June,” said Paul Dales, an economist at Capital Economics said.

Indeed, after the jobs report was released Friday, investors sold ultra-safe U.S. Treasurys, a sign that many anticipate a Fed rate hike. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.24 percent from 2.11 percent before the report was issued.

Investors also sold stocks. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 103 points in morning trading.

Yet the Fed’s decision is complicated by many factors. The 5.5 percent unemployment rate doesn’t reflect as healthy a job market as it typically has in the past. One reason the rate has fallen so low is that many people have stopped looking for work. The

proportion of Americans who either have a job or are seeking one dipped one-tenth of 1 percentage point in February to 62.8 percent. That’s close to the lowest level in 37 years.

Economists calculate that about half that decline reflects the aging of the population as the baby boom generation increasingly retires. But another factor is that many Americans have been discouraged by their job prospects and have given up looking.

The Fed may also be reluctant to start raising rates as long as wage growth remain weak.

Megan Greene, chief economist at John Hancock Financial Services, noted that hourly pay fell in February from January in the construction and mining industries. Greene suggested that such figures will outweigh the falling unemployment rate in Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s mind and perhaps discourage a rate increase soon.

February’s hiring gains were broadbased. Some of the industries with the biggest gains include mostly low-paid work: Hotels and restaurants added 60,000 jobs, retailers 32,000. But higher-paying fields also added jobs: Professional and business services, which include accountants, engineers and lawyers, gained 51,000, construction 29,000 and financial services 10,000.

The U.S. job market and economy

are easily outshining those of other major nations. Though Europe and Japan are showing signs of growing more than last year, their economies remain feeble. The euro currency union’s unemployment rate has started to fall, but at 11.2 percent it remains nearly twice the U.S. level.

The U.S. economy expanded at a breakneck annual pace of 4.8 percent in last year’s spring and summer, only to slow to a tepid 2.2 percent rate in the final three months of 2014. Many economists estimate that growth is picking up slightly in the current quarter to an annual rate of 2.5 percent to nearly 3 percent.

Still, economists remain bullish about hiring despite the slowdown in growth. The fourth quarter’s slowdown occurred largely because companies reduced their stockpiles of goods, which translated into lower factory output.

But companies focus more on consumer demand in making hiring decisions, and demand was strong in the October-December quarter. Americans stepped up their spending by the most in four years.

And though consumers are saving much of the cash they have from cheaper gas, spending in January still rose at a decent pace after adjusting for lower prices.

Timothy L. Griffith

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Deep Impact (‘98, Science Fiction) aa Téa Leoni. Humanity struggles to prevent its Storage Wars (:02) Storage (:32) Storage (:01) Deep Impact Helen Hunt. Storm chasers. (HD) extinction as a comet heads toward Earth. (HD) (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) (‘98) aa (HD) Above the Law (‘88, Action) aa Steven Seagal. An ex-CIA agent and un180 The Departed (‘06, Crime) aaaa Leonardo DiCaprio. A Boston mob boss plants a mole in the police department, while the police infiltrate the mob with their own, and both moles are in danger of being exposed. (HD) dercover detective battles to clean up Chicago.

100 To Be Announced Treehouse Masters (HD) Preposterous Pets (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (N) (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Pit Bulls (HD) Being Mary Jane: No Eggspectations Keyshia Cole: All Scandal Millie’s 162 Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (‘08, Comedy) aa Martin Lawrence. A talk-show host and Being Mary Jane: Sleepless in Atauthor takes his fiancée to a family reunion in Atlanta. (HD) lanta “Table Talk” review. (HD) Shocking news live. (HD) In (HD) scandal. (HD) The Real House wives of At lanta: The Real House wives of At lanta: Ty ler Perry’s Madea’s Wit ness Pro tec tion (‘12, Com edy) aa Ty ler Perry.

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62 The Profit: Shuler’s BBQ Restaurant Startup: Pie vs. Pie The Suze Orman Show (N) Greed Greed: Talk Radio Takedown Suze Orman 64 CNN Newsroom Saturday Sixties Moral mission.

CNN Special Report: The Atlanta Child Murders A convicted killer.

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Forensic 136 Don’t Mess with Billy Madison (‘95, Comedy) aac Adam Sandler. Millionaire’s immature The Longest Yard (‘05, Comedy) aac Adam Sandler. Imprisoned pro football player forms Harold and Zohan (HD) son repeats school to prove he can run father’s business. (HD) team of convicts to play guards in game. (HD) Kumar (‘04) (HD) Finding Nemo (‘03, Family) aaac Albert Brooks. A Mickey: Goofy’s Lab Rats (HD) Mighty Med (HD) Blog: Who’s Austin & Ally Liv and Maddie Blog Something 80 Dog Blog: Stan Falls in Love fish searches the ocean for his son.

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103 Dual Survival: Twin Peaks (HD) Dolphins: Spy In the Pod (N) Dual Survival (HD) Dual Survival (HD) Dual Survival (HD) Survival (HD) 35 College Basketball: Virginia vs Louisville (HD) GameDay College Basketball: Duke vs North Carolina z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 39 College Basketball: Ohio Valley Tournament: Championship (HD) College Basketball: Team TBA vs Gonzaga Bulldogs z{| (HD) College Basketball: Team TBA vs BYU (HD) Pitch Perfect (‘12, Comedy) aaa Anna Kendrick. An all-girls a capella singing group Hitch (‘05, Comedy) aaa Will 131 (6:00) Twilight (‘08, Fantasy) aa Kristen Stewart. A student falls for a vampire, but soon another vampire wants to hunt her down. (HD) attempts to defeat their male rivals. (HD) Smith. Romance coach.

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A new season of tracing celebrity family trees begins

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH A month following the Super Bowl, NBC hopes to rekindle some sports magic with “Premiere Boxing Champions” (8:30 p.m. Saturday). This event includes Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina Jr. from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Announcer Marv Albert and analyst Sugar Ray Leonard call the action. Al Michaels will host. Albert was involved in NBC’s last major prime-time boxing match in 1985, when Larry Holmes and Carl Williams tangled.

NBC’s history of broadcasting boxing goes back to television’s infancy: The network first aired a bout between Lou Nova and Max Baer on June 1, 1939, from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. There were surely more viewers in that 70,000-seat venue than there were TV sets in existence back then.

For the record, boxer Max Baer was father of Max Baer Jr., who would play Jethro on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

• Can this show be saved? Did it ever have a chance? To nobody’s surprise, “Battle Creek” (10 p.m. Sunday, CBS, TV14) had a slow start in the ratings department. And that’s putting it kindly.

This quirky, funny, nuanced series from Vince Gilligan (“Breaking Bad”) and David Shore (“House”) about mismatched buddy cops (Dean Winters and Josh Duhamel) in a beleaguered Michigan city, “Creek” seemed a tad mishandled by the network. CBS made the pilot available way back in the summer while promoting its fall shows. I was shocked that a show as smart as “Creek” was relegated to a March premiere, while the network hyped the mediocre “NCIS: New Orleans,” the formulaic “Scorpion” and the sadistic “Stalker.”

But CBS knows what it is doing. Audiences have shown up for those three shows. They did not materialize for “Creek.” Its initial numbers were so weak that the ratings experts at tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com have already categorized it as “certain to be canceled.” So, I guess the lesson here is: give the people what they want (“CSI: Cyber”) and you thrive; give the critics what they want and you get “Battle Creek,” a show better suited to cable.

The pilot episode of “Creek” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14) re-airs Saturday.

The series’ stumble is part of a bad trend. This year, networks have tried to imitate and emulate some of the challenging dramas that are streaming and on cable. So far, the results have been terrible. Fox fumbled with its “Broadchurch” reboot “Gracepoint.” NBC’s “The Slap” has slipped, and CBS’ “Battle Creek” has been declared all but DOA. This column was filed before the ratings for ABC’s intelligent and ambitious “Wire”-like drama “American Crime” were announced. But I’m not

DAN DE CASTRO / TLC

Julie Chen, right, meets with Dr. Meiling Wu at the Anxi County Records Office on "Who Do You Think You Are?" airing at 10 p.m. Sunday on TLC. holding my breath.

Curiously, while the networks are failing at the imitation game when it comes to “respectable” cable and Netflix series, two solid successes have emerged. “How to Get Away With Murder” and “Empire” have been bona fide ratings hits and have generated tons of positive buzz.

They have done so not by looking to HBO but by harkening back to the networks’ glory days, when shows like “Dynasty” ruled the roost. Both series are sexy, saucy, soapy, audacious and filled with the kinds of “did you see that?” moments that set the Twitterverse ablaze.

• Speaking of network shows with cable-sized audiences, TLC now broadcasts “Who Do You Think You Are?” (10 p.m. Sunday, TV-PG), the genealogy series previously seen on NBC. Adapted from a British series of the same name, “Who” traces the family trees of celebrities, revealing how nearly everybody, famous or not, has connections to historical events and trends and descends from the famous, the fascinating and even the notorious.

First up this season is Julie Chen, the CBS News personality best known for hosting “Big Brother.” Over the course of the season, “Who” will trace the roots of Josh Groban, Angie Harmon, Sean Hayes and others.

• Jon Stewart may be leaving “The Daily Show,” but he returns to host “Night of Too Many Stars” (8 p.m. Sunday, Comedy Central), a biennial event raising awareness and funds for autism research and care.

CULT CHOICE The Coen brothers turn their attention to the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s in the 2013 drama “Inside Llewyn Davis” (9 p.m. Saturday, Showtime).

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Middleton anticipates an annual community bash on “Good Witch” (8 p.m., Hallmark, TV-PG).

• A victim (AnnaLynne McCord) tries to get to the source of her cyberstalking in the 2015 thriller “Watch Your Back” (8 p.m., Lifetime).

• Tales of quick thinking and grace under pressure on “In an Instant” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• Dramatic news for Flint and Silver on “Black Sails” (9 p.m., Starz, TV-MA).

• David Beckham, Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Hugh Jackman and Noel Gallagher are on “The Graham Norton Show” (10:15 p.m., BBC America, TVPG).

• Chris Hemsworth hosts “Saturday

Night Live” (11:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14), with musical guest Zac Brown Band.

SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): veterans adjust to civilian life; Argentina’s political scandal; a profile of New York Metropolitan Opera conductor James Levine that Bob Simon had just completed when he died three weeks ago.

• A video poses grave dangers on “Madam Secretary” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• A crucial interview looms on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Ben’s story emerges on “Secrets and Lies” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• The new habitat takes some getting used to on “The Walking Dead” (9 p.m., AMC, TV-MA).

• Hannah makes a new friend on “Girls” (9 p.m., HBO, TV-MA).

• Alex wants to share good news with Tina on the season finale of “Togetherness” (9:30 p.m., HBO, TV-MA).

• A killer drowns victims in maple syrup on “Battle Creek” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Margaux is exposed on “Revenge” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• Matt must decide to either sell his beach house or become a game show host on “Episodes” (10:30 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).

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REVIEWS Call: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Samsung gets a lot right with S6 phones

BY ANICK JESDANUN AP Technology Writer NEW YORK — Samsung’s new Galaxy smartphones improve in two major areas: design and picture quality.

Samsung ramped up its camera technology in last fall’s Galaxy Note 4, and the camera is even better in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge announced Sunday. More importantly, the new phones have a more stylish design.

I had less than 90 minutes to try out the new phones in controlled settings, so it’s too early for a definitive assessment. But I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far. The phones will start selling in April at prices not yet determined.

DESIGN For years, Samsung phones have had removable backs made of plastic. That allowed for battery replacement but made the phones look cheap. I’m glad to see the metal frame and glass back in the new phones. The phones are lighter than before, even with metal.

The main S6 model feels boxy in my hands. More recent iPhones have smoother, curved edges. The S6 Edge curves on the left and right sides to create side displays, so it feels better.

But boxy or not, I prefer Samsung’s new design over its old models.

CAMERA The Note 4 camera was excellent for producing images rich in color. However, the colors sometimes felt unnatural, especially with indoor shots. The S6 phones seek to fix that by using infrared sensors (normally used for heart rate tracking) to better detect and adjust for specific lighting conditions. This sounds promising.

The S6 phones also sport better focus, borrowing technology from

Samsung’s stand-alone NX1 camera.

You already can focus on a person by touching that part of the screen. But if the person walks away, the focus is off. With the new technology, the focal point moves with the person. It worked in my limited tests, though the subjects were still blurry because of poor lighting conditions. I may get better results outdoors.

One handy feature: Double tap the home button any time to open the camera app quickly so you don’t miss shots.

comes in. You can decide without rudely lifting the phone whether you really need to take that call.

MOBILE PAY When it launches this summer in the U.S. and South Korea, Samsung Pay will let people pay with a tap at retail stores.

The service promises to work at more places than Apple Pay because it has

BATTERY You can no longer replace the battery with a spare, but there’s fast-charging technology to get you from zero to 50 percent in a halfhour. Although I didn’t get to test this with the S6 phones, a similar feature worked well on the Note 4.

With wireless charging, you can place the phone on a special mat to charge it. No cords needed. This will be handy when coffee shops and restaurants start making these mats available. Until then, I don’t mind the cord, especially as wireless charging is slower.

backup technology that replicates the magnetic-strip signals on plastic cards.

However, based on Samsung’s descriptions, Samsung Pay will require a few more steps than Apple Pay at checkout.

OTHER “TOUCHES” The S6 phones have improved fingerprint sensors. Before, you had to swipe down on the home button; the phone wouldn’t unlock if you didn’t swipe correctly. Now, you simply touch the home button, just as you do on iPhones. The fingerprint ID will authorize mobile payments, too.

Samsung also streamlined the software interface. Now, the menu of additional options is accessed by tapping on the three vertical dots on the top right. Why three vertical dots? Who knows? That’s been replaced with the word “MORE.” Little touches such as these will help make the phones more accessible to customers.

One of two new Samsung phones, the Galaxy S6 Edge, is presented at a special press preview in New York on Feb. 23. Samsung officially unveiled the stylish new phones March 1.

SIDE DISPLAYS The S6 Edge model has curved sides, similar to last fall’s Note Edge phone. The S6 Edge improves on the Note by having the display curve over both the left and right sides. The Note Edge’s side display was on the right only, making some features awkward for lefties.

With the S6 Edge, you can assign colors to important contacts — such as red for your spouse. With the phone face down, the side will flash red when a call from your spouse

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dave Barry’s new book filled with humor, insight

BY JEFF AYERS The Associated Press “Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster),” Dave Barry’s latest book of essays, might be thin on page count, but it’s worth every penny when it comes to humor and insight.

Barry’s weekly essays in newspapers across the country

have been missed by many for some time now, so it’s wonderful to see that he hasn’t stopped writing about our foibles and his somewhat unique perspective on what makes us tick.

And he’s able to do it while invoking laughter.

Parents will appreciate his concerns regarding his teenage daughter getting her learner’s permit and the vari-

Kiwanis Club of Sumter’s 53rd Annual

Pancake Day All you can eat!

Pancakes, Sausage, Milk, Juice and Coffee This Saturday

March 7, 2015

Alice Drive Middle School Cafeteria 7:00-10:30am and 5-8pm

Tickets Adults - $6.00 Children 4-12 - $3.00 3 and under - Free nefit Proceeds Beand Our Youth ity Commun cts.

Service Proje

ous issues he sees regarding the drivers in the state of Florida where he lives. (According to his observations, being legally blind does not matter when it comes to having a driver’s license there.)

Barry’s wife, Michelle Kaufman, is a sportswriter for The Miami Herald, and thanks to her, he’s exposed to the joys and sorrows of soccer. He be-

comes jealous of star David Beckham’s good looks after he learns she’s going to interview him, and a trip to Brazil to watch the World Cup begins with fear about being robbed, thanks to the shady tour guides he studies in advance.

Barry does an amazing job demonstrating why soccer is so beloved — yet not so much in the United States. He uses

sarcasm to prove the game isn’t quite as boring as a nonfan would believe and worthwhile even if your child isn’t playing in some youth league.

Barry’s heart and soul come across on the page even as he throws out another groan-inducing joke. Fans will love this, and newcomers not familiar with his work will find enjoyment as well.

CONSUMER ALERT

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LINKED TO SERIOUS BLEEDING AND DEATH Serious and sometimes fatal health problems have been reported by patients taking Xarelto (rivaroxaban). If you or a loved one has experienced uncontrolled bleeding or other complications after taking Xarelto, call the law firm of Martin & Jones to protect your legal rights.

Call Today!

FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION TOLL FREE

1-800-597-5720 RALEIGH OFFICE 410 Glenwood Ave.,NC

HOME CARE SERVICES for Elderly Request for Proposal The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center (SLRCOG/AAA/ADRC), invites you to submit proposals in accordance with requirements contained in the solicitation for the purchase and provisions of In-home and Community-Based Services for the elderly under Title III of the Older Americans Act and South Carolina State-Funded Programs of the State Unit on Aging. The service being procured is Level I Home Care in the Santee-Lynches Region of South Carolina, which consists of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter Counties. The contract period is for one (1) year with four (4) additional one year renewals starting July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

The RFP for Level I Home Care Services will be released on March 16, 2015.

We will not be doing a garage sale this year.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling Glenn Givens at (803) 418-0800 ext. 108

To request RFP, please contact: Connie D. Munn, Area Agency on Aging Director SLRCOG/AAA/ADRC Post Office Box 1837 Sumter, SC 29151 Telephone: (803) 775-7381 Email: cmunn@slcog.org

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

OBAMA FROM PAGE A1 Columbia’s and South Carolina’s black community, followed intently as Obama spoke.

The president was in Columbia on his way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, today, but his message at Benedict was primarily directed at young people – primarily young black men.

Benedict College President David Swinton opened the program with a few words directed to young people in the crowd.

“It is a very, very rare opportunity to get to hear the leader of the free world in person and get to ask him questions,” Swinton said.

The crowd had to wait for some time before Obama arrived.

“It is good to get out of Washington and talk to normal folks,” Obama said when he finally came on stage.

He said he was on his way to Selma, and was still working on his speech for that historic occasion, but he said it would probably include something about the meaning of Selma for today’s young people.

“It’s about honoring those civil rights heroes through

your actions today,” he said.

“Historically, it has been young people like you who helped lead that march.

Young people who stubbornly insisted on justice.

“We still have work to do,” he said. “But we are in much better shape than we were 50 years ago.”

He listed some of the many ways life has improved for the nation’s young people — especially those of color — and he said the young people could take things even higher.

“We can’t do it for you, but we can give you the tools you need,” he said.

He said that is why he has launched “My Brother’s Keeper,” a program intended to help young people turn from paths that lead to dead ends.

The president then allowed questions from the audience, not all of which were easy.

He fielded questions about such topics as the Keystone Pipeline, high tuition costs, federal pardons and how to stop gun violence.

Grabbing the most media attention was an exchange with 10-year-old Willow Drive Elementary fourth-grader Trace Adams, who asked Obama when he became interested in becoming president.

“It wasn’t when I was 10,”

the president replied.

“Are you thinking about it?”

“A little bit,” Trace said.

“You’re two decades ahead of me,” Obama quipped. “Just remember you have to be 35, it’s in the Constitution, so you have 25 years to prepare.

“When I was 10,” Obama recalled, “I wanted to be an architect, and then I went through a bunch of things. I thought I could be a basketball player — then I found out I was too slow, and I couldn’t jump. Then, I became interested in being a lawyer, and I became a lawyer,” Obama said.

The president asked Trace what his interests were and what subject he liked in school.

“Social studies,” the boy said.

“So you’re interested in public policy and reading newspapers and things?” Obama asked. “Do you discuss the issues with your dad?”

“Oh, yes sir,” Trace replied.

“Oh yeah, I can tell,” Obama shot back as the crowd cheered.

The president told Trace to work hard in school, get involved in service projects and help people in his community.

“Make sure you graduate from college, and then, who knows, I might just be warming up the seat for you,” Obama said. “And when you

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 become president, I want you to remind everybody how, when you talked to President Obama, he said, ‘Go for it!’”

The president turned his attention to the older students.

“I just want all these college kids to notice,” Obama said. “He’s 10 years old and talking and thinking public policy, and if all you are doing is watching a ball game, don’t let him embarrass you.”

In response to a question asked about why the police officer who shot a young black man in Ferguson, Missouri, was not charged by federal officials, Obama said he backed the Justice Department’s decision, but decried the systemic racism reflected in Furguson Police and municipal policies.

In closing, the president reiterated his confidence in America’s young people.

“You are going to have more impact on the people coming up behind you than anybody else, and the kind of example you set and the willingness to get involved and engage in a concrete way to remake our world, together, that’s what’s going to determine the future of America.

“Looking out at all of you, that’s what makes me optimistic,” he said, before walking into the crowd to meet and greet his supporters.

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A7

TRACE FROM PAGE A1 speak in Columbia, on Friday.

He certainly didn’t expect his visit to the campus of Benedict College would lead to his becoming a bit of a media sensation.

“I had no clue that I was going to come in and ask a question,” Trace said.

“When he said he would ask questions, me and my dad come up with a question. I never knew he would call on me.”

Soon after Obama finished speaking, Trace was surrounded by a gaggle of media pushing cameras and microphones at the youngster as he had a slew of questions thrown his way by national and local reporters.

He seemed to handle it well, as any aspiring politician would.

“I am so proud of him,” said Bailey, who is chairman of the Sumter County Democratic Party. “He’s a straight ‘A’ student.”

Adams said he did not get a chance to shake the president’s hand, as many in the crowd did.

“It was really cool to speak to him,” he said.

OBITUARIES EARLENE M. MCLEOD BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Earlene Mamie McLeod, widow of Anthrum James McLeod, departed this life on or about Feb. 25, 2015, at her residence.

She was born and raised in Pinewood on Nov. 5, 1928, to the late Mamie MCLEOD Pugh. Earlene was a beloved and respected wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend. Earlene received her formal education at Pinewood High School. It was there where she met the love of her life, Anthrum James McLeod, who preceded her in death. Earlene and Anthrum were married on Oct. 17, 1947, and from their union they were blessed with a son, Freddie Gene McLeod. In 1953, Earlene and her family migrated north to New York City in pursuit of better opportunities. It was there where Earlene began working at Admiral Plastics. Earlene was a very loyal employee who never missed a day. She worked at Admiral Plastics for more than 40 years and retired from there in July 1992.

Besides spending her time with family, Earlene was a longtime member of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn for more than 40 years. Earlene was very dedicated to the Lord and to her house of worship, whereby, she was a Sunday school teacher, assisted in the day care center on Sundays, served as a member of the usher board, served on the board of elders, and then became a deacon. Earlene became known as a “Living Legacy” at the church and was honored by Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on Sept.

16, 2012. Despite her age, Earlene continued to worship there until her last days.

The rest of Earlene’s days were filled with walks around the community, shopping and sewing. She spent many moments with her family and grandchildren, instilling the importance of self-determination and self-sufficiency. Earlene was always soft spoken and had pleasant words to say. Earlene’s final acts were keeping a close eye on her great-grandchildren in order to ensure they were following and living up to the legacy that she has left for them.

Earlene Mamie McLeod leaves to cherish and forever celebrate her memory: her only son, Freddie Gene McLeod; daughters-in-law, Rita E. McLeod and Norma L. McLeod; three granddaughters, Deirdre N. Johnson, Shaton M. Dunmore and Donna L. McLeod; one grandson, Don-Matthew Gene McLeod; two grandsons-in-law, Kelvin

K. Johnson Sr. and James E. Dunmore; five great-grandchildren, Kymberli T. Johnson, Kelvin K. Johnson Jr., Jordan D. Dunmore, Erica N. Johnson and Raymond L. Capers Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services for Mrs. McLeod will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, New York, with the Rev. Lindsay Borden, interim pastor, officiating, and J. David Williams, organist. Burial will follow at The Evergreens Cemetery, 1629 Bushwick Aven., Brooklyn, NY 11207.

These services have been entrusted to Frank R. Bell Funeral Home of Brooklyn.

LOUIS FULTON JR. MANNING — Louis “Buster” Fulton Jr., 81, died on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

Funeral services for Mr. Fulton will be held at 1 p.m. today at Hayes F. & LaNelle J. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

TALMUCH A. BURGESS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Monday, March 2, 2015, Talmuch Appelt Burgess, widower of Evelina Green Burgess, departed this life at his residence in Jacksonville.

Born on Jan. 30, 1947, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Sidney and Sarah Hilton Burgess.

A service of remembrance for Talmuch Appelt Burgess will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Fleming and DeLaine Chapel, 222 W. Boyce St., Manning, with Elder Rhonda B. Keels officiating and Evangelist Natasha Wilson, eulogist, bringing words of consolation. Service of interment will follow at Junky Yard Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence of his daughter, Patricia Burgess, 1363 Watford Drive, Sugar Hill community, Manning.

Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services.

Online condolences may be sent to Flemingdelaine@aol. com. www.FlemingDeLaine.com

fectionately called, memories will be cherished by six sisters, Georgia Reames of Sumter, Ora B. (Mack) Wilson of Elliott, Annie L. (Robert) Moses, Josephine Washington and Evaline (Harold) Harriott, all of Sumter, and Doreatha Wells of the home; three brothers, Charlie Lee Wells of the home, James (Claudia) Wells and Nathaniel Wells of Elliott; three aunts, Virginia Williams of Lamar, Mary B. Luckey of Elliott and Hattie M. Boone of Mayesville; four uncles, John Lisbon of Lamar, Zill Lisbon Jr. of Florida, Bobby C. Wells of Elliott and George Primes of Lynchburg; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, one brother, and three brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 16 Clarence McFadden Road, Elliott, with the Rev. Blondell S. Miller, senior pastor, eulogist.

The family is receiving family and friends at the home of his sister, Doreatha Wells, 246 Casual Branch Road, Elliott.

The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. for viewing.

The procession will leave at 1:20 p.m. from the home of his sister.

Floral bearers will be nieces.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Burial will be in St. Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery, Wisacky.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc. com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

EDWARD HICKS ALCOLU — Edward “Poppy” Hicks, 84, widower of Shirley Elizabeth Gamble Hicks, died on Friday, March 6, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1930, in Alcolu, a son of the late Rev. Eddie and Maggie Abraham Hicks.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his daughter, Shirley Hicks Blanding, 1078 Ficus St., Alcolu.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

GEORGE WELLS JR.

VERA M. WATSON

On Tuesday, March 3, 2015, the Lord called to rest, George Wells Jr., after a brief illness at Sumter Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on Nov. 17, 1947, in Lee County, he was a son of the late George Sr. and Dorothy Gamble Wells. He attended the public schools of Lee County.

“Sonny Boy,” as he was af-

BISHOPVILLE — Vera M. Watson entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at McCoy Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Harvey officiating. Burial will be in the churchyard cemetery.

Services entrusted to Wil-

son Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

GLENN A. SNOW Glenn Andrew Snow, age 81, beloved husband of 50 years to Cornelia Ann Holmes Snow, died on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at his residence.

Born in Walkertown, North Carolina, he was a son of the late William Andrew and Sarah Lavada McCann Snow.

Mr. Snow served in the U.S. Navy. He went on to work at Santee Print Works as an inspector in packing. He was an active member in the Pleasant Garden Jaycee Organization and received the Jaycee of the year award. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he served on the administration board, as church treasurer, and taught Sunday school.

Surviving in addition to his wife are one son, Bryan Andrew Snow of Sumter; one daughter, Melanie S. McDade of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one brother, Francis E. Snow and his wife, Lois, of Pleasant Garden, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Jason McDade, Christopher McDade, Zachary McDade, Rebecca McDade Mower and Andrew McDade; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two half sisters, Geneva M. Doub of Pfafftown, North Carolina, and Margaret Rebecca Brewer of Fort Myers, Florida.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Webb Belangia officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Wesley Fellowship Class of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and friends from North Carolina.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; Amedisys Home Health Care, 3481 Declaration Blvd., Sumter, SC 29154; or to Amedisys Hospice, 2555 LinDo Court, Sumter, SC 29150.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

MARY C. MCCALL Mary Cabbagestalk McCall, 54, wife of Charles “Tony” McCall, was called home to

rest by God on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on Feb. 18, 1961, in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Josh and Rena Lewis Cabbagestalk and John McMillian. She attended Ashwood High School of Lee County. At an early age, she attended Mt. Olive AME Church, Woodrow. Later she joined Northwestern Christian Ministries. Mary worked at Manchester Farms in Sumter until she was unable due to her illness. Mary loved to attend church and care for her grandchildren. Though she will be truly missed daily, we will forever cherish the memories we had with her.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband of 32 years, Charles “Tony” McCall; four children, Rovdell (Charmaine) Cabbagestalk of Daphne, Alabama, April (Chris) McCall of Dalzell, Ricardo (Natisha) Cabbagestalk and Shanita (Troy) McCall of Sumter; three sisters, Corine (Alex) Prescott, Lucille (Leon) McLaughlin and Ruby (Vincent) Phillips, all of Sumter; one stepsister, Dorothy (Sammy) Banden of Sumter; three brothers, Thomas (Bertha) Lewis of Columbia, Herbert Lee Cabbagestalk of Sumter, Richard (Carey) Cabbagestalk of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Jonny Jr. (Jimmie Lou) McMillian of Sumter; one sister-in-law, Corine McCall; three brothersin-law, Ricky (Elizabeth) McCall of Cameron, Willie Jr. (Jackie) McCall of Colorado Springs and Al Donnie (Theresa) McCall of Dalzell; 16 grandchildren whom she adored; a dear friend, Krystal Barnette of Sumter; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Cabbagestalk; her sister, Betty Julius; her sisterin-law, Loris McCall; and granddaughter, Kylee Hunter.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Northwestern Christian Ministries, 2190 Peach Orchard Road, Sumter, with Elder Bennie Bradley, co-pastor, eulogist.

The family is receiving family and friends at the home, 5331 Edge Hill Road, Sumter.

The remains will be placed in the church at 2 p.m.

The procession will leave at 2:20 p.m. from the home.

Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends.

Burial will be in Aycock Cemetery, Wedgefield.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com.

Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

A8

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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

AROUND TOWN The Overcomers Stroke SupThe AARP Foundation Volunport Group will meet at 6 teer Tax-Aide Program will p.m. on Thursday, March 12, offer free income tax assistance for low-income or elderly in the Alice Drive Baptist taxall assistance Churchavailable library on the corner taxpayers.Free You income will need: of Loring and Wise. Call tax forms and information; Wayne Hunter at (803) 464government-issued ID; So3003. cial Security card; all W-2’s, 1099s and 1098s; and supThe Shepherd’s Center will porting documents if you hold a one pot cook-off 11 plan to itemize. Assistance a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March will be available 9 a.m.-2 13, at Trinity Lincoln Center, p.m. on Mondays and 24 Council St. Tickets are Wednesdays through April $10 for all you can eat. Call 13 at The Spectrum senior (803) 773-1944. center, 1989 Durant Lane.

The American Red Cross will Call (803) 316-0772. offer New Volunteer OrientaFree income tax filing services tion / Disaster Services Overand FAFSA applications will be view for new Red Cross volprovided through April 15 as unteers from 9 a.m. to noon follows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Wednesdays, SC Works — 1155 N. Guignard Drive. This Santee Lynches, 31 E. Calclass is for anyone who houn St., (803) 774-1300; 9:30 would like to volunteer in a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. any capacity with the Red Saturdays, appointments Cross. Call (803) 775-2363 to only on Sundays, Goodwill register or find out more in— Job Link Center, 1028 formation.

Broad St., (803) 774-5006; The Clarendon County Republic and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ThursParty will meet on Saturday, days and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturdays, Lee County Adult March 14, at Cornerstone Education, 123 E. College St., Free Will Baptist Church, 2116 Greeleyville Highway, Bishopville, (803) 484-4040.

Manning. Precinct reorganiCall Ms. Samuels at (803) zation will be from 10 a.m.

240-8355. until 2 p.m.

Clarendon School District One You can make a difference in will conduct free vision, hearing, speech and developmental the life of an abused, abandoned or neglected child. The screenings as part of a child South Carolina Department find effort to identify stuof Social Services is seeking dents with special needs.

Screenings will be held from families interested in becoming adoptive or foster / 9 a.m. to noon at the Sumresource parents. The agenmerton Early Childhood cy will host an Adoption Center on the following and Foster Care Expo inforThursdays: March 12; April mational meeting from 4 to 9; and May 14. Call Sadie 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March Williams or Audrey Walters 17, at the North HOPE Cenat (803) 485-2325, extension ter, 904 N. Main St. For more 221. details, call (800) 763-6637.

The Campbell Soup friends VFW Post 11078, Summerton, lunch group will meet at will meet at 6 p.m. on Tues11:30 a.m. today at Golden day, March 17, at its quarCorral. ters on Canty Street. All Robert E. Lee Academy will members and potential new hold its 15th Annual Cavalier members are invited.

Pride Auction on Saturday, South Carolina Legal Services March 7, at 630 Cousar St., will hold a free expungement Bishopville. Food will be workshop at 10 a.m. on served from 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18, at There will be a silent and live auction with bidding be- Clarendon School District One Community Resource ginning at 5:30 p.m. A raffle will be held for a Yeti cooler. Center, 1154 Fourth St., Summerton. This workshop Event will also feature a is designed to help you chance to win $1,000 in tubegin the process of clearition credit or $500 cash. All ing your record so you can proceeds will benefit the be eligible for various caschool to improve the edureer opportunities. Call cation of the students.

Kathleen L. Gibson at (803) The League of Women Voters 485-2043 or (803) 225-0832 will meet at 6 p.m. on Monfor details. day, March 9, at County The Sumter County Educator’s Council Chambers, East Canal Street. Meeting topic: Association-Retired will meet at noon on Wednesday, “How the Affordable Health Care Program Impacts You.” March 18, at the North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. New The Sumter Chapter of the Na- members are encouraged to tional Federation of the Blind attend and join. Call Brenda will meet at 7 p.m. on TuesBethune at (803) 469-6588. day, March 10, at ShilohThe Pinedale Neighborhood AsRandolph Manor. Ben Mcsociation will meet at 4 p.m.

Carter will speak. If you on Thursday, March 19, at know a blind or visually imthe South HOPE Center, 1125 paired person, contact S. Lafayette Drive. Call FerDebra Canty at Debradinand Burns at (803) 968CanC2@frontier.com or at 4464 for information.

(803) 775-5792.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

Warmer with plenty of sunshine

Clear

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Times of clouds and Cloudy with a little sun rain

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Occasional rain

Occasional rain and drizzle

61°

37°

69° / 47°

65° / 52°

67° / 52°

68° / 49°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 65%

SW 4-8 mph

SW 4-8 mph

WSW 6-12 mph

ESE 4-8 mph

NE 6-12 mph

NNE 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 60/33 Spartanburg 61/35

Greenville 61/35

Columbia 63/37

Temperatures shown on map are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 61/37

Aiken 63/34

ON THE COAST

Charleston 60/38

Today: Warmer with brilliant sunshine.

High 56 to 60.

Sunday: Times of clouds and sun; warmer in southern parts. High 65 to 69.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/36/s 42/23/pc 56/41/pc 41/28/sf 61/44/pc 85/53/s 61/46/s 36/33/pc 72/59/c 38/30/pc 81/55/s 68/49/s 46/35/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.03 75.77 75.06 98.09

24-hr chg +0.07 +0.01 none +0.08

Sunrise 6:44 a.m.

Moonrise 8:18 p.m.

RIVER STAGES River Black River Congaree River Lynches River Saluda River Up. Santee River Wateree River

0.49" 0.77" 0.77" 11.83" 6.99" 8.19"

NATIONAL CITIES City Atlanta Chicago Dallas Detroit Houston Los Angeles New Orleans New York Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix San Francisco Wash., DC

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

47° 36° 63° 38° 86° in 1955 20° in 1960

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 66/47/pc 37/23/pc 48/41/r 40/30/c 57/49/r 80/52/s 69/54/r 45/31/pc 79/66/c 45/32/pc 80/55/s 67/50/pc 50/35/pc

Myrtle Beach 53/39

Manning 60/35

Today: Warmer with plenty of sun. Winds southwest 4-8 mph.

Sunday: Intervals of clouds and sun. Winds southwest 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 60/36

Bishopville 61/35

Sunset Moonset

6:23 p.m.

7:36 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 13

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

Apr. 4

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 11.26 +0.02 19 3.98 -0.12 14 10.99 +0.53 14 3.72 +0.35 80 78.77 -0.67 24 6.93 -2.22

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 9:55 a.m.

10:20 p.m.

11:27 a.m.

11:51 p.m.

Today Sun.

Ht. 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.9

Low Ht. 4:31 a.m. -0.1 4:42 p.m. 0.0 6:07 a.m. 0.0 6:14 p.m. 0.0

REGIONAL CITIES City Asheville Athens Augusta Beaufort Cape Hatteras Charleston Charlotte Clemson Columbia Darlington Elizabeth City Elizabethtown Fayetteville

Today Hi/Lo/W 58/31/s 62/35/s 64/33/s 60/39/s 44/40/s 60/38/s 59/35/s 64/38/s 63/37/s 60/35/s 49/36/s 56/35/s 59/36/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 63/42/pc 68/48/pc 70/47/pc 69/48/c 53/46/pc 70/46/pc 66/47/pc 69/51/pc 70/51/pc 68/46/pc 58/39/pc 65/46/pc 66/45/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 60/36/s Gainesville 69/44/pc Gastonia 60/35/s Goldsboro 56/36/s Goose Creek 60/38/s Greensboro 56/34/s Greenville 61/35/s Hickory 58/35/s Hilton Head 56/43/s Jacksonville, FL 63/39/pc La Grange 65/33/s Macon 63/32/s Marietta 59/32/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 69/45/pc 76/57/c 66/48/pc 63/44/pc 70/46/pc 61/43/pc 67/49/pc 64/45/pc 65/50/c 71/52/c 71/49/pc 69/47/pc 64/45/pc

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/32/s 59/39/s 53/39/s 62/38/s 59/39/s 55/34/s 60/33/s 59/32/s 62/36/s 61/35/s 57/40/s 55/36/s 56/35/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 64/40/pc 69/47/pc 63/45/pc 70/47/pc 67/48/c 61/42/pc 66/47/pc 65/44/pc 71/46/c 67/46/pc 66/48/c 65/42/pc 61/44/pc

Weather(W): s–sunny, pc–partly cloudy, c–cloudy, sh–showers, t–thunderstorms, r–rain, sf–snow flurries, sn–snow, i–ice

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin!

803-795-4257 www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Jump into EUGENIA LAST action and you will get unfinished business out of the way, leaving you time to enjoy the ones you love and giving you a chance to attend an entertaining event.

Romance should be a top priority.

The last word in astrology

sit there talking about what you want to do -- take action. Get serious and join forces with someone you know is an asset. If executed properly, your plans will lead to financial independence.

Love is in the stars.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t allow anyone to stand in your way.

The more you put yourself on the TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep whatever you are doing a secret for line and strive to reach your goals, the time being. Avoid taking on too the happier you will be. Conduct much or getting into a your business in imaginative ways confrontation with someone who and you will bypass unwanted is looking for an emotional interference. blowout. Do your best to resolve a SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): money matter.

Staying on track and being upfront GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You can is all that’s required to accomplish outperform anyone today. Your what you set out to do. Home grace, courage and passion will improvements should include lead to success, but don’t expect updating your entertainment everyone to be happy for you. Be center. An investment will pay off. wary of anyone trying to limit or manipulate you. Jealousy is Love is skyrocketing. apparent. Leave some time for CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): romance.

Financial matters must be handled CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you cautiously. Don’t follow someone let your emotions take over, you else’s plan when you should be will start a never-ending feud. developing your own. Letting your Focus on creative projects or emotions get in the way of a good looking for unique solutions for a decision will be your downfall. matter that’s troubling you.

Slow down and avoid Keeping the peace should be your impulsiveness. goal.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Reconnect with people from your past.

Consider taking a trip, planning a reunion or revisiting an old goal that you would still like to pursue.

Speak from the heart and you will capture the interest of someone very special.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Set your plans into motion. Getting back to basics and updating your skills, ideas and approach will give you a fresh start that promises plenty of success if you follow through. Romance is heating up.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Put everything you’ve got into improving important relationships.

Look for a way to make your money work for you. An investment can help you save, as can sticking to your budget.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take an honest look at what you have accomplished. Don’t be fooled by someone trying to guilt you into doing something that will not benefit you. Do your own thing and you will find your way to victory.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t just

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

4-9-16-23-33 PowerUp: 2

8-12-15-35-50 Powerball: 32; Powerplay: 2

9-11-42-44-50 Megaball: 3; Megaplier: 4

PICK 3 FRIDAY

PICK 4 FRIDAY

4-0-5 and 0-3-3

3-5-6-6 and 0-3-7-6

SPCA CAT OF THE WEEK Lynx, a 1-year-old gray tabby female American short hair, is available for adoption at the Sumter SPCA. She is housebroken, playful, affectionate, gentle, active and a bit silly. She loves cat toys and laser lights. Lynx would make a great new family addition. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 S. Guignard Drive, (803) 773-9292, and is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Visit the website at www.sumterscspca.com.

The SPCA relies heavily on community support and donations. Currently, the biggest needs are for dry puppy and kitten food; wet cat food; cat litter; and cleaning supplies. The following are also appreciated: Newspapers; stuffed animals; heavy duty trash bags (30 gallon or larger); dishwashing liquid; laundry detergent; bleach; paper towels; sheets and comforters; baby blankets; canned dog and cat food; dry dog, treats; leashes and collars; disinfectant spray; all-purpose cleaner; air freshener; no scratch scrubbers; two-sided sponges for dishes; litter freshener; monetary donations are also gratefully accepted.

SECTION

Gordon earns 1st career pole at Las Vegas B2

B

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP BASKETBALL

State champs again Gamecocks hold off Hillcrest 61-55 to capture first 4A crown in 30 years

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com COLUMBIA — Weather the storm.

It’s been a constant message the Sumter High School varsity boys basketball team has heard throughout the season from head coach Jo Jo English.

And that’s what the Gamecocks did on Friday at Colonial Life Arena, holding off a late charge from Hillcrest to win 61-55 to give the school its first 4A basketball state title in 30 years.

Senior Brandon Parker hit two free throws with 28.5 remaining in the game to push the Gamecocks’ lead to 59-55.

Senior Marquise Moore added a bucket with 15.3 to play to ice the victory.

As per usual over the course of the season, the Gamecock defense did the rest.

Leading by 10 heading into the final stanza of play, the Gamecocks weathered a late 12-2 run. The teamwork that got them to this point shined when it mattered most.

“We had been in that situation with James Island (a 48-44 victory for the lower state

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Andrew Tiller, left, dives to the basket as Hillcrest’s Randall Shaw (3) defends during the Gamecocks’ 61-55 victory on Friday in the 4A SEE CHAMPS, PAGE B3 state championship game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.

New territory

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sonora Dengokl (15) and the rest of the Lake - wood High girls basketball team enter new territory today at 5:30 p.m. when they face Lancaster for the 3A state championship at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. It is the first state title appearance for the Lady Gators and first in over 50 years for the Lady Bruins.

Lady Gators look to earn 3A crown in 1st trip to title game

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com There has been a bit of melancholy surrounding the Lakewood High School varsity girls basketball team this week.

“They know this is the last game of the whole year,” Lady Gators head coach Frances Fields said of her players. “They’re working hard, they’ve ready to get at it, but this is the last time they’ll practice together as a whole team.”

What a way to go out though, playing for the 3A state title today against Lancaster at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia at 5:30 p.m. Lakewood brings a 22-4 record and a No. 6 ranking into the contest against the

Mitchell leads Carolina past Razorbacks 58-36 NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dawn Staley had five days to simmer and hope No. 3 South Carolina would play “angry’’ following a surprising loss at Kentucky to end the regular season.

The Gamecocks head coach received her wish on Friday.

Led by Tiffany Mitchell’s 12 points, along with a school-record 15 blocked shots, No. 3 South Carolina (28-2) advanced to the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals with a 58-36 win over Arkansas.

It’s the third semifinal appearance in the last four seasons for the top-seeded Gamecocks, who are seeking their first tournament title after back-to-back regular-season conference titles.

More importantly, Friday’s win helped temper the frustration following only their second loss of the season last week.

“I wanted them to be mad,’’ Staley said. “I wanted them to be angry like I was ... You want them to feel that, because at this stage of the game you don’t really have a whole lot of

SEE USC, PAGE B4

At Colonial Life Arena in Columbia Today Girls 3A Lakewood vs. Lancaster, 5:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 top-ranked and 26-0 Lady Bruins.

This will be the first time the Lady Gators have ever played for a state title. It has been over 50 years since Lancaster did it, so these are two teams in new territory.

“This is something we’ve never had a chance to do before,” said Lakewood senior all-state per-

former Sonora Dengokl.

“We’ve worked hard to get here; now it’s time to see what we can do.”

Fields, who is in her second year as Lakewood’s head coach, is interested to see how her team responds to the situation.

“We’ve never been here before, so I don’t know exactly what to expect,” Fields said. “On the other hand, basketball is what we’ve been doing, so they are used to that. I know they’re ready to play.”

Dengokl, who has signed to play at the NCAA Division I level with North Carolina Asheville, is the unquestioned leader of the team.

She is averaging team

SEE NEW, PAGE B3

SCISA All-Star games at Wilson Hall today

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BY KURT VOIGT The Associated Press

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s Tiffany Mitchell, right, prepares to shoot in front of Arkansas’ Calli Berna (11) during the Gamecocks’ 58-36 SEC tournament victory on Friday in North Little Rock, Ark.

The SCISA NorthSouth All-Star basketball games will be played today at Wilson Hall’s Nash Student Center beginning at 12:15 p.m.

The 1A-2A and 3A girls basketball games will begin at 12:15, with the 1A-2A game in Gym A and the 3A contest in Gym B. The boys games will begin at approximately 1:45, with the 1A-2A game in Gym A and the 3A game in Gym B.

SCISA NORTHSOUTH GAMES WHEN: 12:15 p.m.

WHERE: Wilson Hall’s Nash Student Center SCHEDULE GIRLS 12:15 p.m. 1A-2A Gym A; 3A Gym B BOYS 1:45 p.m. 1A-2A Gym A; 3A Gym B

There will be eight local players participating in the four

SEE SCISA, PAGE B4

B2

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SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

SPORTS ITEMS

Gordon grabs 1st Las Vegas pole

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

LAS VEGAS — Jeff Gordon, preparing for his final start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, won the pole for Sunday’s race — his first career pole at the track.

It’s the 79th pole of Gordon’s career and leaves just Kansas and Kentucky as the only active tracks where he’s yet to win GORDON a pole. Kentucky is the only track on the circuit where Gordon has not won a race.

The four-time champion is retiring at the end of this season.

Gordon turned a lap at 194.679 mph in his Chevrolet and gave a hard pump of his arm into the air as he climbed from the car.

Daytona 500 winner Joey Logano qualified second in a Team Penske Ford.

Kasey Kahne qualified third and was followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Larson.

CLEMSON 6 N.C. STATE 4

RALEIGH, N.C. — Junior lefthander Matthew Crownover allowed just one run on two hits in seven innings pitched in Clemson’s 6-4 victory over N.C. State at Doak Field on Friday.

The Tigers improved to 8-4 overall and 1-0 in the ACC. The Wolfpack fell to 7-4 overall and 0-1 in ACC play.

Crownover (3-0) earned the win by giving up just two hits, one run and three walks with seven strikeouts.

Drew Moyer pitched the ninth inning to record his second save.

In the first inning, Clemson took advantage of a Wolfpack error on potential inning-ending doubleplay grounder as Steven Duggar belted a single to score Tyler Slaton. In the seventh inning, Clemson scored five 2-out runs on three wild pitches — including Duggar scoring from second base on a wild pitch — and Chase Pinder’s runscoring single to up its lead to 6-0.

Jake Armstrong and Preston Palmeiro hit homers to narrow the Tigers’ lead to 6-4, but it was not enough.

The series continues today at 3 p.m.

SOUTH CAROLINA 2 MIAMI (OHIO) 0

COLUMBIA — Logan Koch belted a 2-run home run and Wil Crowe, Vince Fiori and Taylor Widener combined for a 5-hit shutout as fifth-ranked South Carolina defeated Miami (Ohio) 2-0 on Friday at Carolina Stadium.

The Gamecocks improved to 10-3 on the year while the loss dropped the RedHawks to 2-6.

After a 1-out single from Jordan Gore in the bottom of the second, Koch sent a 0-1 pitch from Miami starter Ryan Powers over the wall in right field to put the Gamecocks ahead 2-0.

Crowe earned the win and improved to 2-1 on the year. He hurled seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.

Vince Fiori added 1 2/3 perfect

innings of relief and struck out two batters. Taylor Widener picked up his fourth save of the season as he recorded a strikeout in 1/3 of an inning of work.

ELON 10 CITADEL 3

CHARLESTON – The Citadel opened Southern Conference play with a 10-3 loss to Elon on Friday at Riley Park.

Starter John Patrick Sears took the loss for the Bulldogs, who fell to 5-7. Sears fell to 2-2 while allowing four runs in four innings.

Zach Sherrill allowed the other six runs in just 2/3 of an inning.

Jacob Watcher pitched two scoreless innings.

William Kinney had a hit while Phillip Watcher was 0-for-2.

NCAA SUSPENDS SYRACUSE COACH BOEHEIM FOR VIOLATIONS SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The NCAA denounced one of the country’s most decorated basketball programs Friday, suspending Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim for nine league games next year and outlining a decade-long series of violations that included improper benefits, academic misconduct and drug-policy failures.

The governing body, saying the school lost control of its athletic department, placed Syracuse on probation for five years for breaking with the “most fundamental core values of the NCAA.’’ The bulk of the violations concerned athletic department officials interfering with academics and making sure star players stayed eligible.

The basketball team must vacate wins in which ineligible players participated. Those players competed during five seasons: 2004-2007 and 2010-2012.

HOLMES KEEPS LEAD; MCILROY LOSES TEMPER DORAL, Fla. — J.B. Holmes kept his lead on Friday at Doral. Rory McIlroy lost his cool.

Holmes was 11 shots worse than his record-tying 62 in the opening round. A bogey on the 18th hole gave him a 1-over 73, still enough to take a 2-shot lead over Ryan Moore going into the weekend at Trump National Doral.

McIlroy was one club lighter than the start of his round. Frustrated by a 3-iron into the water on the eighth hole, the world’s No. 1 player slung his 3-iron some 50 yards into the water.

He wound up with a 70 and was eight shots back halfway through the World Golf Championship.

CIGANDA FIRES 66 TO GRAB SHARE OF HSBC LEAD WITH PARK SINGAPORE — Carlota Ciganda shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to move into a tie for the lead with Inbee Park after the second round of the HSBC Women’s Champions.

Azahara Munoz was in third place, two strokes back, after a 67 that featured six birdies against a lone bogey.

From staff, wire reports

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Hornets top Raptors 103-94 CHARLOTTE — Al Jefferson had 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Toronto Raptors 103-94 on Friday night in a game that had six technical fouls.

WIZARDS 99 HEAT 97

WASHINGTON — Nene scored 20 points, Marcin Gorat added 14 points and 17 rebounds and the Washington Wizards blew all but one point of a 35-point lead before holding off the short-handed Miami Heat 99-97.

JAZZ 89 76ERS 83

PHILADELPHIA — Gordon Hayward scored 25 points to lead the Utah Jazz past the Philadelphia 76ers 89-83.

PACERS 98 BULLS 84

INDIANAPOLIS — Solomon Hill scored 16 points and Ian Mahinmi had a season-high 14 points to help the Indiana Pacers hold off the Chicago Bulls 98-84.

MAGIC 119 KINGS 114

Victor Oladipo had 32 points, 10 assists and five steals and the Orlando Magic held on to beat the Sacramento Kings 119-114.

COLLEGE (8) WICHITA ST. 56 S. ILLINOIS 45

ST. LOUIS — Teke Cotton scored nine straight points to fuel a 17-3 run in the first half and No. 8 Wichita State beat Southern Illinois 56-45 in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

(11) NORTHERN IOWA 71 BRADLEY 46

ST. LOUIS — Nate Buss scored a season-high 23 points and No. 11 Northern Iowa overwhelmed Bradley in the second half for a 71-46 rout in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

LONGWOOD 68 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 60

CONWAY — Shaquille Johnson scored 22 points with 15 rebounds and Longwood became the first No. 9 seed to reach the Big South semis by upsetting top-seeded Charleston Southern 68-60.

WINTHROP 67 RADFORD 66

CONWAY — Keon Moore scored 21 points and Andre Smith added 18 to help Winthrop hold off Radford 67-66 and advance to the Big South tournament semifinals.

From wire reports

4:30 a.m. -- LPGA Golf: HSBC Champions Third Round from Singapore (GOLF).

7:30 a.m. – International Soccer: FA Cup Round 6 Match – Reading vs. Bradford (FOX SPORTS 1).

7:30 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Africa Open Third Round from East London, South Africa (GOLF).

9 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Seattle vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Glendale, Ariz.

(MLB NETWORK).

9:55 a.m. – International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match –Tottenham vs. QPR (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

11 a.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Richmond, Va. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

11:30 a.m. – NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Kobalt 400 Practice from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 2).

Noon – College Basketball: Syracuse at North Carolina State (WLTX 19).

Noon – College Basketball: Seton Hall at Georgetown (WACH 57).

Noon – College Basketball: Michigan State at Indiana (ESPN).

Noon – College Basketball: Pittsburgh at Florida State (ESPN2).

Noon -- Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Greensboro, N.C. (ESPNU).

Noon – College Basketball: Butler at Providence (FOX SPORTS 1).

Noon – College Basketball: Miami at Virginia Tech (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

Noon -- PGA Golf: WGC-Cadillac Championship Third Round from Miami (GOLF).

Noon – College Softball: Missouri at South Carolina (SEC NETWORK).

Noon – Women’s College Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Dallas (SPORTSOUTH).

12:30 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: XFINITY Series Boyd Gaming 300 Pole Qualifying from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 2).

1 p.m. – International Gymnastics: American Cup from Arlington, Texas (WIS 10).

1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Toronto vs. Philadelphia from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

1:30 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Richmond, Va. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Florida at Kentucky (WLTX 19).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: St. John’s at Villanova (WACH 57).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Wake Forest at Boston College (WKTC 63).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Louisiana State at Arkansas (ESPN).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Oklahoma State at West Virginia (ESPNEWS).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Connecticut at Temple (ESPN2).

2 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Greensboro, N.C. (ESPNU).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: DePaul at Marquette (FOX SPORTS 2).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Xavier at Creighton (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

2 p.m. – College Softball: Georgia at Mississippi State (SEC NETWORK).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Alabama at Texas A&M (SPORTSOUTH).

2:30 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Kobalt 400 Practice from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 2).

3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: WGC-Cadillac Championship Third Round from Miami (WIS 10).

3 p.m. – College Basketball: West Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Las Vegas (BYUTV).

3:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Massachusetts at George Washington (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Stanford at Arizona (WLTX 19).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Clemson at Notre Dame (WKTC 63, WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Dayton at La Salle (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Kansas at Oklahoma (ESPN).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Tulane at South Florida (ESPNEWS).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Kansas State at Texas (ESPN2).

4 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: XFINITY Series Boyd Gaming 300 from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 1, WEGX-FM 92.9).

4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Milwaukee vs. Texas from Phoenix (MLB NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Georgia at Auburn (SEC NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: South Carolina at Tennessee (SPORTSOUTH, WDXY-FM 105.9, WNKT-FM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240).

5 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Little Rock, Ark. – South Carolina vs. Texas A&M or Louisiana State (ESPNU).

5:15 p.m. – College Basketball: West Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Las Vegas (BYUTV).

5:30 p.m. – College Basketball: George Mason at Virginia Commonwealth (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

6 p.m. – College Basketball: Brown at Harvard (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

6 p.m. – College Hockey: Minnesota at Ohio State (ESPNEWS).

6 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Puerto Rico Open Third Round from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico (GOLF).

6 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Atlas vs. Cruz Azul (UNIVISION).

6:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Virginia at Louisville (ESPN).

6:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Missouri at Mississippi State (SEC NETWORK).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship Game from Nashville, Tenn. (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Semifinal Game from Little Rock, Ark. (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Dallas (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Phoenix at Cleveland (NBA TV).

8 p.m. – College Basketball: Wyoming at New Mexico (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: St. Louis vs. Washington from Viera, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

8 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Toluca vs. Monterrey (UNIVISION).

8:30 p.m. – Professional Boxing: Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero in a Welterweight Bout and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina in a Super Lightweight Bout from Las Vegas (WIS 10).

8:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Iowa State at Texas Christian (ESPNEWS).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: Duke at North Carolina (ESPN).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: West Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Las Vegas (ESPN2).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: Vanderbilt at Mississippi (SEC NETWORK).

9:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Horizon League Tournament Semifinal Game from Valparaiso, Ind. (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Dallas (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

10 p.m. – College Basketball: Nevada at San Diego State (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

10 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Puebla vs. Jaguares (UNIVISION).

11 p.m. – College Basketball: West Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Las Vegas (ESPN2).

11:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Horizon League Tournament Semifinal Game from Valparaiso, Ind. (ESPNU).

Midnight – Major League Exhibition Baseball: San Diego vs. San Francisco from Scottsdale, Ariz.

(MLB NETWORK).

4 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cleveland from Goodyear, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

5 a.m. -- LPGA Golf: HSBC Champions Final Round from Singapore (GOLF).

MLB SPRING TRAINING The Associated Press THURSDAY’S GAMES

St. Louis 4, Miami 1 N.Y. Yankees 2, Pittsburgh 1 Baltimore (ss) 3, Tampa Bay 2 Houston 6, Philadelphia 3 Atlanta 6, Detroit 4 Chicago Cubs (ss) 2, Oakland 2, tie Cleveland 9, Cincinnati 3 Kansas City 5, Texas 4 Seattle 9, San Diego 4 San Francisco 8, Chicago Cubs (ss) 6 L.A. Dodgers 6, Chicago White Sox 1 L.A. Angels 3, Milwaukee 2 Arizona 4, Colorado 3 Washington 5, N.Y. Mets 4 Minnesota 9, Boston 8 Baltimore (ss) 5, Toronto 0

THE SUMTER ITEM FRIDAY’S GAMES

Miami 5, Boston 3 Tampa Bay 2, Minnesota 1 St. Louis 5, Houston 2 N.Y. Yankees (ss) 4, Philadelphia 1 Washington 9, Atlanta 8 Toronto 5, Baltimore 4 N.Y. Mets 5, Detroit 4 Cincinnati 5, Chicago Cubs 2 San Francisco 12, Texas 3 Kansas City 11, Cleveland 9 L.A. Dodgers (ss) 10, Milwaukee 1 L.A. Dodgers (ss) 7, Seattle 4 San Diego 5, Chicago White Sox 0 L.A. Angels 3, Colorado 0 Oakland 7, Arizona 2 Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees (ss), (late)

TODAY’S GAMES

Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Detroit vs. Atlanta (ss) at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Minnesota vs. Boston (ss) at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

St. Louis vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (ss) vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Boston (ss) vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Toronto vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta (ss) vs. N.Y. Mets (ss) at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m.

Seattle (ss) vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

Arizona vs. Seattle (ss) at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION Toronto Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia New York SOUTHEAST DIVISION x-Atlanta Washington Miami Charlotte Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION Chicago Cleveland Milwaukee Indiana Detroit

W 38 25 24 13 12

L 23 34 35 48 48

Pct .623 .424 .407 .213 .200

GB – 12 13 25 25 1/2

W 48 34 27 26 19

L 12 27 33 33 43

Pct .800 .557 .450 .441 .306

GB – 14 1/2 21 21 1/2 30

W 39 39 32 26 23

L 23 24 29 34 37

Pct .629 .619 .525 .433 .383

GB – 1/2 6 1/2 12 15

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION Memphis Houston Dallas San Antonio New Orleans NORTHWEST DIVISION Portland Oklahoma City Utah Denver Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

W 43 41 40 37 33

L 17 20 23 23 28

Pct .717 .672 .635 .617 .541

GB – 2 1/2 4 1/2 6 10 1/2

W 41 34 24 22 13

L 19 28 36 39 47

Pct .683 .548 .400 .361 .217

GB – 8 17 19 1/2 28

L 12 22 30 38 44

Pct .797 .645 .516 .356 .267

GB – 8 1/2 16 1/2 26 31 1/2

W Golden State 47 L.A. Clippers 40 Phoenix 32 Sacramento 21 L.A. Lakers 16 x-clinched playoff spot

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Chicago 108, Oklahoma City 105 Portland 94, Dallas 75

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Utah at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Miami at Washington, 7 p.m.

Sacramento at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Houston, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Brooklyn, 8 p.m.

Denver at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Dallas at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Memphis at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Sacramento at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Indiana at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Washington at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Houston at Denver, 9 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Montreal 65 41 Tampa Bay 66 40 Detroit 62 36 Boston 63 31 Florida 65 28 Ottawa 62 28 Toronto 65 26 Buffalo 64 19 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Islanders 66 42 N.Y. Rangers 63 39 Pittsburgh 63 36 Washington 66 35 Philadelphia 65 28 New Jersey 64 27 Columbus 63 26 Carolina 62 24

L 18 20 15 22 23 23 34 40

OT 6 6 11 10 14 11 5 5

Pts 88 86 83 72 70 67 57 43

GF 175 217 182 168 159 176 175 123

GA 146 173 160 165 185 167 199 215

L 21 17 18 21 25 27 33 31

OT 3 7 9 10 12 10 4 7

Pts 87 85 81 80 68 64 56 55

GF 211 197 182 194 173 144 163 144

GA 185 155 158 164 187 165 201 167

OT 7 5 5 7 12 10 11

Pts 89 85 81 77 76 68 67

GF 196 198 188 181 180 203 170

GA 162 162 152 164 175 215 183

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION GP W Nashville 66 41 St. Louis 64 40 Chicago 64 38 Minnesota 64 35 Winnipeg 65 32 Dallas 65 29 Colorado 64 28 PACIFIC DIVISION GP W Anaheim 66 42 Vancouver 64 36 Calgary 64 35 Los Angeles 64 31 San Jose 65 32 Arizona 65 21 Edmonton 64 18 NOTE: Two points for time loss.

L 18 19 21 22 21 26 25

L OT Pts GF GA 17 7 91 196 179 24 4 76 184 176 25 4 74 182 165 21 12 74 175 167 25 8 72 185 183 37 7 49 142 220 36 10 46 145 213 a win, one point for over-

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Calgary 4, Boston 3, SO Dallas 4, Florida 3, SO Arizona 3, Vancouver 2, SO Los Angeles 4, Montreal 3, SO Philadelphia 3, St. Louis 1 Minnesota 2, Washington 1 Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 2 N.Y. Islanders 4, Nashville 3

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Columbus at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Calgary at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia at Boston, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Florida, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Arizona, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Vancouver at San Jose, 10 p.m.

PREP SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

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B3

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

SHS baseball loses twice at Gilbert tourney GILBERT — Sumter High School’s varsity baseball team lost both of its games in the Comporium Invitational Baseball Classic at the Gilbert High field on Friday, falling to J.L. Mann 6-2 and to Boiling Springs 5-3.

In the Mann contest, Edison Aldridge took the loss. He gave up six hits in six innings of work. Aldridge was 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and two runs batted in. Chris Crawford had a hit and two walks.

James Barnes took the loss against Boiling Springs, giving up four runs in four innings. Javon Martin was 2-for-4 with a double and Jordan Holladay had a home run.

Sumter, 1-2 on the season, will play again in the tournament on Sunday.

FORK UNION 1 WILSON HALL 0

Wilson Hall fell to 1-1 with a 1-0 loss to Fork Union Military Academy of Virginia on Friday at Baron Field.

McLendon Sears had WH’s lone hit and also drew a walk.

Edward McMillan took the loss, allowing three hits and one unearned run in five innings of work. He struck out seven, walked four and hit a batter.

Drew Talley struck out three in two innings of work.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL SUMTER 7 LAKEWOOD 0 CAMDEN — Jacob Holladay pitched a 2-hit shutout to lift Sumter High School past Lakewood 7-0 on Friday to win the Camden JV Preseason Tournament at the Camden High field.

Hampton Rowe, Caleb Larrimore, Josh Sykes and Joey Periera each had a hit for the Gamecocks, who are 3-0.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Quentin Kershaw (44) goes up for a shot against Hillcrest’s RJ Cain (40) during the Gamecocks’ 61-55 victory on Friday in the 4A state championship game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.

CHAMPS FROM PAGE B1 title) before so we knew how to control the situation and make our free throws and play defense,” Parker said.

“I told the kids to weather the storm, and this championship is not for me. I’ve already got my two (in high school at Lower Richland), this is for the kids,” English said. “They put in more work than any group in the state of South Carolina and I just told them to weather the storm.

Weather the storm and you’ll be OK, and they persevered and they got the win.”

The Gamecocks finished the season with a 20-6 mark and did what no team in the Palmetto State could do all season -- beat Hillcrest.

The Rams, who finished 26-3 on the year and suffered their other two losses against out-of-state competition, were led by their two allstate players in Tyler Hooker and Randall Shaw. Hooker led HHS

with 20 points and Shaw added 17.

The Rams didn’t go quietly.

Uriah Morris hit the only trey of the game for the Rams that pulled them within seven, 57-50. A steal by Austin Calwile led to Shaw shooting and hitting two free throws and HHS found itself within five with less than two minutes to play.

HHS’ CJ Saunders converted one of his two free throws before Morris had the opportunity for a 3-point play but missed the free throw to leave it at 57-55 with 1:17 remaining.

The Gamecocks remained calmed and took care of business though.

I’m just happy for the kids,” English said of winning a state title in only his second season as a head coach. “It’s all about the kids.

When you coach in high school sports, it’s not about the wins and losses, it’s about what you can transfer to these kids.

“They’ll have this for a lifetime,” he said. “I just tried to give them something they’ll remember the

rest of their lives.”

Parker led the way for the Gamecocks with 18 points, including eight in the final stanza. Cedric Rembert had 14 points and Micah McBride finished with 11.

SHS took advantage of a hot first half. The Rams never led, but did tie the game once at 2-2. They could only watch as SHS would shoot 75 percent in the first half, including converting 4 of 7 from behind the 3-point line.

“It fueled us big because we didn’t get a lot of points the rest of the way, so it helped us a lot shooting like that in the first half and coming out in the second half and doing what we had to do,” said McBride, who was 4 of 7 shooting from behind the arc.

Hillcrest outscored SHS 12-8 in the third and 18-14 in the fourth, but did make the most of their free throws, making 22 of 32 and only hitting 1 of 13 from behind the arc.

They also finished shooting a mere 37.7 percent from the field for the game (16 of 43).

sees a team that looks much like hers.

“They go hard; they remind me a lot of us,” Fields said of the Lady Bruins, who knocked off defending state champion Dreher 42-35 last week to win the upper state crown. “They’re going to be tough for us. They going to be an up-tempo, up-paced team both offensively and defensively. It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out.”

Both teams are stout on defense. The Lady Bruins are allowing 38.5 points a contest, a whole 0.5 better than the 39 points a game allowed by Lakewood.

Lancaster has an all-state per-

former of its own in junior Malia Rivers. She leads the team in scoring (15.8), assists (2.6) and steals (2.3).

Rivers is the team’s only doublefigure scorer. Freshman post player Zaria Woods is second in scoring at 8.8 followed by junior post player Alexis Williams (8.3) and junior forward Keyotta Garris. Junior center Hayden Thorne leads Lancaster in rebounding at 8.0 with four other players between 3.8 and 4.2.

“We’ve got to keep our composure,” Fields said of what her team needs to do today to win. “We’ve got to be focused and limit our distractions.”

VARSITY SOCCER WILSON HALL 1 BEN LIPPEN 0 COLUMBIA — Wilson Hall defeated Ben Lippen 1-0 on Thursday at the Ben Lippen field.

The Barons’ Dalton Miller scored the lone goal of the match on an assist from Andrew McCaffrey.

David Tussey had the shutout in goal.

VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD WILSON HALL WINS

Wilson Hall won a 3-team meet with 95 points on Wednesday at Spencer Field.

Augusta Prep had 29 and Laurence Manning Academy 23.

FIRST-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Drew Reynolds 3,200; Hayes Goodson 110 hurdles, 400 hurdles; Brayden Fidler 800; Josh Gentile 200; Greyson Young high jump, long jump; Evan Boyle triple jump.

Laurence Manning: Aaron Kruger 100 meters, 400 meters; Chase Rogers shot put.

SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Brad Russell 110 hurdles, 400 hurdles; Dubose Alderman 100 meters; 400 hurdles; Andrik Rivera-Nesala 800; Hayes Goodson long jump; Brent Carraway triple jump; Patrick Muldrow discus.

Laurence Manning: Chase Rogers 100 meters, 400 meters THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Josh Gentile 100 meters, 400 meters; Layton Creech 3,200; Connor Curtis 1,600; Evans Boyle long jump; Noah Harvin triple jump; David Tussey discus.

Laurence Manning: Maleke Davis shot put.

TSA WINS MEET

NEW FROM PAGE B1 highs of 16.9 points and 2.6 assists per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals.

However, there is far more to the Lady Gators than Dengokl. Sophomore Kamryn Lemon averages 14.6 points, 2.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds along with a team high 3.8 steals.

Senior Shalexia Pack averages 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 steals, junior Taja Randolph averages a team high 7.1 rebounds to go with 6.0 points and Shanekia Jackson averages 6.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.

In looking at Lancaster, Fields

COLUMBIA — Thomas Sumter Academy edged Hammond in a 4-team meet on Wednesday at the Hammond track.

The Generals won with 90 points followed by Hammond with 87. Robert E. Lee Academy had 26 and Timmerman 16.

FIRST PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: 4x400 Relay (Patrick Kuzbury, Noah White, Cody Segura, Josh Ladsen); 4x800 Relay (Jacob Crotts, Patrick Kuzbary, Hunter Jarvis, Josh Ladsen); Chris White 400; Hunter Jarvis 800, 1,600; Josh Ladsen 3,200, Cameron Eidison shot put; Chris White triple jump.

SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: 4x100 Relay (Ty Cressione, Cody Segura, Noah White, Chris White); Ty Cresasione 110 hurdles; Patrick Kuzbary 800; Josh Ladsen 1,600; Brian Prewitt discus, shot put; THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS Noah White 200; Jacob Crotts 3,200; James Rabon shot put.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Wilson Hall softball opens title defense with 14-3 victory over Hammond Two-time defending SCISA 3A softball state champion Wilson Hall opened its season with a 14-3 victory over Hammond on Wednesday at the Hammond field.

The game was called after four innings due to darkness.

Holly Scott threw two no-hit innings and struck out five of the six batters she faced. Amelia Weston pitched the last two innings, striking out four.

Offensively, Scott had three hits, three runs batted in and

scored three runs. Betsy Cunningham and Catherine Kelley each had two hits with a triple.

Kelley also had three RBI. Liza Lowder finished with two hits and two RBI.

VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD WILSON HALL WINS MEET

Wilson Hall won a meet with Augusta Prep on Wednesday at Spencer Field.

The Lady Barons scored 116 points, while Augusta Prep

had 43.

FIRST-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Bethany Jennings 3,200; Chandler Patrick 100 hurdles; Elizabeth Burton 100 meters; Liza Segars 400, long jump; Cantey Jacocks 400 hurdles; Kayla Porter 200; Julia Ladson high jump; Cori Moore triple jump; Alison Owens discus.

SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Kirsten Fisher 3200; Cantey Jacocks 100 hurdles; Anna Lyles 1,600; Julia Ladson 800; Chandler Patrick high jump; Cori Moore long jump, shot put; Nicolette Fisher triple jump; Cameron Duffy 400 hurdles; Emily Reynolds 200.

THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS

Wilson Hall: Madison Landstrom 100 meters; Jessica Tetterton 1,600; Holly Poag 400; Callie Glaser 400 hurdles; Aubrie Yarbrough 800; Kayla Porter long jump; Liza Segars triple jump; Cameron Duffy 100 hurdles, high jump.

TSA FINISHES SECOND

COLUMBIA — Thomas Sumter Academy finished second in a 4-team meet at Hammond on Wednesday.

Hammond won the meet with 94 points followed by TSA with 68. Robert E. Lee Academy had 14 and Timmer-

man 6.

FIRST-PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: 4x400 Relay (Mary Ross, Tabitha Scruggs, Julie Coffey, Sara Moore); 4x800 Relay (Bella Crowe, Mary Ross, Elizabeth Teague, Tabitha Scruggs); Latrice Lyons 200; Bella Crowe 800, 1,600; Taja Hunley long jump.

SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: 4x100 Relay (Latrice Lyons, Emma Gaulke, Becca Jenkins, Taja Hunley); Latrice Lyons 100; Taja Hunley 100 hurdles, 200; Sara Moore 400.

THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: Tabitha Scruggs 800; Mary Ross 1,600; Grace Scott discus; Contessa Davis long jump.

B4

|

SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

RECRUITING

A.C. Flora WR improves chances of playing for Tigers W ide receiver Denzel Johnson of A.C. Flora High School in Columbia improved his score on his last attempt at taking the ACT and, according to his head coach, he should be academically qualified at the end of May as long as there’s no slippage in his regular grades.

That possibly will mean Johnson suiting up for Clemson in football this fall.

“He did improve on his ACT and is going to take the SAT this month,” Flora head coach Reggie Shaw said. “His grades are looking real good. I spoke with Clemson last week and right now, if he maintains, there’s a good chance they will have something for him in May. He’s going to qualify by the skin of his teeth if he maintains his current grades with that score. We want to get him some breathing room so they are encouraging him to keep taking the test because that makes it easier on their part because he’s one they’ll have to lobby to get approved.”

Shaw said his latest information from the University of South Carolina, dating back to National Signing Day in February, was that the Gamecocks suggested Johnson go to Georgia Military College first.

However, Johnson has since heard from USC assistant Coach Steve Spurrier Jr., and said he was told the Gamecocks would be interested in taking him if he gets fully qualified. Shaw said Georgia Southern just recently came on board with an offer.

Clemson and USC target linebacker Tre’ Lamar of Roswell, Ga., visited Alabama over the weekend. He also was offered by Georgia last week.

USC WR Kyle Davis of Decatur, Ga., has been a USC commitment since last July and he remains “solid” with that commitment. However, Davis also said he’s not finished with recruiting, and the USC coaches know that.

“They encourage me to go and see places,” said Davis, who went to Auburn for a junior day last weekend. “It would be a waste of the recruiting process if I didn’t go.

You only get to enjoy this one time. My recruiting is not done. I’m going to enjoy it while I can.”

And that enjoyment will include official visits this fall to schools other than USC. “I will take full advantage of it,” Davis said.

He had been to Auburn before so Davis wasn’t blown away by anything in particular on the visit last weekend.

For him, it was just another step in the process.

“It was just like every other visit,” Davis said. ‘They tell you all this stuff and it sounds good, but I don’t know. I’ve been to Auburn before. I like it. It is what it is.”

Davis does not have any other visits planned right now, but he will make another trip to USC at this point. He said Alabama is recruiting him hard and will wait for him to visit before offering.

He said UGA also is working him hard.

USC also is doing its work.

Davis said he talks with recruiter GA Mangus practically every day. Last season, Davis had 64 catches for 1,200 yards.

USC now has company at the top of the list of Conway High WR Bryan Edwards.

After visiting UGA recently, Edwards has the Bulldogs sharing the lead for him with the Gamecocks. The Bulldogs offered him on that visit.

“I got to sit down and talk with (UGA head) Coach Mark Richt one on one,” Edwards said. “I got to see what kind of guy he was. I thought that was real cool. I saw the dorms where the players stay, the overall campus, the facilities, weight room, locker room. It was just a real, real nice place. It’s very high on my list of facilities and campus life.”

Edwards went to a junior day at USC and he recently visited Wake Forest. He wants to take a visit to Florida as well. He also plans to go to USC for a spring practice and the spring game. He said he’s in regular contact with Spurrier Jr. “I have South Carolina and Georgia at the top, neck and neck,” Edwards said.

“Then it probably would be Florida, Duke and Wake Forest.”

Edwards also has offers from California, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Offensive lineman Josh Ball (6-feet-7-inches, 305 pounds) of Fredericksburg, Va., has 18 offers at this point, including one from USC. Some of the other offers include West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina State, Maryland, Vanderbilt and UK. Ball has been to junior days at Duke, NCSU, Maryland, WVU, UVa and VT, and he’s been to Penn State, Maryland and UVa on unofficial visits.

One of his future trips will be to USC. “I’m really interested in South Carolina,” Ball said. “I definitely want to get down for a visit soon, maybe for a spring practice. The SEC (Southeastern Conference) is one of the best. I’m really excited about South Carolina.

I’m doing my research and can’t wait to meet (head) Coach (Steve) Spurrier.”

Assistant Deke Adams is recruiting Ball for USC and is in regular contact. He wants to visit as many of the offering schools as he can to check them out, evaluate the coaches and look over the campus.

He would like to make his decision before his season and does not have a favorite.

USC has had a lot of success recruiting GMC over the years and the Gamecocks are targeting OL Akeem Cooperwood (6-7, 340) for the 2016 class. The Gamecocks were the first to offer Cooperwood, who is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and joined GMC head coach Bert Williams’ program last season as an unattached prospect.

“He’s figuring it all out to be honest with you,” Williams said. “He’s not ready to make any decisions or anything like that. He was pretty excited, though, when Carolina pulled the trigger. He’s a good worker. He’s a long kid with good size. Fluid, can move his foot, got good punch. He’s going to be a darn good one. Carolina is the first one in, which always helps.”

Others showing interest, according to Williams, include UGA, Auburn and Tennessee.

He said Cooperwood wants to visit USC this spring or summer but no date has been set.

And he has a chance to be a mid-year enrollee. Cooperwood plays offensive tackle and will have three years to play two at the next level.

USC is already set to add de-

USC FROM PAGE B1 do-overs. You have to get it done.’’

South Carolina’s controlled defensive fury was apparent from the outset, as was its dramatic size advantage.

The Gamecocks had nine blocks in the first half, with A’ja Wilson and Elem Ibiam finishing with four each overall, and they held the offensively frustrated Razorbacks (1713) to a season-low 19.3 percent (11 of 57) from the field.

Jessica Jackson had 13 points to lead Arkansas, which had advanced to the quarterfinals with a win over Mississippi, but the second-team All-SEC selection was only 2 of 13 from the field — with both of her

fensive end Kalan Ritchie to the ‘16 class from GMC. The Gamecocks signed him out of Goose Phil Kornblut Creek High and placed RECRUITING him at the CORNER JC. Ritchie will also get some work at tight end this spring.

UGA offered USC target LB Jonathan Jones of Orlando, Fla. Defensive lineman Derrick Brown of Buford, Ga., has a top eight in order of UGA, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, USC, Mississippi, Mississippi State and Louisiana State.

Florida offered running back Tyrek Tisdale of Orlando, a USC target. USC has offered ‘17 LB Kendric Haynes of Murphy, Ala. LSU also has offered.

CLEMSON WR Diondre Overton (6-5, 195) of Greensboro, N.C., is one of the top 2-sport athletes in North Carolina. As a receiver last season for Page High, Overton had 61 catches for 1,187 yards and 11 touchdowns. This basketball season he’s averaging 14 points per game. Overton would like to play both sports in college, at least for his freshman season, before deciding on one sport full time. Only VT has offered him for both sports at this point though, meaning football likely will be his ultimate choice.

Overton attended Clemson’s junior day last month and right now he has the Tigers and NCSU at the top of his list.

“I really love Clemson,” Overton said. “I went there on junior day and it was a good time. My family loved it. They showed me it was a great place for me, an at-home environment. The way they do their wide receivers, they have a lot, so it’s a rotation, but they said I’d get a lot of touches, that I’d be a great fit.

It’s the new Wide Receiver U.” Overton also has an offer from USC, but has yet to visit.

He has been in touch with USC recruiter Adams. “They have a great reputation football-wise,” he said. “I like how they’ve put a name out there for themselves.”

Overton also has offers from NCSU, East Carolina, Old Dominion, UNC, WF, Duke, Louisville, WVU, Boston College, Tennessee and UK. He had planned to visit Tennessee late last month, but the weather kept him at home. He’s been to NCSU several times.

He has not yet been to Clemson for a football game.

Overton said the Clemson football staff has talked to men’s basketball head coach Brad Brownell about his basketball opportunities there, and he was told he would got a shot with the basketball team.

This summer Overton hopes to land more basketball offers thru his AAU performance. He plans to make his decision during or after his football season. He is not graduating early so he can play his senior season of basketball.

LB Brandon Hill of Heathwood Hall in Columbia already has five Atlantic Coast Conference offers in Clemson, WF, Duke, VT and Pittsburgh.

He can now add the SEC to

makes coming on 3-pointers and away from the heart of the South Carolina defense.

“It’s not a question when you look out on the court, you see that they had a definite size advantage,’’ Arkansas senior Calli Berna said. “... Once you get in (the lane), you don’t see them coming.’’

Arkansas, desperate to secure its first NCAA Tournament appearance in three seasons under first-year coach Jimmy Dykes, struggled mightily in the first half against South Carolina’s interior size — hitting only 7 of 31 shots (22.6 percent).

The Razorbacks were outrebounded 44-32, but their biggest problems came while trying to score inside against South Carolina’s combination of the 6-foot-5

his conference options after a recent offer from UGA. And, for good measure, he can consider the Ivy League as well thanks to an offer from Yale.

Hill has been making the rounds of late with stops at Clemson, Duke and WF for junior days. He was at Florida State over the weekend and he plans to visit UGA and Yale this month.

The offer Hill has from Clemson is of the grayshirt variety at this point, but his conversations with the Tigers give him hope that he will have the option of enrolling there in August, if that’s what he decides to do.

“They said I had actually qualified for a full academic scholarship where everything would be paid for if I wanted to go there my first four months,” Hill said. “So, I have all my stuff paid for. Maybe I’ll have to pay for books or something. I can still attend practices and workouts with them. So, that was huge, getting to hear that. And I can pick up the football scholarship that January (‘17).”

Hill plans to come up with a favorites list early next week.

All of his other offers are for him going on scholarship with the ‘16 class and that gives those schools something Clemson isn’t offering right now.

“It’s obviously something to consider,” Hill said. “All the schools have their pros and cons. Right now they are kind of balancing out right now.”

Hill said USC has been talking with his head coach and has told the coach an offer is close. “That would be a good offer to have,” said Hill, who said he would definitely visit if he gets an offer.

DL Logan Glen of Destrehan, La., lists his current favorites as Clemson, Alabama, Arkansas, UF, FSU, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Texas A&M. Clemson OL target Jack DeFoor of Calhoun, Ga., added offers from Michigan and Vandy last week. He visited Auburn on Saturday.

Clemson offered LB Jake Morgenstern of New Canaan, Conn. LSU offered Clemson target DE Rahshaun Smith of Bradenton, Fla.

OTHERS Flora quarterback Brendan Greene (6-1, 185), is hearing from Appalachian State, Liberty and Old Dominion. Last season, he passed for 2,100 yards and 18 TDs against five interceptions. His TE, PJ Holliday (6-2, 225), is also drawing some early interest from midmajor programs.

DB Saivion Smith of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., announced a commitment to LSU last week over Clemson, UF, FSU and VT. LB Donta Evans, who moved from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High to Lawrenceville, Ga., was offered by Auburn.

Greer High DB Troy Pride and Hanahan WR Samuel Denmark committed to VT. Manning High RB RaQuan Bennett signed with Coastal Carolina. He rushed for 4,333 yards and 56 TDs in his career.

Athlete D’Najee Whosendove (6-0 180), a ‘17 prospect from Allendale-Fairfax High has committed to North Texas. Whosendove played the last two seasons at South Aiken High, but has transferred to A-F. He said he has 10 verbal offers including

Wilson and 6-foot-4 Ibiam, who also had nine rebounds.

The Gamecocks topped their previous best of 14 blocks as a team, both times coming last season. They had 11 blocks in a win over Arkansas two weeks ago, also topping their previous season-best of 12 in their last game against Kentucky.

Alaina Coates, coming off the bench, added 11 points and a pair of the blocked shots.

“I, personally, have never been part of a game that involved so many blocks,’’ Coates said. “But it gives you a lot of energy, especially just among the bigs, when you know everybody is going to be there, and we’re just knocking everybody’s shots back into the stands.’’

North Texas, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Texas, Coastal and VT. He said he has heard from USC and Clemson, but has not been offered by either. Whosendove said he’s never been to North Texas, but feels good enough about what he knows to go ahead and make his decision before his junior season. Whosendove has been to Clemson for a spring game and he has been to USC for a campus tour. He does plan to visit both again.

Whosendove plays WR, QB, cornerback and safety. He said North Texas is recruiting him as an athlete while bigger schools have talked to him about being a slot receiver.

Last season, he had 20 catches for 359 yards and seven TDs, and on defense he was in on 57 tackles and three INTs. GMC could add Shrine Bowl receiver Eri’reon Hayes of Dillon High. Hayes also signed with ODU, but will go to GMC if he does not qualify.

BASKETBALL USC head coach Frank Martin picked up a commitment from 6-11 center Travon Bunch, a native or Racine, Wis., who attends Score Academy in North Carolina on Wednesday. The commitment was first reported by AllMetroHoops, citing Bunch’s head coach for the information.

Bunch began this academic year at Georgia Prep in Atlanta, but when the school suspended its first basketball season, he transferred to Score Academy. Prior to Georgia Prep, he attended Mt. Zion Academy in Durham, N.C., and reclassified from the ‘14 class to the ‘15 class.

At Mt. Zion, he reportedly averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game and held offers from Marquette, Iowa State, Kent State, DePaul, Texas Tech, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Illinois-Chicago.

While at Georgia Prep, he picked up offers from Tennessee, Florida International, Indiana State and ODU. He was regarded as one of the top unsigned prospects in Georgia while there. He played his AAU ball for the Atlanta Celtics.

Bunch is the third commitment for USC’s ‘15 class, joining 6-7 PJ Dozier of Spring Valley High in Columbia and 6-9 Chris Silva.

Martin is looking to add another big man to his roster this spring and an offer went out to power forward Russell Woods (6-8, 220) of John A. Logan College in Illinois. The offer was first reported by Brad Winston of JucoJunction. com.

Woods is a native of Chicago, where he played his senior season for the powerhouse Simeon High program. This season at Logan, the lefthander is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds. Woods is shooting 62 percent from the floor and 61 percent from the foul line. Missouri also has offered and some of the other schools reportedly showing interest in Woods are Iowa, Gonzaga, South Florida, ECU and Bradley.

Point guard Kamar Baldwin, a ‘16 prospect from Winder, Ga., visited Clemson for the Georgia Tech game on Saturday and was offered by the Tigers. Some of his other offers are Furman, Charlotte, George Mason, Chattanooga and Middle Tennessee State.

Also visiting Clemson on Saturday was ‘16 PG Jalen Harris of Raleigh, N.C.

SCISA FROM PAGE B1 games. In the 3A girls contest, Wilson Hall’s Lauren Goodson and Nicolette Fisher will play for the North squad.

Thomas Sumter Academy’s Logan Morris will play for the South squad.

In the 3A boys contest, Laurence Manning Academy’s Jerrell Kelley and Terrell Houston will play for the North team and TSA’s Austin Hudson will play on the South squad.

St. Francis Xavier High School’s Dalton Foreman will play for the South team in the 1A-2A boys contest, while Robert E. Lee Academy’s Kelsey DeFee will play for the North in the 1A-2A girls game.

Thomas Sumter Academy boys head coach Morgan Watt will coach the South team in the 3A contest.

B5

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COMICS

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Time drags on for girl separated from boy she likes DEAR ABBY — I’m a 12-yearold girl and I like a boy named “Chris.” We go to different schools now, and I Dear Abby don’t know how to get in ABIGAIL touch with VAN BUREN him to tell him how I feel. At times for the past two years we have been flirting on and off. We will be reunited again next year. I can’t hold on much longer, and he’s at a school with his ex. What should I do?

Lover girl in Alabama DEAR LOVER GIRL — You have held on this long, so remem-

THE SUMTER ITEM

ber the school year is already more than half over. In the fall, you and Chris will be attending the same school again without your having to do anything.

For now, be patient. Stay active and involved with school, and time will pass more quickly. Focus on activities you enjoy and your friendships.

Do not waste your time worrying about the other girl. She and Chris are exes for a reason. If you and Chris are “meant to be,” the chances of that happening will be better when you’re classmates.

DEAR ABBY — A friend from high school has invited me to her wedding in September.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the bachelorette

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

party I was also invited to.

Even though I sent my regrets to the organizer of the party, she has tried to solicit gifts from me twice. This seems extremely tacky, and it has made me feel I was invited only for the gifts I could bring.

Abby, I don’t want this to reflect poorly on my friend.

Should I tell someone in the wedding party so they can fix this faux pas, or am I wrong about wedding etiquette?

Perplexed in the Midwest DEAR PERPLEXED — You’re not wrong. That the party organizer is trying to extort gifts from you is extremely rude.

The person to inform is the mother of the bride. She should be able to put a stop to it before anyone else is embarrassed.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

HOW TO PLAY: Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

ACROSS 1 It’s often swiped at offices 11 Censor’s target 15 Deer, e.g.

16 Leveret’s dad 17 Reminder, often 18 Largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago 19 Slip in a store: Abbr.

20 Quarters 21 Olympics coach Karolyi et al.

22 “Fooled ya” 24 Corn leadin 25 Carbon compound found in crude oil 26 Closed up 28 Attire for filmdom’s The Mask 30 Month in el invierno 31 Terminal 32 Member of the fam 33 Tiny time div.

35 Govt. collectors 37 “Sweet!”

40 Norwegian flag feature 42 Indian bigwig 46 Intimate 48 Words to a

savior 49 Breaks off 50 Naval NCO 52 Big name in shaving 53 “The Girl Next Door” co-star Hirsch 54 Work unit 56 Much 57 West Virginia resource 58 Lingered 60 Biblical preposition 61 Surrounded 62 High school subject?

63 Commercial success DOWN 1 Inform 2 Start work 3 Medieval Iberian kingdom 4 Fictional giant 5 Activity 6 Venture forth 7 PowerShot maker 8 Reduce to minute particles 9 Soaks, as hemp 10 Beats Electronics cofounder 11 Rain may fall in them

12 Hammershaped bone 13 Pope who initiated the First Crusade 14 Dollhouse accessories 21 Like shortbread 23 “Blue Velvet” actress 25 Horizontal spar 27 Reason for overtime 29 Goes (for) 31 Maker of the Ultra Set trap 34 Mythical archer 36 Okinawa’s capital 37 Diamond buyer’s

choice 38 Red flower created from the blood of Adonis 39 Digress 41 Motion backing 43 Aviation supply 44 Put in order 45 Compulsive subject of a former A&E series 47 Rat out 48 Grinders 51 __ Sound, part of the Salish Sea 54 Alexandrite is one of its birthstones 55 Gaelic language 58 Center 59 Whale __

B6

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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773 Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421 Vinyl Siding, vinyl windows and seamless gutters by David Brown.

803-236-9296

Legal Service Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark.

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Septic Tank Cleaning

Septic tank pumping & services. Call Ray Tobias & Company (803) 340-1155.

Tree Service Call Carolina Tree Care today to speak to one of our ISA certified arborist. Free est. 1-800-411-1495.

Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

Mention this ad & get 10% off.

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

Help Wanted Full-Time

Trucking Opportunities

Mobile Home Lot Rentals

Manufactured Housing

Multi-Family Yard Sale, 3 Plainfield Ct., Saturday, 7am - until. A little bit of everything.

Construction Laborer and Trackhoe Operator Apply at 1947 Idlewood Dr Pinewood, SC

Extra large Lots for sale or rent 1008 Booker St. & 119 Murphy St. 840-3904 or after 7pm 778-1083.

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2

Seeking Executive Director for non-profit organization. Responsibilities include but not limited to: *Leadership & Management *Fundraising & Communications *Strategic Planning & New Business *Policies & Procedures *Community Involvement *Financial background a must Only qualified need apply. Send resume and salary requirements to P-403 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

P/T Class-A CDL drivers needed to haul poultry. Night Shift. Must have 2yrs verifiable exp & good MVR. Call 804-784-6166

Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score?

Been turned down for bad credit?

Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book page (M & M Mobile Homes).

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242 1045 Meadowcroft Dr, sat. at 6am open. Clothing for men and women, Jr. clothing for boys and girls, fishing and hunting supplies, stainless steel pots, household items, pet supplies, purses, etc. call 803-934-6061 Moving Sale 35 S Banding St Sat 7-3 2 Gas heaters, gas stove, refrigerator, air conditioner Annual Spring Yard Sale

Hot dog & bake sale.

Rain or Shine 1st Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2609 McCray's Mill Rd Across from Sumter High Sat-Mar. 7th 7:30am-12:30pm

GARAGE SALE, 10 Shem Cove South (Deerfield Courtyard Subd.), Mar 7 Sat @7-12AM. Lots of clothing & acc. (children, shoes, bags), electronics (PC, GPS, cellphones), furniture, hshld items, toys, etc.

Huge Estate Sale! On Corner Of Major Dr & Lee St, Manning. Sat 8-?

Exercise Equip, Kitchen small appliances., clothes, linens, furn., ETC.

3620 Beacon Dr Sat 7:30-? Very nice furniture, baby clothes, & lots more!

For Sale or Trade Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600.

Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

Musical Instruments

1969 Kawai Console Piano w/bench. In working condition. 1 owner $450 778-2258

EMPLOYMENT

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

Help Wanted Full-Time

Moving Sale 580 Adger Ln, Sat 8-3. furn., kitchenware, baby, toddler clothes/toys, & MORE.

Church seeking Financial Secretary/Office Manager. Must have Bookkeeping/Payroll/Microsoft Office experience. Send resume to: P-404 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

Multi Family 650 Adger Ln (banbury) Sat 8-1 A little bit of everything!

Sumter United Ministries Support us by donating New or Used items from your yard sale or business for our future yard sales or auctions. Call: 803-464-7643 3600 Pinewood Rd-Indoor/ outdoor sale 8am till. Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit church Call 803-406-2864

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WANTED I am looking for a responsible Administrative assistant. Position is flexible, so students and others can apply. Computer literacy is a plus.

Send resume to andersonjohn150@gmail.com The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team.

Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Auto-Technician. Local shop looking for lead tech. Long-term, secure employment with excellent pay. All applicants will be kept confidential.

Top Notch technicians call 803-847-8271. 9-5 Mon- Fri. Rotary Assistant Printer Operator position located in Olanta, SC. Must be able to fit up a pattern and adjust conveyor on rotary printer. Position will require pump and line up color, adjust tension on fabric and inspect for stick ends and smears. Prefer candidate with printing experience.

Please contact Randy at (843) 761-1776 x1412.

Helena Chemical Company seeking driver with CDL license, must have HazMat and tanker endorsements. Please call 803-453-5151 to schedule an interview.

MERCHANDISE

Furniture- Queen Bed with mattress with box spring $150 obo, 2 Solid Oak Dressers $100/each obo, Couch $100 obo, Computer with keyboard, screen and printer $100 obo. Call 803-840-0018

We will be happy to change your ad if an error is made; however we are not responsible for errors after the first run day. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the printing or omission of an advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, refuse or cancel any ad at any time.

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

Furniture / Furnishings

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

Auto Technician needed at busy car lot. Min. 5 yrs experience. Apply in person, at 1282 N. Lafayette Dr. NO PHONE CALLS!!! Valid Driver's License Req. Must have own tools.

Local Contract Drivers needed in Sumter. Jumpstart/fuel deliveries/tire changes. Vehicle required, no experience necessary Call 267-270-5225

"Due to positive growth a local company is hiring for the following positions: Commercial Roofing Foremen; Commercial Roofing Mechanic; Sheet Metal Mechanic; Class A CDL drivers. Apply 14 W Oakland Ave, Sumter, Mon-Thurs, 8:30-4:30

Help Wanted Part-Time BOOKEEPER (PT - Mornings) Previous experience required. Apply at Sumter County Library.

RN/LPN's- Full-Time, Part-Time,and PRN positions for 3p-11a Shifts and PRN positions for 7a-3p shifts.

CNA's- Full-Time, Part-Time and PRN positions for 3p-11p and 11p-7a shifts. Please apply in person to NHC Health Care Sumter, 1018 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150 (EOE)

Class A CDL Drivers with a tanker endorsement / TWIC card that can stay out at least a week dispatch are needed. There is also an opening for local/part-time work.

Company based in Summerton, SC. Call 803-488-0100 for further information and to apply.

Resort Rentals Ocean Lakes 2BR/2BA C/H/A Sleeps 8, near ocean. Call 803-773-2438

REAL ESTATE

Medical Help Wanted Part-time Ortho Assistant needed for busy orthodontic practice. Please send resume to: Sumterorthoresume@yahoo.com

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

Mobile Home with Lots FSBO: 5 Br, 3 ba DW, 3.5 ac. Close to Lake Marion & public boat ramp.

Call 803-460-0315 for more details.

Autos For Sale

Homes for Sale Lake House 2 Bd/ 2 Ba deep water, dock, boat ramp, on Tawcaw Creek, $220,000 obo, call 803-928-6326 Water front house & lot. 4bd/ 2 bath, front deck, boat house w/ track, c/h/a, most furniture can go w/ house .26 acres 1050 sq/ft. 1159 Lakeview Dr Manning SC, White Oak Creek in Wyboo Call 843-659-4332

Apartments for Rent: 3 bd/1bth $575 mo. + sec. dep. Sec. 8 ok. Call 983-3401 or 453-5014 Oakland Plantation Apts.

5501 Edgehill Rd 499-2157 1 BR apartments available Applications accepted.

Tues. & Thurs. 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Unfurnished Homes Must see! Large family friendly waterfront home in Deerfield,4BR 2.5BA Lg Rec room $1600 Mo +Dep Call 803-468-4659 or 469-0555 Country Living, 2 br, 1 ba, all appliances, $550 mo. + dep. Call 803-491-5042

CONTRACTOR WANTED! PINEWOOD PANOLA & RIMINI

Mobile Home Rentals

If you have good, dependable transportation, a phone in your home, and a desire to earn extra income

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Call Harry Pringle at 774-1257 or Apply in Person at

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 980-215-3260 or 704-900-7041

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

Rent to own 2BR/1BA all appl. incl.

C/H/A, water & sewer incl. $385/mo. + $400 Dep.Call 803-464-5757

More Bang for your buck

Polar Bear Cleaners part- time jobs, coin laundry att. counter. Apply in person 1087B Alice Dr. $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Call, email or fax us today!

classified@theitem.com • (803) 775-1024 FAX

(803) 774-1234

No refunds for early cancellations. Private Party only! Businesses and Commercial accounts ineligible. All ads must be prepaid. All advertising subject to publisher’s approval. Special cannot be combined with any other discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

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B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

MICROFIBER SHEET SETS

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

Twin/Full...........$5 per set Queen/King ......$8 per set

JUTE AREA RUGS 60” X 96”

Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday Mobile Home with Lots

$40 each

INVITATION TO BID 1985 mobile home 14x 70, 2 bd/ 2 ba, c/h/a, appliances and lot. 1043 Dibert st. $14,000 cash. Call 469-6978

Land & Lots for Sale Multiple lots for sale: 803-773-8022 ask for Bruce.

Call

Minutes WALMART. Acre $4,900.

Utilities! 713-870-0216.

MIN SHAW AFB, 16 + acres. $1750 per acre paved rd. Water, elec. 888-774-5720

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sumter County requests bids from qualified roofing contractors for re-roofing of Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St in Sumter, South Carolina.

Bids for this work will be opened in County Council Chambers located in the Sumter County Administration Building, 3rd Floor, 13 E Canal St, Sumter, SC on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference held at the site on Wednesday, March 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

The project consists of the re-roofing of approximately 143 squares (Base Bid A) and 92 squares (Base Bid B) of existing roofing. Re-roofing shall consist of the complete tear-off of existing roofing down to existing decks, deck repair, and installation of new insulation and specified roofing membrane and all associated trim.

Contractors may obtain plans and specifications from the Architect: James, DuRant, Matthews & Shelley, Inc., 128 E Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, PH: 803-773-3318, upon furnishing a $100 refundable deposit. Contractors may purchase additional sets for cost of reproduction; such costs are not refundable.

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the amount of not less than 5% of the Bid. Sumter County Procurement Code Section 2-486 Local Bidder Preference Option is applicable to this project.

We the family of Mary Belle Davis Mazyck wishes to thank you for the prayers, cards, phone calls, love, visits and whatever you did during her illness and passing. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice PUBLICATION ON ADOPTION (ANY UNKNOWN OR UNDISCLOSED PARENT)

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for the opening of bids unless authorized by awarding authorities.

Upon award of Contract(s), the Architectural Firm will supervise the project, payments and acceptance of the project.

The Contractor(s) to whom this work is awarded will be required to furnish an approved Performance Bond and a Labor & Material Payment Bond in the amount equal to 100% of the Contract.

The right is reserved to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any formalities in bidding.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO: 2015-CP-43-00326

In the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Case No. 2015-224283 IN: THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF: JUDAH WAYNE ARDIS Notice to any Unknown or Undisclosed Parent of: Judah Wayne Ardis You will take notice that a petition for the adoption of Judah Wayne Ardis, a Minor (born to Brooke Haley Merritt on the 5th day of November 2014 in Sumter County, South Carolina), was filed on February 10, 2015, in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, alleging that the identity of the natural parent of said minor child may be unknown or has not been correctly disclosed to the Court, and whose relationship of said possible unknown or undisclosed natural parent to the aforesaid minor child is that of Natural Father. Minor Child's birth date is November 5, 2014.

Please be advised that should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein with Richard L. Wyatt whose name and address is shown below, and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Jefferson County Courthouse, Birmingham, Alabama.

Done this the 17 day of February 2015.

Richard L. Wyatt 2010 Lancaster Road Birmingham, AL 35209

DEFICIENCY WAIVED (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE) STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Bank of America, N.A., PLAINTIFF, vs.

Tammy R. Timmons; David W. Timmons; The United States of America, by and through its Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development DEFENDANT(S)

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Summons & Notice

Bid Notices

SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2015

Summons & Notice

of this cause to the Master in Equity, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master in Equity is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this cause with appeal only to the South Carolina Court of Appeals pursuant to Rule 203(d)(1) of the SCAR, effective June 1, 1999.

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES, AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY:

FURNITURE THROWS

Chair.....................$8 each Loveseat.............$10 each Sofa....................$12 each Bath Sheets ......... $5 each Bath Towels......... $4 each

Summons & Notice

not guarantee the availability of loss mitigation options or further review of your qualifications.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE P U R P O S E O F T H I S COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff immediately and separately and such application will be deemed absolute and total in the absence of your application for such an appointment within thirty (30) days after the service of the Summons and Complaint upon you.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference of this cause to the Master in Equity for this County, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master in Equity is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this cause with appeal only to the South Carolina Court of Appeals pursuant to Rule 203(d)(1) of the SCAR, effective June 1, 1999.

Let us show you THE WAY HOME!

NOTICE OF FILING OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT TO THE NAMED:

DEFENDANTS

ABOVE

YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the foregoing Summons, along with the Complaint, was filed with the Clerk of Court for Sumter County, South Carolina, on February 3, 2015.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, (hereinafter "Order"), you may have a right to Foreclosure Intervention.

IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION, YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY/AGENT MAY PROCEED WITH A FORECLOSURE ACTION. If you have already pursued loss mitigation with the Plaintiff, this Notice does

Broker, ABR

Agent Owned Realty 401 S. Mill Street 803-505-2788 yanakmathis@gmail.com

First Carolina Real Estate Group

327 N. Main 803-236-1721 dwells1913@aol.com 4 Brogdon St.

1141 Longleaf Drive in Pine Knoll S/D, Manning, SC 3 BR, 2.5 BA brick home w/large shade trees & underground sprinkler system! Salt water inground pool w/privacy fencing & storage bldg.

Engineered hard wood “floating” floors & 2 car garage.

To be considered for any available Foreclosure Intervention, you may communicate with and otherwise deal with the Plaintiff through its law firm, Hutchens Law Firm, P.O. Box 8237, Columbia, SC 29202 or call 803-726-2700. Hutchens Law Firm, represents the Plaintiff in this action and does not represent you. Under our ethical rules, we are prohibited from giving you any legal advice.

You must submit any requests for Foreclosure Intervention consideration within 30 days from the date of this Notice.

Denise Wells,Realtor,

Yana Mathis,Broker

This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located in a quiet established neighborhood features hardwood floors, wood fire place in the family room, French doors, formal dining room, sunroom, 4 year old roof and vinyl siding

$99,500

Patty Wood,Realtor

Betsy Hair,Realtor, GRI, CBR

Remax by the Lake 326 S. Mill Street 803-410-0082 pattylu2@msn.com

Century 21 A Walton Agency

300 W. Wesmark Blvd.

803-491-6822 betsy@walton21.com 1380 Doral Drive, Manning, SC. Golf course home overlooking 17th fairway of Shannon Greens.

Beautiful brick home with all the upgrades! Granite countertops, laminate hardwood floors, bonus room (carpet) over the garage.

655 Aidan Immaculate home! 3 bd 2 ba whirlpool tub and separate shower in masterbath fireplace/ gas logs sprinkler system with well security sys

$144,880

$212,900

TO THE DEFENDANTS, ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, Hutchens Law Firm; P.O. Box 8237; Columbia, SC 29202, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, except as to the United States of America, which shall have sixty (60) days, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference

CONTRACTOR WANTED! For Routes In The

WYBOO PLANTATION WHITE OAK II AREA.

Earn Extra Income If you have good dependable transportation and a phone in your home and a desire to supplement your income,

COME BY & APPLY AT

Pick Up Your Copy Today!

Volume 7, No.

Sumter Locations

FRIDAY, FEBRU ARY

DeMaras Italian Restaurant Hwy 441 D & L Diner 441 back gate at Shaw Duncan Dogs 5641 Broad Street El Cheapo Gas Station Hwy 76 Across from Shaw Gamecock Bowling Lanes Broad Street Georgios 5500 Sycamore at 5000 area of Shaw Kwik Mart Hwy 441 McDonalds 76/441 at Shaw MRMA #441 Midlands Retirement Military Association Parkway Shell Station Hwy 441 at Shaw SHAW AAFES Gas Station & Shoppette SHAW Base Exchange SHAW Commissary Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store 32 S. Main Street TWO Main Entrances at Patton Hall 3rd Army YMCA Miller Road

Columbia Locations BI-LO 4711 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Chic Fil A Forest Dr at Fort Jackson

9 ©SS 2015

ANCHORMAN SUSPENDED IRAQ WAR STOR Y DISCREPANC IES UNCOVERE

BY STARS AND D STRIPE CREDIBILITY OF S CAST DOUBT ON WILLIAMS AND NBC

Courte sy of NBC Unive rsal

Brian Willia ms Maj. Tim T poses with Comman erpack d Sgt. from an “NB in a video screen grab C Nightly New broadcast s” report on Jan. 30 .

Grouchos Deli 47817 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Kangaroo Express 5425 Forest Dr. at Fort Jackson McENTIRE Air National Guard Base Mr Bunkys Hwy76 Ponchos Restaurant 5400 Forest Dr at Fort Jackson Shell/Corner Pantry Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Wal-Mart 5240 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson

PUBLISHES EVERY THURSDAY ad deadline: EVERY FRIDAY AT 11AM FOR NEXT WEEK’S PUBLICATION

more information at www.stripes.com ★ DISTRIBUTED IN AND AROUND SHAW AFB AND MCENTIRE *AROUND FT. JACKSON - BASE ACCESS PENDING ★

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC or Call Harry at (803) 774-1257

13, 20

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 803.774.1237