Gaffney shows promise

JAMES DAVIS The Gaffney boys track team proved they belong with the region's elite on Thursday.

The Indians pushed the defending state champion Cavaliers to the limit before falling 73-75 at Dorman.

The Indians could have pulled off the upset but they don't have any pole vaulters to compete in the event.

"I'm just very proud of the young men," Gaffney coach James Davis said. "We didn't compete in the pole vault and that's why we lost."

Gaffney speedsters Joe Craig and Kenard Lipscomb, who advanced to the state tournament last year, led the way with first place finishes. Craig took the 200 meters in a time of 21.9, while Lipscomb won the 400 meters in 51.9 and the 800 meters in 2:05.

Denard Smith, was another bright spot, with a first-place finish in the long jump with a leap of 20'-08."

Lipscomb, Craig and Smith teamed with Darius Dawkins to place first in the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3.28.

Austin Steagall showed the Indians will be a force in the distance races with a firstplace showing in the 2-mile.

The Indians also were strong in the field events with Denzell Good winning the discus.