Burke boys, girls one step from Columbia

Saturday promises to be one of the biggest days in Burke basketball history when the girls' and boys' teams play in the Class AA Lower State championships at The Citadel's McAlister Field House.

The Burke girls play Lee Central at 2:30 p.m. The Bulldogs are seeking their first appearance in the state championship game since 1973, when they lost to Easley in the title game.

The Burke boys play undefeated Mullins at 4:30 p.m. The Bulldogs are seeking their first appearance in the state title game since 1992, when they lost to Greenville.

"We haven't had a situation like this at Burke in the 25 years that I have been here," said boys' coach Earl Brown, who has more than 600 career victories. "This is going to be one of the best years ever, as far as playoffs go. But we have to get it done if we're going to make it happen. We have to win Saturday before we can talk about playing in the state championship game."

Said girls' coach George Pettigrew: "Not only is it a big day, it's a historic day. Something like this hasn't happened at Burke in a really long time. Both of the teams deserve it, and it's time we get some positive publicity. All you hear is negative this, negative that, a poor school, a failing school. This is a positive thing that is good for the community."

The Burke boys' team is 24-1 after Wednesday night's heart-stopping 61-59 victory over Wade Hampton.

Burke's Michael Heyward was called for a technical after he called a timeout Burke didn't have. Wade Hampton tied the game and had a chance to win, but turned the ball over. Heyward redeemed himself with the game-winning basket at the buzzer. The Bulldogs face an even bigger challenge against undefeated Mullins on Saturday.

"They're a lot like Wade Hampton, although they aren't as tall," Brown said.

Mullins survived Cheraw, 58-57, in the first round and breezed past Bishop England, 61-47, and Ridgeland, 83-68, to reach Saturday's game.

The Burke girls' team reached the third round in 2003, the first year Pettigrew returned as coach. Pettigrew, who has more than 300 career victories, said his team will be in the stands rooting for the boys' team. He says both teams support each other.

"When you have only nine players like we do, how do you think we practice? When we want to work against the press, we scrimmage the boys. There aren't many girls' teams quicker than our boys. That's a daily thing. When I say we need some help, they ask, 'What time?' That's how you get better."