Basketball Game Preview: Fairfield Central Griffins vs. Strom Thurmond Rebels

The Fairfield Central Griffins will head out on the road to challenge the Strom Thurmond Rebels at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

Fairfield Central is headed into the contest having just suffered their biggest defeat since December 17, 2024 on Thursday. They came up short against Clinton, falling 39-18. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Griffins' biggest loss of the season was also their lowest-scoring.

Ashlynn Pinkney

Steals

02/13/25 vs Clinton	8
02/11/25 vs Chester	7
02/10/25 vs Mid-Carolina	8
02/06/25 @ Mid-Carolina	6
02/04/25 @ Columbia	5
+ 3 more games

Despite the loss, Fairfield Central saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Ashlynn Pinkney posted three points along with eight steals and five rebounds. Pinkney has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last eight times she's played. Jazzlyn McMillan was another key player, putting up nine points in addition to six boards and four blocks.

Even though they lost, Fairfield Central smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in five consecutive matches.

Ninety Six typically has all the answers at home, but on Thursday Strom Thurmond proved too difficult a challenge. They had just enough and edged the Wildcats out 45-42. The win continues a trend for the Rebels in their matchups with the Wildcats: they've now won five in a row.

Strom Thurmond's victory bumped their record up to 10-12. As for Fairfield Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-11.

Fairfield Central was able to grind out a solid win over Strom Thurmond in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, winning 54-42. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Strom Thurmond's Katlyn Chinn, who earned 17 points along with five assists and four steals. Now that she won't be playing on Monday, will it be easier for Fairfield Central to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.