A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Blythewood High School girls basketball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA Division I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Blythewood High basketball team of Richland County captured the state title at the state championship held at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on Friday, March 6, 2026; and

 

Whereas, to the thrill of their exuberant fans, the Blythewood Lady Bengals defeated a fine, competitive Wando High School 68-44 and claimed back-to-back state championships. The team finished the season with a 24-5 record after starting the season with three losses in the first four games; and

 

Whereas, Blythewood's path to state finals was grinding after the Lady Bengals' second-round victory over Clover High School. The fourth seeded Lady Bengals tackled No. 1 ranked Dorman High School on February 27, a team which had defeated Blythewood 61-49 in the second game of the season. Blythewood held on to the lead in the fourth quarter, in spite of a strong Dorman rally, to win 54-52. That victory led the team to the Upper State championship to face No. 2 Mauldin High School. Blythewood battled Mauldin through three quarters and posted a 60-54 victory to advance to the state final; and

 

Whereas, in the first quarter of the state championship game, Blythewood fell behind against Wando, but the 17-9 deficit at the end of the quarter did not ruffle the Lady Bengals. Hayley Hightower made three of four free throws, and Chase Thomas sank a 3-pointer to get Blythewood to within 17-15 with 6:36 left in the second quarter. The game stayed tight up to halftime. India Williams broke a 27-27 tie with a 3-pointer with 23 seconds left to put the Lady Bengals ahead 30-27 at the end of the half; and

 

Whereas, Blythewood continued to sail through the third quarter, adding 18 points to Wando's 9. The Lady Bengals scored seven points in quick succession in the space of a minute. After the 5-minute mark of the third, India Williams made one of two foul shots, Chase Thomas drained a 3, and India Williams returned to the basket for a 3-point play with 4:04 left in the third quarter. Blythewood overcame the Wando Lady Warriors' lead by using their successful pressure defense. More of the same continued in the final quarter, outscoring Wando 20-8, to clinch the 68-44 victory; and

 

Whereas, seniors Chase Thomas, who has signed to play for South Carolina State University next season, finished the night with 28 points and 11 rebounds, and India Williams, who signed with USC Aiken, led the way for the Lady Bengals, scored 20 points and pulled down 10 boards. Two other seniors were key in securing the state championship victory. Hayley Hightower, the veteran point guard and a sprinter for Blythewood's state champion girls track and field team, signed to run for Purdue. She has sparked the defensive effort for years and had 8 steals and 5 assists on top of 5 points. Madison Thomas, Chase's sister, had 2 steals and 2 assists with 4 points; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that exacts speed, strength, and precision, Head Coach Emily McElveen-Schaeffer and her dedicated coaching staff maximized their own athletic ability and training to hone a repeat championship team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the court; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Blythewood basketball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members continue to look forward to the team's continued accomplishments in the days to come. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Blythewood High School girls basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2026 South Carolina Class AAAAA Division I State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Ralph Schmidt and Coach Emily McElveen-Schaeffer.

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