The Fairfield Central Griffins closed out non-region play last week with a pair of wins over Newberry High School. Meanwhile, region play got under way with a pair of losses to York.

Friday night, the Griffins hosted the York Cougars. While the Lady Griffins played it close, they came up on the short end of a 47-44 contest to begin the region.

“We missed too many free throws,” said Lady Griffins head coach Cedric Simpson. “We couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean. We had a chance to tie it at the end, but missed some shots. York is a good team.”

Jada Martin lead the Lady Griffins with 14 points, followed by Janelle Watkins with 11.

The boys also took their lumps at the hands of the Cougars, falling 51-40.

“York was an ugly game, offensively,” said Griffins head coach Devin Liferidge. “We couldn’t have shot worse. I was satisfied with the looks we were getting. We were executing the offense and getting open shots, but nothing was falling in.”

Kevin Workman led the scoring for the Griffins with 15 in the losing effort.

Saturday afternoon, however, the Griffins found their groove, handling Newberry 70-62.

“I was proud, the way they bounced back on Saturday,” Liferidge said. “We put our foot on their neck and didn’t let up.”

Workman again led the Griffins with 23, followed by NahJawan McKinstry with 18 points and eight assists. David Maple added 14 for the Griffins.

The Lady Griffins also made short work of Newberry on Saturday, hammering the Lady Dogs 49-23.

“They came out Saturday with a chip on their shoulder,” Simpson said. “We played really good basketball and put them away early.”

Martin again led the Lady Griffins with 14, followed by Watkins with 10.

The Griffins travel to South Pointe tonight, face Fort Mill Wednesday and host Chester Friday.