Jessica Wagner,

Staff Writer

Terry Farrior, one for four seniors taking the court this Saturday at the Regional finals, put the Dark Horses’ mission into perspective during the teams’ first practice after their semifinal victory — “They say we are the underdogs, but the underdogs are coming to the top.”

With an aspiration of winning a state championship, the Dark Horses came down from the clouds Thursday; and with their feet on the ground, they are now focused on their next move, insisted the seniors yesterday.

“We’re not done yet,” said Norri Ellis, “We want to end up beating whoever we face, but we have to take it one game at a time.”

Ellis, who was with the Dark Horses a few years back when they galloped to the third round in Sectionals, was present when the 2010 team made history Wednesday night in Greenville.

“It feels really good that we are one of the top four teams in the state,” Ellis shared of the Eastern 2A accomplishment.

Dominic Quarterman, also a senior this year, chimed in, “We have been talking about this moment since we were little, and it is finally happening.”

For Quentin Hill, his only emotion after Wednesday’s overtime victory was, he said, happiness.

“When we went into overtime, I knew we had it because we are used to playing in overtime,” Hill said, adding the Horses kept their composure and sealed the deal.

Head coach Brad Spell furthered, “The old saying goes that when your winning, everyone works harder, but when you get in a slump you lose focus. We got down by six points with 2 minutes to go, but we kept it together, took it to overtime and won it.”

As for pulling ahead by nine at the buzzer, Farrior said the team, in general, was the sole reason for the win.

“My teammates help me control myself, not get aggressive and keep my composure,” Farrior stated when things got rough Wednesday. “By us being focused, the younger guys will be focused. We (the seniors) lead by example.”

The Dark Horses may be a Cinderella story, considering they are marked as the underdogs in the Eastern Regional action, but they are not wearing the crown just yet.

“We did it, but we ain’t done yet. We have some more history to make,” Farrior conveyed.

Spell added, “We want to continue to only think about Saturday, and take every game as they come. Any team we play now is going to be awesome; so, we are going to have to come in with our ‘A’ game.”

While the Dark Horses have already made history with their advancement to the Regional finals, a victory in two more games is what all the Dark Horses dream of, especially with their fan base present.

“The fans were incredible Wednesday. I couldn’t ask for it to be any better, and once again, I ask for their support Saturday at 3 p.m.,” Spell requested.

As Clinton bucks their way to Greenville Saturday, regardless of the outcome, the fans will be screaming, “Dark Horses ... we believe!”

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@intrstar.net