By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Class 5A Division I competitive cheer finals at Colonial Life Arena is shaping up to be another battle between Region 4-5A rivals.
Defending champion Lexington, Dutch Fork and River Bluff took the top three spots at Thursday’s qualifier event. The Lady Wildcats led the way with 329.5 points, followed by the Lady Silver Foxes with 312.5 and River Bluff (310.5).
Lexington is seeking its sixth state title, while Dutch Fork can move into second place all-time with an eighth championship. River Bluff won the Class 3A title in 2013.
Gilbert placed fourth in Class 4A at the qualifier. Meanwhile, defending champion Gray Collegiate did not compete this year.
In Class 3A, Mid-Carolina placed third at the qualifier with 275 points. It finished behind Palmetto and Chesnee.
