EASLEY — With Easley trailing Hillcrest 43-34 going into the fourth quarter Tuesday night in the Upstate semifinals, the Green Wave needed a special weapon to get back into the game.

Who would have thought it would be the only freshman on the Green Wave’s varsity squad who would lead the team to victory.

Troy McGowens hit 11 of 12 foul shots in the game — including going 10-for-10 in the fourth quarter — to help Easley come from behind to take a 62-59 win.

Easley did not take the lead until McGowens sank two free throws with just inside two minutes remaining in the game to put Easley ahead 54-53.

McGowens hit four more free throws before Hillcrest scored again to make Easley lead 58-56.

Hillcrest then hit a three-point basket to regain the lead 59-58

Center Joel Cook then put Easley back in front with a basket, making the score 60-59.

Cook then blocked a Hillcrest shot on the other side of the court to allow Easley to hold on to the lead.

McGowens sank two more free throws to give Easley the final margin of 62-59.

In addition to his 11 free throws, McGowens hit two three-point baskets score 17 points in the game. Cook also scored 17 for the Green Wave.

Joe Graver added 11 points. Spencer Collins was hampered by foul trouble, but still scored 9 points for Easley. Tim Pickel and McKenzie Blandin each scored 4.

Easley will now play Gaffney Friday night at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. The game is set to begin at 8:30 p.m., depending on when the preceding game for the girls AAAA Upstate title ends.

In that game, girls Region 1-AAAA champions Greenwood will face Spring Valley.

The Gaffney boys team reached the Upstate championship game by defeating Dorman 45-42 Tuesday night.

The Indians are led by former Gettys Middle School coach Mark Huff.

Gaffney is 24-2, with one loss coming against Peachtree Ridge, Ga., in an holiday tournament.

Gaffney split games with Fort Mill, losing 66-60 at home, but coming back for a 71-66 win at Fort Mill later in the season.

Easley defeated Fort Mill 63-47 in the second round of the playoffs.

The winner of Friday night’s game will advance to the AAAA state championship game March 5 at the Colonial Center in Columbia. The Lowcountry champion game will be played at The Citadel in Charleston Friday night, with Goose Creek taking on Lexington.

Tickets for Friday night’s Easley-Gaffney game will be $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Tickets will be on sale during all three lunch periods at Easley High School Friday and all day at CommunitySouth bank on Calhoun Memorial Hwy.