CERRO GORDO – Six-six senior Jake Brownlee poured in 44 points Thursday night to lead West Columbus to an 84-67 boys basketball victory over East Bladen in Three Rivers Conference action.
Brownlee blistered the nets with a trio of 3-point shots and three 2-point baskets to rack up 18 points in the first quarter as the Vikings built a 25-14 lead.
Senior Sincere Smith pumped in five baskets in the opening period for the Eagles, including one 3-point shot. Guard Messiah Leach nailed a 3-point shot for East in the quarter.
Leach drained a pair of 3-point shots and added 2 more baskets in the second quarter to lead a 24-point East rally that pulled the Eagles to within 39-38 at halftime.
Smith threw in another 3-ball and a pair of 2-point baskets, and freshman center Javant McDowell worked inside for 2 more baskets for the Eagles. Brownlee dropped in four 2-point baskets and hit a 3-ball to keep the Vikings ahead.
Nine more points from Brownlee sparked a 26-15 West surge that padded the lead to 65-54 after 3 periods. Smith popped in 2 baskets and a free throw, and McDowell sank 2 free throws and another basket for East.
Bryon Bowen rallied the Eagles with a trio of final period baskets, and Raeshoid Pone bombed in a 3-point shot and another basket. Teammate Deondre Newkirk also buried a 3-point shot in the quarter.
Sincere Smith led the Eagle scoring with 23 points, and Leach finished with 17 points. McDowell and Bowen followed with 8 points each.
Dejour Smith followed Brownlee on the Viking scoring list with 12 points, and Tayvon Tyler tallied 10 points.
The Eagles travel to Fairmont Friday night.
EAST BLADEN (67) – Adonis Avery, Byron Bowen 8, Keshaun Davis 3, Messiah Leach 17, Pierce Melvin, Javant McDowell 8, Sincere Smith 23, Deondre Newkirk 3, Raeshoid Pone 5, Robert Cooley, Zaire T. Dobson.
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