BLADENBORO –Senior Javonta Matthews fired in 17 points Tuesday night, and his West Bladen Knights connected on 10 of 16 foul shots in the final period to preserve a 56-47 non-conference boys’ basketball victory over South Columbus.
Knight junior Gary Parker and freshman Hezekiah Adams pumped in 2 baskets each in the opening quarter, Landon Stanley drilled in a 3-point basket, and Matthews and sophomore Malachi Allen netted a basket each. Jamal Brown, Domnick Johnson and Daquan Cox hurled in 3-point shots to keep the Stallions within 15-9 at the quarter break.
Matthews filled the nets with 3 free throws and 2 baskets in the 2nd period. Adams sank 2 free throws and a basket, and freshman Chase Williams converted 2 foul shots to keep the Knights up 28-19 at halftime. Rovaughn Graham kept the Stallions close with a 3-ball and another basket.
Matthews worked the paint for 2 baskets and 2 free throws in the 3rd quarter, and Williams and Parker flipped in baskets to keep the Knights up 39-30. Johnson hurled in a 3-ball and 2 more baskets for South in the period.
Senior Keshawn Ballard drained a 3-point shot and 3 free throws for West in the final quarter. Parker and Matthews tossed in a basket each, and Adams, Parker and Allen cashed in 2 free throws each to keep the Knights on top.
Johnson and Brown attempted to rally the Stallions with 3-balls, and Johnson contributed 2 more baskets in the quarter.
Parker and Adams finished with 10 points each for the Knights, and Ballard netted 6 points. Johnson led the Stallions with 16 points, and Cox and Brown followed with 10 points each.
Coach Travis Pait’s Knights improved to 6-2 and will play Tuesday at 8 p.m. against West Columbus in their Bladen Offroad Christmas Tournament.
South Columbus 9 10 11 17 – 47
West Bladen 15 13 11 17 – 56
SOUTH COLUMBUS (47) – Jamal Brown 10, Damonte Gore 2, Domnick Johnson 16, Daquan Cox 10, Chase Clewis 2, Jeremiah Long, Rashad Dewitt, Isaac Ward, Rovaughn Graham 7, Cameron Hardee.
WEST BLADEN (56) – Hezekiah Adams 10, Josiah Brown 2, Landon Stanley 3, Malachi Allen 4, Keshawn Ballard 6, Gary Parker 10, Walter Bealon, Javonta Matthews 17, Chase Williams 4, Travail Baldwin.