CERRO GORDO – Sophomores Hezekiah Adams and Chase Williams combined for 35 points Friday night as they led unbeaten West Bladen to a 52-36 non-conference boys’ basketball victory over West Columbus.
Adams topped the Knight scoring with 18 points, while the 6-7 Williams was right behind him with 17 points. Junior Andre Moore followed with 8 points.
Moore buried a pair of 3-point shots in the opening period, Williams and Adams flipped in baskets, and senior Anthony Mitchell sank 2 free throws to keep the Knights within 13-12 at the 1st quarter break.
Adams drilled in a 3-point shot and threw in 2 more baskets to spark a 16-5 Knight run that opened up a 28-18 halftime lead. Williams worked inside for a pair of buckets, freshman Tylik McCall bombed in a 3-pointer, and freshman Jackson Pait popped in a basket during the run.
Williams muscled in 2 more baskets and made 3 of 4 foul shots in the 3rd period. Adams delivered a 3-point basket and a pair of free throws, and Pait rang up another basket to stretch the West Bladen lead to 42-25.
Adams and Williams pumped in a basket and 2 free throws each in the final quarter, and Moore swished a pair of free throws.
Unique Kelly paced the Viking scoring with 13 points, and Triston Freeman followed with 12 points.
Coach Travis Pait’s Knights improved to 6-0 and will open Southeastern Athletic Conference play Friday night at Clinton.
West Bladen 12 16 14 10 – 52
West Columbus 13 5 7 11 – 36
WEST BLADEN (52) – Jackson Pait 4, Hezekiah Adams 18, Tylik McCall 3, Andre Moore 8, Cornelius Esters, Walter Bealon, Anthony Mitchell, 2 Chase Williams 17.
WEST COLUMBUS (36) – Jaylen Bellamy 2, Unique Kelly 13, Triston Freeman 12, Randell Durden 2, Tristian Tubbs 5, Xander Axelburg 2, Cameron Eady, TyeZhawn Harlee, Dwayne Bryant.