CERRO GORDO – Sophomore guard Malcolm Bolden fired in 9 of his game-high 18 points in the final period as East Bladen rallied for a 39-36 boys basketball victory over West Columbus Wednesday night.
The Vikings led 22-12 at halftime, but junior Nazir Smith drained a 3-point shot and another basket to spark an Eagle rally. Senior Freddy Wooten nailed a 3-pointer, and Bolden, sophomore Zamar Lewis and senior Javant McDowell threw in baskets as East Bladen sliced the lead to 30-26 at the 3rd quarter break.
Bolden started the final quarter with a basket, bombed in a 3-point shot and sank 4 straight free throws. Wooten tossed in a basket and cashed in a pair of free throws as the Eagles rode a 13-6 closing run to the victory.
Wooten finished with 7 points, and Smith totaled 5 points. Ethan Brown led the Vikings with 10 points. Keywone Sumpter followed with 8 points, and 6-6 center Brandis Kelly dropped in 7 points.
Amajae Lowery and Darrius Marshall connected for 3-point baskets as the Vikings built an early 9-5 lead. Bolden and Lewis pumped in baskets, and McDowell hit a free throw for East in the period.
Sumpter and Kelly tossed in 2 baskets each, and Ethan Brown delivered a 3-point shot as the Viking lead grew to 22-12 at halftime. Bolden knocked down a 3-point shot and another basket, and senior Charles Brown added a basket for the Eagles.
Coach Aking Elting’s Eagles improved to 2-0 on the season and will host South Columbus Tuesday.
East Bladen 5 7 14 13 – 39
West Columbus 9 13 8 6 – 36
EB (39) – Charles Brown 2, Malcolm Bolden 18, Jacob Priest, Nazir Smith 5, Zamar Lewis 4, Javant McDowell 3, Freddy Wooten 7.
WC (36) – Darrius Marshall 3, Amajae Lowery 5, Keywone Sumpter 8, Jordan Mathis 4, Ethan Brown 10, Brandis Kelly 7.
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