CLINTON –East Bladen’s Eagles withstood a long-range shooting barrage for the 2nd consecutive night and rallied for a 59-44 Southeastern Athletic Conference boys’ basketball victory over Clinton Wednesday night.
Clinton’s Nick Smith smoked the nets with four 3-point baskets in the 1st period, and teammate Blake Smith pumped in a 3-ball and another basket as the Dark Horses jumped out to a 17-6 lead.
Junior Malcolm Bolden fired in a 3-point shot and another basket, and junior Yontee Dobson canned a free throw for the Eagles in the period.
East junior Jacob Nixon drilled in a 3-point shot and another basket in the 2nd quarter. Bolden, senior Nazire Smith and juniors Jordan Mathis and Zamar Lewis dropped in a basket each as the Eagles whittled the Clinton lead to 24-21 at halftime.
Nazire Smith sparked a 23-point outburst for the Eagles in the 3rd quarter with a trio of baskets. Bolden knocked down a 3-point shot and another basket then tacked on a free throw. Nixon connected on another 3-point shot then popped in another basket. Mathis and junior Malaki Monroe tossed in baskets, and Dobson sank 2 free throws as the Eagles charged ahead 44-38.
The final period belonged to the Eagles as Lewis took over inside powering his way to the rim for 4 baskets and a free throw. Junior Cam White buried a 3-point shot, and Bolden drove for a basket and a free throw.
Bolden led the Eagle scoring with 16 points, distributed 7 assists and collected 4 steals. Lewis just missed a double-double with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Nixon totaled 10 points and 3 assists. Nazire Smith contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds. Mathis pulled down 9 rebounds to go with 4 points and 2 steals. Dobson grabbed 5 rebounds.
Nick Smith blistered the nets with six 3-point shots and totaled 21 points to lead all scorers for Clinton. Blake Smith connected on a trio of 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.
Coach Aking Elting’s Eagles improved to 8-3 in SAC-7 play and 13-7 overall. East Bladen can clinch at least a tie for 2nd place with a victory over Clinton Friday night when the Dark Horses come to East Bladen for Senior Night.
East Bladen 6 15 23 15 – 59
Clinton 17 7 14 6 – 44
EAST BLADEN (59) – Malcolm Bolden 16, Jordan Mathis 4, Jacob Nixon 10, Nazire Smith 8, Cam White 3, Peyton Tatum 2, Yontee Dobson 3, Malaki Monroe 2, Zamar Lewis 11.
CLINTON (44) – Zicareian McNeil, Walker Spell, Blake Smith 13, Landen Pearson 6, Nick Smith 21, Bryan Edwards, B. J. Bennett, Jon Blackman 4.
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