ROSEBORO – West Bladen opened up a 46-32 lead then survived a late Lakewood rally to claim a 63-56 non-conference jayvee boys basketball victory Wednesday night.
Keshawn Ballard bombed in a pair of 3-point shots, and Anthony Cowan threw in a pair of baskets as the Knights grabbed an early 15-7 lead. Teammates Josiah Brown and Aaron Thompson sank 2 free throws each in the period, and Jordan Underwood hit one.
Brown pumped in 3 baskets and 2 free throws in the second quarter. Javontae Matthews popped in a basket, and Alan Breakfield made a free throw as the Knights kept a 26-21 halftime lead.
Cowan tossed in 3 baskets in the third quarter, and Matthews flipped in 2 baskets and a free throw. Brown, Thompson and Anthony Mitchell drained 3-point shots as the Knight lead grew to 46-32.
Tony Freeman rallied the Leopards by knocking down four 3-point shots in the final quarter. Freeman topped all scorers with 24 points.
Thompson nailed a pair of 3-point shots for the Knights in the fourth period. Matthews buried a 3-point shot and another basket. Underwood and Brown dropped in baskets, and Mitchell made 2 free throws.
Coach Jason Hemingway’s Knights improved to 5-8 on the season and will travel to East Columbus Friday night.
West Bladen 15 11 20 17 — 63
Lakewood 7 14 11 24 — 56
WEST BLADEN (63) — Travail Baldwin, Javontae Matthews 12, Anthony Cowan 10, Amir Stepps, Jordan Underwood 3, Keshawn Ballard 6, Anthony Mitchell 5, Aaron Thompson 11, Josiah Brown 15, Alan Breakfield 2.