CHADBOURN – Tavion Smith fired in 13 of his game-high 20 points in the 2nd half to lead Tar Heel to a 37-34 Waccamaw Middle School Conference boys basketball victory over West Columbus Monday in a make-up game.
Tavion Smith and Josiah Belle-Robinson bombed in 3-point shots, and Kaleb Gaddy sank 2 free throws in the opening period as the Panthers edged ahead 8-7.
The Panthers stayed on top 16-15 at halftime as Tavion Smith canned 2 free throws and a basket, and Gaddy and Dguan Smith threw in baskets.
Larry Graham pumped in 5 of his team-high 11 points in the 3rd quarter to rally the Warriors in front 25-23. Tavion Smith flipped in 2 baskets and a free throw, and Gaddy added a basket for the Panthers in the period.
Tavion Smith sparked a 14-8 Tar Heel closing run that vaulted the Panthers back on top. Tavion Smith netted a basket and connected on 6 of 8 foul shots during the rally. Gaddy tossed in 2 baskets, and Wendell Way popped in a basket down the stretch for the winners.
Gaddy finished with 10 points for Tar Heel, and LaMarr Brown followed Graham on the West Columbus scoring list with 8 points.
Tar Heel 8 8 7 14 –37
West Columbus 7 8 10 8 – 34
Tar Heel (37) – Josiah Belle-Robinson 3, Tavion Smith 20, Kaleb Gaddy 10, Dguan Smith 2, Ahmarie White, Wendell Way 2, Ahdaren Toney, Derek Richardson, Jaquan Lesane, Demarius Guions, Cedrick McKiver, Dylan McLaurin, Axel Martinez, Dylan Hernandez, Jonathan Ortiz.
West Columbus (34) – Larry Graham 11, Johan Powell, Davis Taylor 1, Isaiah Alford, Zion Eady 6, LaMarr Brown 8, Brennen Little 4, Gavin Williamson, Sam Battle, Gage Neuman, Parker Fowler, Desmond Williams 3.