03/29/2024
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WASHINGTON – Washington exploded for a 22-9 4th quarter surge that rallied the Pam Pack to a 53-49 victory over East Bladen Tuesday night in the NCHSAA Class 2A Boys Basketball Playoffs.

The Eagles had overcome an early 11-6 deficit with a 23-6 2nd period blitz of their own that produced a 29-17 halftime lead. Junior Jacob Nixon blistered the nets with a trio of 3-point shots and threw in another basket to key the East surge.

Junior Malcolm Bolden bombed in a pair of 3-balls and added another hoop in the half. Senior Nazire Smith attacked the paint for a trio of baskets, and junior Zamar Lewis sank 4 straight free throws.

Washington whittled the Eagle lead to 40-31 at the next quarter break then rode the closing run to victory. Nixon buried 2 more 3-balls and tossed in 2 free throws after halftime. Smith racked up 3 more baskets after intermission, and Lewis, Bolden and junior Jordan Mathis added a basket each.

Nixon just missed a double-double for the Eagles with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Bolden finished with 10 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Smith closed out his Eagle career with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Lewis pounded the boards for 6 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

The Eagles completed their season with a 15-9 record. Washington, now 15-8, will travel to No. 2 seed Kinston Thursday. The Vikings defeated West Bladen 57-35 in their playoff opener.

East Bladen       6     23    11      9 – 49
Washington     11      6     14    22  -53

East Bladen (49) – Ahmad Powell, Malcolm Bolden 10, Jordan Mathis 2, Jacob Nixon 19, Nazire Smith 12, Cam White, Peyton Tatum, Yontee Dobson, Malaki Monroe, Zamar Lewis 6, Rodney Lacewell.

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