West Bladen’s Tyre Boykin and East Bladen’s Patience Ward have both been named to the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-District 4 First Teams. Boykin was named Boys All-District and Ward was named Girls All-District.
It has been a busy week of awards for Boykin and Ward as both were named Three Rivers Conference Player of the Year in their respective sports.
Boykin who was a 3rd Team NCBCA All-District selection in 2019 scored 20 or more points in 20 games this season including his final 14 games in a row. The UMKC signee averaged 19 points per game and scored all 41 Knight points in a game against East Bladen. He also had games of 35 points against East Columbus and 32 in a win over Clinton.
“Tyre had an unbelievable season in what was a trying one in regards to wins and losses,” said Knight Coach Travis Pait. “He was an unbelievable leader and always kept the team first in all that he did. “I think it says a lot about him as a player that he was on the last place team, yet was the unanimous pick as the player of the year by the league’s coaches.”
Ward scored in double figures in 23 of 27 games and averaged 20.1 points per game as the Lady Eagles posted a 22-5 record and reached the second round of the NCHSAA Class 2A Play-offs. In East Bladen’s 2nd game of the season, Ward set a school record by pouring in 45 points against Jacksonville Northside.
“Patience began working as soon as basketball was over last year to improve her outside shot and overall game,” said Lady Eagle Coach Patty Evers. “She spent many hours in the gym and at the county park! She knew that we had lost the bulk of our offense last year and she knew she would have to better.”
Ward who has signed to play basketball at Cape Fear Community College next season scored 20-or more points in 15 of her 27 games and rang up 37 points in a victory over Whiteville, then scored 31 more in a playoff win over Clinton. Ward grabbed 7.6 rebounds and was credited with 5 steals and 2 assists per game.
“Determination best describes the year she had and I truly believe we would have struggled to make the playoffs without her this year!” continued Evers. “She has also been a good teammate and a leader in the locker room as well.”
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