David Bell goes up strong against Lugoff-Elgin as Raheen Jackson (21) boxes out.
Friday night the Blythewood boys’ basketball team (8-9, 1-3) defeated Lugoff-Elgin (8-8, 0-3) in a see-saw affair, 76-63. In the first half there were six lead changes and four ties. Halfway through the first quarter the Bengals led 13-9, but Lugoff-Elgin went on an 8-0 run at the end of the quarter to go on top 17-13. However, Blythewood would bounce back halfway through the second quarter. Down 25-24, they would end the half on a 10-4 run to lead 34-29. Lugoff-Elgin, down 54-44, started the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run to pull to within four, but that’s as close as the Demons would get. Blythewood continued to stay out in front to earn their first region win. Blythewood senior David Bell scored a game high 17 points. Three other Bengals cracked double digits, including Zack Hamilton (15), Kevin Crawford (12) and Sam Lake (10).
Tuesday night, Blythewood faced the challenge of going on the road to take on the number three ranked team in the state, Richland Northeast (14-4, 3-1). The Bengals never led in the game and fell to the Cavaliers 66-52. Richland Northeast is undefeated at home (5-0) and their only region loss came at the hands of the number one ranked team in the state, Irmo. Before the game Blythewood head coach Zeke Washington knew his Bengals were facing a tough test.
“They’re (Richland Northeast) long, athletic and they’re very disciplined,” Washington said.
Bell continued his scoring onslaught as he poured in a game high 28 points. Lake added 11 for the Bengals, and has knocked down two shots from beyond the arc in his past four games. Senior Quiron Cooke led Richland Northeast in scoring with 24. Blythewood will attempt to rebound with a home game against their region rivals, Ridge View, on Friday night.
