Blythewood’s Todd Corely (32) goes up in double coverage. (Photo/DeAnna Robinson)
COLUMBIA – In a region IV-4A battle, the Ridge View Blazers (4-12, 2-3) outlasted the Bengals of Blythewood last Friday night by score of 68-60.
The loss dropped Blythewood to 8-12 overall and 3-2 in the region.
The Blazers spoiled a 23-13 first quarter lead by the Bengals to win on their home floor.
Blythewood was only able to muster seven points in the second quarter and trailed Ridge View 35-30 at halftime.
Ridge View came out and poured in the first four points of the third quarter to stretch their lead to nine. Although the deficit would never eclipse that nine-point mark, the Bengals would
never regain the lead.
Blythewood kept it close the entire second half and were down just six points going into the fourth quarter. Halfway through the fourth quarter, Blythewood pulled to within one point at 58-57 when Cameron Womack put back an offensive rebound. However, the rally would be short-lived, because on Ridge View’s next offensive possession Justin Hallowine buried a three-pointer.
The Bengals would pull to within one possession in the final minute of the game when Khalil Shakur-Harris scored two points of his team-high 15, but five straight free throws by Ridge View would close the books on the Bengals.
Both Kenny McCray and Womack added 12 points each and Eli Lake cracked double digits with 11 of his own off the bench.
Blythewood was off Tuesday and will host Irmo (18-1, 5-0) Friday. The Yellow Jackets are the defending state champs and have won 16 games in a row, with their last loss coming at the hands of Dorman on Nov. 27 by a score of 70-49.
The Bengals will be looking to avenge a 66-46 loss at Irmo three weeks ago.
