CA Johnson, Ridge View, Keenan shine at MLK Bash. Five things that stood out from event
The 10th annual MLK Bash boys showcase was held Monday at Eau Claire High School.
The event featured five matchups between schools from the Midlands and across the state. Here are five things that stood out
Ridge View turns in dominant performance
A 10:30 a.m. start didn’t phase the top-ranked Ridge View basketball squad.
Behind Yale Davis’ 23 points, the Blazers, No. 1 in Class 5A Division I, dominated Brookland-Cayce (No. 6 in 4A), 78-49.
Ridge View’s defensive intensity and depth stood out and their pressure bothered the Bearcats — especially in the second half.
“That is the only thing you can control is your effort and attitude and we stress that everyday,” Ridge View coach Joshua Staley said. “We really try to focus on our effort and intensity and we were able to have some fun today.”
Davis delivered one of his best performances of the season. The guard hit five 3-pointers, including back-to-back buzzer beaters to end the second and third quarters.
“I had a great warm-up and my coaches set up good warm-ups and I got loose with the jumper and got off,” Davis said.
The Blazers have rival Blythewood up next for first place in the region. The game was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday because of weather expected to hit the Columbia area.
Keenan shines in marquee matchup
The Keenan boys basketball team has played in the marquee event in most of its 10 years and Monday was no different.
In the last game of the event, the Raiders defeated Crestwood in a matchup of ranked teams, 67-61. Keenan came into the game ranked No. 4 in 3A and Crestwood was No. 3 in Class 4A.
Both teams featured strong pressure defense and it was on display for much of the game. One of the big differences was the play of Keenan senior Brian Sumpter. The Wofford signee scored 20 points and earned MVP honors for the contest.
Antoine Caughman added 12 points and Broderick Anderson had 11 for Keenan.
Gamecock flavor to Gray-Hammond matchup
Two former South Carolina basketball players squared off as head coaches in the Gray Collegiate and Hammond matchup.
Gray used a strong second half to pull away from the Skyhawks, 60-48.
The War Eagles are coached by former USC standout Carlos Powell, who is back in Columbia at Gray after coaching at Wilson. Powell played for Dave Odom from 2001-05 and was an all-conference performer.
The Skyhawks are led by David Ross, who played for the Gamecocks from 1998-2001.
“That is something we have that is unique in the state of South Carolina,” Ross said. “We got 10 or 12 guys (that played at South Carolina) that are coaching throughout the state. It is always good to match up with one of those guys before and after the game.
“Carlos has done a great job. He did a great job at Wilson and is in his first year at Gray but he knows what he is doing and got them playing at a high level.
There also was a future Gamecock on the floor inHammond’s Mike Tyler, who signed to play for Shane Beamer and the USC football team.
CA Johnson shines in Bash debut
CA Johnson made the most of its Bash debut.
The Green Hornets jumped out on fellow Richland One school Eau Claire, which also was in its first appearance, and defeated the Shamrocks, 69-49.
“I am just thankful we were just able to compete and have a chance to play,” CAJ coach Robert McCray said. “I got to thank organizers who do a great job every year and we hope to be back next year.”
McCray is in his second year with the Green Hornets and has them off to an 11-6 start. CAJ is deep and is fun to watch with their up-tempto style.
Milton McCray scored a game-high points to lead the Green Hornets. Tony Odom added 17, while Aiaissc Germany had 14 and Zion Lakin 12.
Oceanside Collegiate looks like title contender
Oceanside Collegiate was the other top-ranked team in action Monday and looked every bit of it.
The Landsharks, the top-ranked team in 3A, defeated Greer, 60-44. Big man Jake Thomas won MVP honors for the game with 17 points. Carson Jones and Tyreek Dawson each had nine points.
The win spoiled the return for Greer head coach Devin Liferidge, who was a standout and played at nearby Lexington.
MLK Bash Scores
Ridge View 78, Brookland-Cayce 49
RV: Yale Davis 23, Korie Corbett 11. BC: Isaiah Oree 10, AJ Edwards 11, RJ Weeks 10
CA Johnson 69, Eau Claire 49
CAJ: Milton McCray 20, Tony Odom 17, Aiaissc Germany 14, Zion Lakin 12. EC: Gregory Williams 17
Gray Collegiate 60, Hammond 48
GC: LJ Britt 15, Quan McDuffie 13, Levi Ball 13. H: Mekhi Smith-Brown 20, Jackson Ross 17
Oceanside Collegiate 60, Greer 44
OC: Jake Thomas 17, Tyreek Dawson 9, Carson Jones 9. G: Amare Anderson 14, Mikey Williams 16
Keenan 67, Crestwood 61
K: Brian Sumpter 19, Antoine Caughman 12, Broderick Anderson 11. C: Shannon Davis 21, X. Johnson 14
Monday’s Boys Scores
Ben Lippen 73, Cardinal Newman 59
BL: Braysen Stockman 29, Maddox Stockman 13, Peter Essig 10. CN: Wade Marsh 28, Luis Echevarria 21
White Knoll 73, Lexington 44
WK: Cylan McLeod 13, Hage 3, Griffin 6, Posey 4, Jennings 6, Johnson 1, Jackson Lorick 15, Bryson Schofield 25. L: Hazelwinkel 8, Adams 12, Bowers 2, Bouchard 3, Wood 10, Hartman 2, Bowers 5, Hill 2.
Sumter 48, Westwood 39
Augusta Christian 86, Northside Christian 79
Monday’s Girls Scores
White Knoll 54, Lexington 52
WK: Shaelyn Hayes 21, Daniel 5, White 8, Butler 4, Emory Waters Inman 16. L: Goodrich 2, Lytes 14, Anderson 21, Saville 10, Dunat 2, Misick-Rivas 3.
Ben Lippen 48, Cardinal Newman 17
BL: Summons 11, Bailey 10, McGuire 10
Westwood 47, Sumter 39
Northside Christian 55, Augusta Christian 33
This story was originally published January 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM.
