Back to the ‘ship: Ridge View rides late run to beat Byrnes, reach SC title game
Talan Staley knocked down an open 3-pointer with 55 seconds remaining to spearhead a closing run that propelled top-ranked Ridge View to the Class 5A, Division I championship with an 84-76 victory over Byrnes on Saturday night in a game played at Rock Hill High.
This will be the Blazers’ seventh trip to the finals in the last nine years. They are undefeated in the six previous appearances and are looking to defend their two consecutive state titles. They will play Ashley Ridge at 8 p.m. Friday at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.
“We have a bunch of guys that only play for each other. That’s what makes this group so special,” Ridge View coach Joshua Staley said. “They don’t care about stats, they don’t care about awards, they don’t care about recognition. When their brother gets something, they cheer for each other. We are always able to get out of holes because they have each other’s back.”
Staley’s 3 from the left wing broke a 76-all tie and helped the Blazers close on an 8-0 run. After he made a three, Ridge View forced a turnover on the other end and DJ Wylie scored on a layup to make it 81-76 with 33 seconds remaining. The Rebels then missed two shots to pull within one possession before CJ Moore was fouled with 11 seconds remaining. He made three of four free throws in those final 11 seconds to seal the deal.
Staley finished with 24 points and RJ Davis added 23 points, six rebounds, five blocks and four assists to pace the Blazers’ attack. CJ Moore chipped in with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks despite missing a huge chunk of the first half in foul trouble
.“All game, I felt my shot was coming off my hand good. I hit two early, but I lost my rhythm a little bit,” Talan Staley said. “I just went up, it was a great pass from (Davis) and it turned out to be a good shot.”
Joshua Staley was more than ecstatic to see his son step up in the big moment.
“He busts his tail every day,” Joshua Staley said. “All that Tal is getting, and I know it’s hard, he’s my son, I’m happy for him.”
This was the second straight playoff game where Ridge View (26-3) trailed in the second half. They were down by six to Dorman in the third round before rallying to win that one going away. It was a little tougher against Byrnes (23-6), which built an 11-point advantage on the third quarter, 62-51, before the Blazers came storming back.
Colt Fowler, who finished with 24 points and 13 assists, was controlling the action for the first 2½ quarters. After falling behind by double digits, Ridge View closed the third quarter on an 11-2 run to make it 64-62 entering the final eight minutes.
“In the huddle, they said it themselves and asked how bad they wanted it,” Joshua Staley said. “They challenged themselves. There really weren’t any X’s and O’s at that point. They knew we had to get stops, they knew we had to get baskets, and they stepped up and got it done.”
There were three lead changes and three ties in that final quarter before the 8-0 run covered the final two minutes.
“This means a lot because we don’t take it for granted,” Joshua Staley said. “We’re grateful to God, sometimes we get nervous and wonder why God blesses us so much. We don’t take it for granted, and we’re going to get ready to prepare for a good team in the state championship.”
The game was played at warp speed in the first half. Fowler had 16 points and 11 assists at the break. Sukhi Singh added 14 points and Fabian McClintock chipped in with 13 points to give the Blazers a 50-44 lead at the half. Most of the points came in the paint by Fowler or from Singh and McClintock on easy layups.
Davis had 16 of his points in the first half with Staley adding 13 and Christopher Horton connecting on four 3-pointers to finish with 12 points.
This story was originally published February 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM.