Blythewood uses third-quarter blitz on way to blowout of Spring Valley

With no school Wednesday, Blythewood coach Zeke Washington will get an early start on watching film.

The Blythewood coach is going to like what he saw, especially in the second half, as the Bengals outscored Spring Valley 26-5 in the third quarter on their way to a 70-46 victory Thursday night.

It is Blythewood’s 13^th consecutive victory since its 2-2 start, with 10 of the wins by double figures.

“The kids made a decision that they were going to play better,” Washington said. “I wish I could take credit, but the credit goes to the kids and the coaching staff trying to keep me calm.

“We rebounded a lot better, our effort was a lot better and we played more as a team in the second half, and I don’t think we did that in the first half.”

Blythewood senior Robert Braswell said Washington challenged the team’s pride at halftime, and the Bengals broke open the 30-30 tie by scoring the first seven points in the third quarter to lead 37-30.

The Bengals switched up defenses on the Vikings and were able to get out in transition more.

Guard Tre Jackson led Blythewood with 24 points, while Cayman Williams and Jonathan Breeland each added 13. All of Breeland’s points came in the second half. Braswell had 11 for last year’s Class 5A runners-up.

With the win, the No. 2-ranked Bengals finish the first go-around in Region 5-5A with a 6-0 mark, a two game lead on their closest competition. Blythewood starts the second turn in the region Friday against Irmo.

“Our region has very good coaches and very good players, so we’ve got to keep bringing that energy each night,” Washington said.

Rashad Williams led Spring Valley with 15 points. The loss snapped the Vikings’ four-game region winning streak.

GIRLS

Spring Valley 66, Blythewood 31

This story was originally published January 16, 2018 at 10:18 PM.