Dominant Ridge View defeats Travelers Rest, moves on to Class 4A Upper State title game
Walyn Napper and Malcolm Wilson are two of the tempo setters for the Ridge View basketball team.
And the two seniors did just that Tuesday in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs. With Wilson blocking shots and grabbing boards on the defensive end and Napper pushing the pace offensively, the Blazers are moving on the postseason after an 84-54 win over Travelers Rest.
Ridge View plays Wren in the Class 4A Upper State championship at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
“We play as Malcolm and Walyn play,” Ridge View coach Yerrick Stoneman said. “Malcolm, on the defensive end, was unbelievable. Every time, they would get around the rim, he would block it or rebound it. And Walyn makes great decisions. He has been my point guard for three years. I can’t say enough about his leadership toward our team.”
Napper, the Blazers point guard, finished with 20 points, rebounds and four assists while the 6-foot-11 Wilson finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. Wilson, a Georgetown signee, missed most of the second quarter after getting a cut on his elbow while diving for a loose ball.
“Walyn brings energy to every game and every practice,” Wilson said. “On the offensive end, he loves to make plays for other people. If we get him going on that end and me on the other end, we are a good looking team.”
“I got to lead, pass, kick and get it out to my teammates before I try to score,” Napper said. “Malcolm gets our fast breaks and tempo going on the defensive end, blocking shots.”
Crosby Harris-James added 15 points and 10 boards as the Blazers dominated their third straight playoffs game. The defending Class 4A champions have won their first three playoff games by average of 42 points.
Ridge View (23-7) led 25-10 after the first quarter, and the lead never went below double digits the rest of the way.
Sam Brown led Travelers Rest (20-7) with 19 points.
TR: Oneal 2, Roach 11, Fields 14, S. Brown 19, Webb 2, J. Brown 9. RV: Crosby Harris-James 15, Walyn Napper 20, Cincere Scott 11, Benson 8, Malcolm Wilson 14, Rice 2, McKie 2, Parrott 3, Mckenny 2, Anderson 7.
This story was originally published February 19, 2019 at 9:38 PM.
