Gray Collegiate finds its confidence in thrilling MLK Bash win over Ridge View
Gray Collegiate lost a bit of its confidence a few weeks ago.
But the two-time defending Class 2A basketball champs got a big boost Monday night. The War Eagles knocked off two-time defending Class 4A champ Ridge View, 62-59, in a thriller Monday at the MLK Bash at Eau Claire.
“From a confidence standpoint, it is very important,” Gray coach Dion Bethea said. “Ridge View is coming off back-to-back state championships. And for us to go toe-to-toe with them, the rest of the season, we got to make sure we play at that high level.”
Both teams entered the game ranked No. 1 in their classifications and put on a show for the large crowd. The War Eagles lost to Columbia, 88-81, on Jan. 10 but have won their last two since then. Gray Collegiate guard Tauris Watson had a strong second half with 16 of 22 points. Zaire Rogers added 12 points, including two big baskets in the final 1:21.
Rogers’ tip-in put Gray up 60-58 with 40 seconds left. After a Ridge View free throw, Gray turned it over and then fouled the Blazers’ Greg Jackson. The freshman missed both free throws and Rogers was fouled on the rebound.
Rogers missed the 1-and-1 but Latavian Lawrence’s rebound put the War Eagles up 62-59. The Blazers got a good look at a tying 3-pointer but missed it.
“Ridge View has a great team and we have a great team,” Bethea said. “We just had to execute on the mistakes that they made. And guys stepped up, made big plays.”
Ja’Von Benson led Ridge View with 23 points. The Blazers trailed by double figures in the second half but took their first lead of the game, 46-45, on Jordan Smith’s three-point play with 6:46 left.
Here is what else stood out from Monday’s MLK Bash:
Gortman clutch again
Sophomore Jazian Gortman has had some big moments this season for Keenan and he had another Monday.
The Gray Collegiate transfer hit the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds left to give the Raiders a 51-49 over Cardinal Newman.
Keenan coach Zach Norris said the final play was designed to go to him or Raekwon Horton.
Gortman, the MVP of the Poinsettia Classic in December, is averaging 22.4 points a game over his last five contests.
Richardson solid in all phases
Lower Richland junior Korey Richardson has elevated his play during this season.
The point guard was one assist shy of a triple-double Friday and just three shy of one in Monday’s 71-53 win over Marion.
Richardson finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Future Gamecocks shine
South Carolina signees Patrick Iriel and Ja’Von Benson turned in strong performances in their games.
Iriel had one of his best games of the season, running the floor and rebounding in AC Flora’s 69-63 win over Lee Central. Iriel finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Benson, the Ridge View forward, had a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Gray Collegiate. He also blocked three shots and was a big in Blazers’ comeback attempt.
North Augusta, Lee Central impress
North Augusta and Lee Central definitely showed they are capable of making deep postseason runs.
North Augusta turned in the most dominating performance of the day with a 58-31 win over Wilson. The Yellow Jackets will battle it out with Aiken and Brookland-Cayce in Region 5-4A and could make a deep run in lower state playoffs.
Lee Central, the No. 2 team in Class 2A, gave AC Flora, one of the top teams in 4A, a fight before losing, 69-63. The Stallions and Gray Collegiate could be on a collision course in Class 2A Upper State.
MLK Bash results
AC Flora 69, Lee Central 63
LC: DaVeon Thomas 18, Holloman 1, Perkins 2, L. Thomas 8, Darius Perry 14, Daurrion Kelley 16, Hickmon 4. ACF: Patrick Iriel 17, Robert McCray 17, Murray-Boyles 6, JB Moore 16, Townsend 2, Wilson 2, Rice 9.
North Augusta 58, Wilson 31
NA: Colin Rodrigues 19, Cooper 6 Wilburn 7, Buchanan 6, Byrd 5, Vooprt 5, Harrell 8, Tillman 2. W: Ni’jae Hines 10, Sherrills 2, Robinson 4, Muldrow 6, Spears 3, Phillips 4, Green 2.
Lower Richland 71, Marion 53
M: McCullough 7, AJ Vaught 13, Sanders 7, Davis 4, Charles 5, Mac Washington 15, Fling 2. LR: Townsend 7, Korey Richardson 19, Anthony Huff 10, Melvin Archie 14, Quenton Flood 12, Brown 2, Smith.
Lakewood 42, Blythewood 35
L: Jacqorey Melton 16, Hodge 7, Glover 3, Cheverez 3, Martin 2, Wells 9. B: Emmanuel Richards 16, Kelly 6, Cohen 5, Phillips 8.
Keenan 51, Cardinal Newman 49
CN: Thomas Tyler 12, Cooper 3, Josh Beadle 19, Silas Christie 13, Monsanto 2. K: Scott 8, Jazian Gortman 25, Raekwon Horton 12, Jones 3, Echols 2, Barrino 1.
Gray Collegiate 52, Ridge View 49
GC: Howell 3, Chase McDuffie 11, Tauris Watson 22, Kelly 2, Zaire Rogers 12, Wallace 2, Rhone 2, Barnes 2, Gardner 3. RV: Scott 6, Rice 7, Smith 3, Jenkins 4, Ja’Von Benson 23, Johnson 1, Jaylon Jeter 10, Everett 2, McCullough 2, Jackson 4.
This story was originally published January 20, 2020 at 9:04 PM.
