COLUMBIA – The Zeke Washington led Blythewood boys’ basketball team as they dominated the Ridge View Blazers in this year’s season opener. Thanks to an instrumental 29-5 run, the Bengals claimed a dominant 75-56 win in their first meeting. The Blazers had their shot at redemption on Tuesday, and they did not spoil the opportunity.
Crosby James-Harris scorched the Bengals defense early and often. James-Harris’s career-high 28 points was just enough for the Blazers to inch past Blythewood, 58-56. Harris and Wayln Napper combined for 42 of Ridge View’s 58 points.
Jonathon Breeland and Tre Jackson both had strong nights for the Bengals, but did not get enough assistance from their supporting cast to stave off the resilient Blazers. Breeland had 19 and Jackson had 15, but no other Bengals made it close to double digits.
Trelas Heartley and Robert Brasswell had six points apiece. Travis Thompson had four points, and both Trevor Squirewell and Caymen scored three.
Aside from James-Harris’s 28 and Napper’s 14, no other Blazer submitted a standout performance. Malcolm Wilson, Joseph Mckenny and Patrick Jenkins contributed five points each. Javon Anderson scored two.
Blythewood looks to rebound Friday in a road game against the struggling Fairfield Central Griffins.