COLUMBIA – Blythewood basketball went 2-1 in last week’s Schlotzky’s Carolina Thanksgiving Tip-Off at Keenan High School.
The Bengals faced Johnson High School on Tuesday and came away with a big 77-25 win. After a big first half, Blythewood entered the third quarter with a 35-7 lead. Johnson had its biggest offensive quarter in the third, putting up 12 points to Blythewood’s 20. The Bengals blasted the Hornets 22-6 in the final period.
Sophomore Emmanuel Richards put up solid numbers in the win. Richards had 17 points, nine rebounds, four steals and an assist. Isaiah Williams put up nine points and Edward Cohen, Olyn Knox, Markel Samuel and Barry Hardy added eight points each. Knox also pulled down nine rebounds. Cohen and Samaad Wright were credited with four steals also.
Blythewood found a more formidable opponent in Aiken High School on day two of the tournament. Richards led Blythewood with 19 points in the 64-42 loss to Aiken.
Blythewood found redemption in the final day of the tournament against South Florence. The Bengals took a 16-10 lead in the first quarter and outscored the Bruins 13-9 in the second to take a 29-19 lead at intermission. The Bruins had their biggest offensive quarter in the third and outscored Blythewood 15-11, but Blythewood’s defense held South Florence to only five points in the final period. Blythewood’s 53-39 final. Richards led Bengal scorers again with 12.
Richards was named to the Schlotsky’s Tip-Off All-Tournament Team.
Blythewood opened regular-season action on Wednesday at Richland Northeast, but scores were not available at press time. The Bengals host Ridge View on Friday for their first home game of the season. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
