A message was sent by the Gray Collegiate Academy boys' basketball team in opening defense of its Class 2A title on Feb. 16.

The top-ranked War Eagles steamrolled visiting Greenville Tech Charter 90-14 in the opening round of the Upper State bracket.

It was the second-lowest point total allowed in school history by Gray Collegiate Academy (20-6), which plays host to Abbeville in the second round on Feb. 18. The Warriors were held to four field goals in the entire contest and fell behind 20-0 in the first quarter.

"We always talk about how we're going to get better on the defensive side," Gray Collegiate Academy head coach Dion Bethea said. "Every year, we get better and better. Tonight, we got after it and showed that we can really defend."

Gray Collegiate's fullcourt pressure on defense resulted in fastbreak transition points. Many of the turnovers were converted into slam dunks and layups.

Every War Eagle on the 11-player roster scored six of more points. Leading the way was Braylen Thomas with 19 points, including a crowd-pleasing 360-degree, two-handed dunk in the second half.

Senior Avantae Parker, who along with point guard Montraivis White, were selected to participate in the Carolinas Classic All-Star Basketball Game on March 25 in Wilmington, N.C., finished with 15 points. White, Trey Maddox and Devin Johnson all had 10 points.

"They know what's ahead," Bethea said. "It's only going to get tougher and tougher. Saturday, we get another tough opponent and we've got to make sure we're ready for it. Guys are locked in and they're focused on the title."  — TG

River Bluff 63, Berkeley 56

The River Bluff boys’ basketball team survived a first round playoff challenge from the Berkeley Stags in The Swamp.

The Gators came out on top in a game that saw the visitors keep close throughout the 32 minutes. 

River Bluff opened up the game strong, scoring on both 3-pointers and inside layups from Omari Caldwell and Dawson Powell, who hit two consecutive layups to put River Bluff in front 9-0 in the opening two minutes of play. 

River Bluff led as much as 15 points, but Berkeley fought their way back into the game with pressure on defense and scoring opportunities from creating turnovers. The Stags closed within two points at 26-24 with two minutes remaining in the half. 

They would slip slightly before halftime, with the Gators leading 31-27 at the midpoint of the game. 

River Bluff opened the third with three quick scores to open a 38-29 lead. Berkeley refused to go away, making defensive stops and creating 3-point opportunities to get within two points again halfway through the quarter at 38-36.

That was the closest the Stags would come, however. River Bluff never trailed, even as Berkeley kept it within reach until the final seconds with physical play. The Gators finished out the final minute with foul shooting as Berkeley put them in the bonus continuing to challenge for the ball. 

Luke Chapman led River Bluff scoring with 18 points, Dawson Powell contributed 14 and Ahrick Wright 11.

“Starting off great is ideal,” Gators head coach Ben Lee said after the game, “But, we have to play great the whole time. At this point, everybody is good. Everybody is worried it is their last game, so nobody is going to quit.”

Lee added that when the team plays to its strengths it can be hard to beat. However, they have some work to do if they want to continue their playoff run.

“When we play together and we move the ball well it’s fun to watch them play,” he said. “We have to tighten up on the defensive side, we have to be able to get stops when we need them, and we can’t rely on someone else to not make shots. We have to create stops, limit offensive rebounds giving them extra possessions. We aren’t the kind of team that can come back from that.”

The Gators will remain at home for the second round where they will face St. James on Feb. 18.  — KO

Saluda 62, Batesburg-Leesville 42

Michael Leaphart scored 15 points and Te'Maj Gilliam had 10 for the Panthers.

T.L. Hanna 84, Chapin 36
Conway 60, White Knoll 36

Girls Basketball

Easley 55, Airport 25
Wilson 48, Irmo 37
Battery Creek 48, Swansea 41