Westside HS vs Easley HS
On paper, when one were to look at the records between Region 1-AAAA’s Westside and Easley, it may be easy to assume the Rams would rout a team like the Green Wave by 30 points. The Green Wave flirted heavily…
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Continue ReadingOn paper, when one were to look at the records between Region 1-AAAA’s Westside and Easley, it may be easy to assume the Rams would rout a team like the Green Wave by 30 points.
The Green Wave flirted heavily with an upset bid on its home floor, but as the game went long, Westside proved exactly why they are among the premier teams in the 4A ranks. The Rams defeated the Green Wave with the final result being 55-36.
Westside is now 19-2 on the season (5-1 in its region) while Easley now stands at 6-15 (1-5 in its region).
A Picturesque View
Easley HS is one of a number of schools in the Upstate that if one were to drive past it during the daytime hours one would notice a picturesque view of the area’s signature mountain ranges in the background.
It could give other schools in the region (such as Landrum HS) a run for its money in terms of its geographic view.
What Happened Last Time?
The Rams actually defeated the Green Wave by a small point margin at home than what was the case Friday night on the road. On Jan. 13, Westside earned a 57-47 victory over Easley.
Quarter By Quarter
In the first quarter, the Green Wave managed to keep pace with the Rams by matching Westside virtually point for point. Following the first frame, it was 15-14 in favor of homestanding Easley.
It was in the second quarter where the Green Wave really began to seemingly put an upset within reach. It was tied up at 16 apiece at one point before Easley embarked on a 10-0 run to give the team a 10-point lead. That advantage was eight at the half as the Green Wave had a 26-18 edge at the break.
Westside began looking more like a Westside that was among the top 4A teams in the second half – and it started in the third quarter when the Rams outscored Easley 13-7. Westside would pull ahead to go in front by two (33-31) with one quarter remaining.
Everything seemingly went right for the Rams in the fourth quarter – and the opposite appeared to be true for Easley. By outscoring the Green Wave 22-5 in the closing eight minutes, what was a close contest for much of its duration appeared very lopsided when all was said and done.
After allowing 26 points in the first half, Westside held Easley to only ten in the second half – including three in the fourth quarter.
Primetime Performers
With 20 points, Zeke Marshall Zeke Marshall 6'5" | SF Westside | 2025 State SC , who stands at 6-foot-5, paved the way to victory for the Rams. Marshall was crucial in Westside’s come-from-behind effort with not only his scoring but also his rebounding. Marshall is a dual-sport athlete who also plays football at Westside.
Complimenting Marshall’s 20 was the 10 points courtesy of Josh Williams Josh Williams 6'0" | CG Westside | 2024 State SC . He stands at an even six feet and primarily plays at the one. Williams is a junior who also spends a good deal of his fall semesters on the football gridiron.
Easley was led scoring-wise by the 11 tallied by senior Jayvion Leavell. He is listed at 6-foot-5 and can give his team productive minutes either as a three or as a four forward. Leavell can be effective from behind the 3-point arc and can also deliver timely passes and rebounds.
Another senior, Todd Williams, helped the Green Wave’s cause with a 10-point outing. Easley drained five 3-pointers for the game. Two of those triples were courtesy of Easley’s 5-foot-8 senior guard.
Up Next
Both teams have four games remaining on their respective schedules – all in region. The Rams will return home on Tuesday to take on Berea while Easley will be on the road that same day at Greenville.
Other Area Results
Southside def. Wren 78-72
Seneca def. Pendleton 47-46
T.L. Hanna def. Mauldin 78-59
Walhalla def. Crescent 82-61