Blackville-Hilda Hawk Invitational: Thursday’s Results

With Christmas having come and gone and presents being unwrapped, a number of talented high school boys' teams were hoping the good vibes of the holidays would extend to the basketball court.    This year's field for the Blackville-Hilda Hawk Invitational once again included eight teams along with the six girls teams that were on hand. One unique feature of this tournament is that it particularly puts a spotlight on 1A teams that may not necessarily always get the attention of their counterparts from larger schools.    We at Prep Hoops were on hand at the Hawks' nest for the day's games. Here is how the day's action unfolded.    Andrew Jackson Academy vs. Williston-Elko   Following the first girls game of the day (which took place between Bamberg-Ehrhardt and Hunter-Kinard-Tyler), the boys had their turn at the mic.    Andrew Jackson Academy and Williston-Elko are both familiar with the Hawk Invitational as both participated in last season's rendition. The Warriors had a rough go of things last season going 1-3 with its lone win coming against Swansea. Andrew Jackson Academy was dealt losses by White Knoll, Allendale-Fairfax and host Blackville-Hilda.    The Blue Devils had a much better time at last year's Hawk Invitational going 2-1. Williston-Elko began last season's tournament with victories over Ridge Spring-Monetta and Barnwell but concluded its time at Blackville-Hilda with a loss to White Knoll.    The boys slate of this year's Hawk Invitational began with Williston-Elko earning a thrilling 75-70 victory over Andrew Jackson Academy.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Williston-Elko shot a pair of technical free throws to begin the game. As the first quarter wore on, things began to turn in favor of Andrew Jackson Academy. Following the first quarter, the Warriors had a 15-12 lead over the Blue Devils.    With its girls team winning in the first contest of the day, Williston-Elko's boys were looking to duplicate the feat its girls pulled off against Barnwell. Andrew Jackson Academy would not make things easy as it led by a score of 30-26 with two complete.    Both teams managed to match each other point for point in the third quarter in what was a highly competitive – and physical contest – With eight minutes remaining, it was 42-38 in favor of Andrew Jackson Academy.   The Blue Devils had a 63-60 lead going into the final seconds of the fourth quarter prior to a game-tying 3-pointer. Thirty-two minutes only decided how evenly matched these two teams were as Andrew Jackson Academy and Williston-Elko needed overtime to determine the first boys winner of the day.   Both teams had tries at the free throw line to begin overtime – both only made one of their ensuing attempts. As the four minutes of free basketball began, Williston-Elko made more of the plays and came away with what was a thrilling five-point win over the Warriors.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2579.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2579.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2709195" style="width:546px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Four players each for both teams finished in double digits for points. One of those for Williston-Elko was senior [player_tooltip player_id='1356299' first='Carlos' last='Drayton']. He led all point-getters for the Blue Devils with 17. Drayton is an all-around playmaker who fuses together skill with veteran instincts.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2623-crop-2111x1387-1735400741.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2623-crop-2111x1387-1735400741.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709199" style="width:542px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   A pair of Blue Devils would conclude their days with 15-point performances. One of those was sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2207644' first='Randy' last='Robinson']. A big bruiser in the interior, Robinson stands at a towering 6-foot-5. During the offseason, he wears the Team USC uniform.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2644.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2644.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2709204" style="width:536px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Also chiming in with 15 was senior Joc'quise Washington. Along with what he gets accomplished on the basketball court, Washington also plays football as a tight end and as an outside linebacker.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2656-crop-1833x1204-1735401098.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2656-crop-1833x1204-1735401098.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709207" style="width:532px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Another senior – DeMorey Davenport – joined the Williston-Elko points parade with 10. In spite of the high point total the Blue Devils managed, the team only made three 3-pointers. Two of those came courtesy of Davenport.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2640-crop-2111x1387-1735401283.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2640-crop-2111x1387-1735401283.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709209" style="width:528px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Warriors' offensive efforts were keyed courtesy of a pair of 17-point performances. One of those came courtesy of senior [player_tooltip player_id='2175542' first='Hayden' last='McClung']. He converted a big shot late in the contest with a game-tying 3-pointer to send it to overtime.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2643-2-crop-3156x2073-1735401439.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2643-2-crop-3156x2073-1735401439.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709211" style="width:522px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Adding another 17 to the Andrew Jackson Academy cause was Vashahd Scofield, a versatile 2026. During the spring and summer months of grassroots ball, he wears the uniform of Carolina Shockers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2594-crop-2111x1387-1735401554.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2594-crop-2111x1387-1735401554.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709213" style="width:523px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Andrew Jackson Academy also benefitted from the 13 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='1354733' first='Gage' last='Dicks']. He is one of four seniors on this year's rendition of the Warriors.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2584-crop-2111x1387-1735401821.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2584-crop-2111x1387-1735401821.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709215" style="width:518px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Warriors got 59 of their 70 points from their starters. [player_tooltip player_id='2175553' first='Oliver' last='Barnes'], a sophomore two guard, contributed 12 points to the Warriors' efforts. He is one of three from the 2026 class on this year's team.   Up Next   Williston-Elko advanced to a Friday contest vs. the winner of the later contest between Barnwell and Clear Dot Charter. Next up for Andrew Jackson Academy would be a matchup against the team that was on the losing end of Allendale-Fairfax vs. Blackville-Hilda at the end of Thursday's play.    Clear Dot Charter vs. Barnwell   Speaking of Clear Dot Charter vs. Barnwell…   The Bats of Clear Dot are a new team in the South Carolina high school sports landscape. The school is based in Columbia that currently has football, boys basketball, baseball, cheerleading and sailing programs. Its hoops assembling has compiled victories this season over Anderson Cavaliers, Midlands STEM and 1A Military Magnet.    As for Barnwell, it is anything but a new school and was one of the boys teams that was on hand at Blackville-Hilda last season. The Warhorses went 1-2 at last season's Hawk Invitational via a win over Swansea but defeats to the host Hawks and Williston-Elko.    Old school was better than new school on Thursday as Barnwell prevailed over Clear Dot with the final being an entertaining 82-74.    Quarter-By-Quarter   At first, it looked as if another rout was in the works as the Warhorses raced out to a 13-4 advantage. The Bats battled back to make its deficit manageable. At the end of one, Barnwell had a 20-15 edge on Clear Dot.    By the standards of high school basketball, it appeared that a track meet was breaking out between Clear Dot and Barnwell. As both teams went into their respective locker rooms to discuss second half strategy, Barnwell led Clear Dot by a margin of 44-37.   Defense was indeed at a premium between these two teams. Where it mattered most would still bring more of a smile to Barnwell faces than those of Clear Dot. With three in the books, the Warhawks had a 64-46 lead on the Bats.    Clear Dot managed to trim its deficit into single digits but still had a hard time containing the offensive attack that was Barnwell. The contest was a track meet – one where the Warhorses crossed through the ribbon first.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2736-crop-2070x1360-1735402169.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2736-crop-2070x1360-1735402169.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709221" style="width:560px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   That offensive attack was primarily powered by senior guard Jayden Pickney. He scored 22 points which led all Barnwell point-getters. Central to Pickney's game – and the Warhorses efforts as a whole – was getting to the rim either in the halfcourt or in transition.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2741-crop-1833x1204-1735402368.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2741-crop-1833x1204-1735402368.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709227" style="width:556px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Also key to Barnwell's winning day was Mican Bradley. He scored 21 points, along with the energy he brings to this Warhorses bunch, he was vital in Barnwell's efforts from deep. Bradley connected on two of the team's made 3-pointers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2704-crop-1833x1204-1735402543.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2704-crop-1833x1204-1735402543.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709229" style="width:554px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   One must not overlook the 15 points that were placed on the scoreboard by another of the team's seniors – Antonio Miller. The 6-foot-3 big is a force to be reckoned with in the interior and the same applies to his football work.    Damahjai Devoe – now in his sophomore campaign – added 11 points to the Warhorses total. Devoe is another who excels on the football gridiron (particularly on defense) in addition to the basketball court.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2707-crop-2982x1958-1735402782.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2707-crop-2982x1958-1735402782.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709231" style="width:552px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   As the young Clear Dot program begins finding a footing, Chad Kea is emerging as one of the faces of said program. Even in a losing effort, he had winning play as evidenced by the 28 points he placed on the scoreboard.    Up Next   On Friday, Barnwell would face off against Williston-Elko. As for Clear Dot, next up for the Bats would be a matchup with the losing team of the ensuing boys get-together on the card.    Ridge Spring-Monetta vs. Bamberg-Ehrhardt   The girls slate concluded with Barnwell taking on Blackville-Hilda. Once the Warhorses and Hawks departed from the Blackville-Hilda court, the final two matchups on Thursday's seven-game schedule were boys matchups.    Bamberg-Ehrhardt did not take part in last season's Hawk Invitational but Ridge Spring-Monetta did – and it was one to forget for the Trojans. Ridge Spring-Monetta encountered plenty of hard luck last season including losses to Williston-Elko and host Blackville-Hilda.    The Red Raiders had an opportunity to make it a clean sweep over the Trojans with the girls team defeating Ridge Spring-Monetta earlier in the day.    Both teams entered play with only one win (Trojans defeated Pelion, Red Raiders defeated Williston-Elko). Bamberg-Ehrhardt was successful in grabbing its second win of the season with its 36-35 result over Ridge Spring-Monetta.    Remember What Happened Last Time?    It has been a few years since Ridge Spring-Monetta and Bamberg-Ehrhardt were on the same court together. Their last meeting occurred in 2016 and the Trojans routed the Red Raiders with the final score being 69-37.    Quarter-By-Quarter   After the first two games were high-octane, high-energy and up-tempo, a change of pace was in order as Ridge Spring-Monetta and Bamberg-Ehrhardt were locked in a defensive affair – one that saw an 11-6 Red Raiders lead after one.   Both teams' defenses tightened up in the second quarter. What also tightened up – slightly – was the point margin. As halftime arrived for both teams to strategize for the second half, Bamberg-Ehrhardt had a slim 15-12 edge on Ridge Spring-Monetta.    A defensive-minded half was followed by an offensive-centric third quarter – one that began with Ridge Spring-Monetta riding a wave of momentum to narrowly take the lead. With three in the books, it was Trojans 28 and Red Raiders 27.   Play was halted briefly at the beginning of the fourth quarter because of an injury to a Bamberg-Ehrhardt player. The Trojans had the 35-34 lead going into the final seconds before a go-ahead layup from the Red Raiders would be the deciding bucket to complete the Bamberg-Ehrhardt sweep over Ridge Spring-Monetta.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2814.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2814.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2709236" style="width:484px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   In a contest that was every bit as defensive-minded as it was close, every point mattered. That included the 11 that were put on the scoreboard courtesy of Darius Walker – a junior guard. Walker is one of six juniors on this team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2788-crop-1833x1204-1735403691.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2788-crop-1833x1204-1735403691.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709240" style="width:489px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Pacing the Trojans from start to finish was senior Briston Matthews. His nine points kept Ridge Spring-Monetta in the contest from the start to the finish. Matthews not only plays football but baseball as well.   Up Next   Ridge Spring-Monetta would be back in action the following day against Clear Dot because of its defeat earlier in the day to Barnwell. The win for Bamberg-Ehrhardt means its next opponent would be determined via the winner of the final game of the day.    Allendale-Fairfax vs. Blackville-Hilda   Last, but certainly not least, was the host team of the tournament.    That host team only won six games last season and were on the outside looking in of 1A state play due to a dismal region showing. But three of those six wins did occur at last season's Hawk Invitational. Blackville-Hilda notched victories over Ridge Spring-Monetta, Barnwell and Andrew Jackson Academy.    Allendale-Fairfax's time at last season's Hawk Invitational began with a loss to White Knoll before the Tigers bounced back by defeating Andrew Jackson Academy.    The day's final win would go to Allendale-Fairfax as it defeated Blackville-Hilda with the final score being 65-62.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   It was at the 2021 Hawk Invitational when Blackville-Hilda last did battle with Allendale-Fairfax. The Hawks fans in attendance went home happy as the home team won by a final score of 49-35.    Quarter-By-Quarter   A game of runs would be the story of the first quarter. Blackville-Hilda would jump out to an 8-0 lead only for Allendale-Fairfax to answer with a 10-0 scoring binge of its own. Both Hawks and Tigers would be all knotted up at 12 at the end of the first eight minutes.    The same would be true in the second quarter, but it would be Blackville-Hilda that began the frame with plenty of momentum only for Allendale-Fairfax to respond. As halftime arrived, the Hawks lead over the Tigers was 34-26.   By outscoring Blackville-Hilda by a margin of 22-17, Allendale-Fairfax continued to ensure that whoever did win would have earned every bit of this victory. The Hawks led the Tigers by a score of 51-48 with one stanza left to play.   Allendale-Fairfax tied the contest up at 56 apiece which prompted a timeout from Blackville-Hilda. As the seconds ticked down, the Tigers had a 65-62 lead on the Hawks. Blackville-Hilda's try to tie the game was unsuccessful and the Tigers completed its day-long sweep of the Hawks.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2844-crop-2312x1519-1735404017.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2844-crop-2312x1519-1735404017.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709248" style="width:490px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Senior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1711394' first='J.J.' last='Outing'] put together a superb performance as he led all Allendale-Fairfax scorers with 21. He especially made big plays late in crunch time which were key in putting the Tigers in the win column.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2860-crop-3226x2118-1735404234.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2860-crop-3226x2118-1735404234.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709252" style="width:491px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1314263' first='Jaden' last='Williams'] also deserves plenty of credit for the Allendale-Fairfax victory. In a matchup that close, every bucket matters. Williams – a junior – added 13 points to the Tigers output. He is one of three 2026s on this year's roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2849-crop-1833x1204-1735404478.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2849-crop-1833x1204-1735404478.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709254" style="width:490px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Another of those juniors is Kheshaun Johnson. He finished with 11 points. Johnson also had an accurate day from behind the 3-point arc. The Tigers drained five 3-pointers as a team. Johnson connected on three of them.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2871-crop-2776x1823-1735404695.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2871-crop-2776x1823-1735404695.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709260" style="width:490px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   As was the case for Allendale-Fairfax, Blackville-Hilda also got a big game from its starters. One of those was [player_tooltip player_id='2573107' first='Messiah' last='McFadden'] who stands at an imposing 6-foot-5. McFadden led all Hawks point-getters with 17.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2874-crop-1833x1204-1735405053.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2874-crop-1833x1204-1735405053.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709263" style="width:485px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   The Hawks also benefitted from the 12 points that were put on the scoreboard courtesy of Jamarien Kirkland. He is listed at 6-foot-2 on Blackville-Hilda's roster and is one of the Hawks' five seniors.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2856-crop-2682x1761-1735405231.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_2856-crop-2682x1761-1735405231.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2709266" style="width:491px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Another of that quintet of 2025s is Samari Williams. He finished with 12 points. Williams has the ability to give a team productive minutes either at the point or at the two. On the football field, he plays at quarterback and at outside linebacker.    Up Next   Allendale-Fairfax's win earned the Tigers a Friday affair with Bamberg-Ehrhardt who defeated Ridge Spring-Monetta that day. Blackville-Hilda will play that same day against Andrew Jackson Academy which was defeated by Williston-Elko on the first day of play.

With Christmas having come and gone and presents being unwrapped, a number of talented high school boys' teams were hoping the good vibes of the holidays would extend to the basketball court.