Middle School Boys Basketball: Bladenboro 48, Elizabethtown 24.

Elizabethtown, NC – The Bladenboro Bulldogs hit the hardwood with intensity, flexing their offensive firepower to claim a commanding 48-24 victory over the Elizabethtown Cougars in a Waccamaw Conference middle school basketball matchup.

Led by Jace Lesane’s steady hand at the free-throw line and Malcolm Melvin’s inside presence, the Bulldogs controlled the tempo from the opening tip. Lesane poured in 12 points, including seven clutch free throws, while Melvin muscled his way to eight points to help secure the win.

On the Cougars' side, Damion Maynor was the catalyst, lighting up the scoreboard with a game-high 13 points, showing off his range with a three-pointer and attacking the rim with confidence.

Prince McKoy and John High contributed on both ends, chipping in key points, but the Cougars struggled to match Bladenboro’s depth in scoring.

First Quarter (18-9)

Bladenboro wasted no time making their presence known, jumping ahead with Lesane's poised shooting from the stripe and a balanced inside attack.

The Bulldogs shared the wealth early, as Gaston Russ, Malcolm Melvin, Jeremiah Bryan, and Brooks Carroll all found their way to the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Maynor answered back for Elizabethtown with a pair of smooth mid-range jumpers and a three-ball to keep the Cougars within reach at the end of the first quarter, 18-9.

Second Quarter (27-15)

Zion Ellison stepped up for Bladenboro in the second quarter, knocking down a three-pointer and a layup to extend the lead.

Jayden Ruffin kept the Bulldogs rolling with a pair of free throws, while Melvin continued to be a force in the paint.

The Cougars fought to stay in it, as Maynor and McKoy found their way to the free-throw line, and John High converted a well-executed post move into two points, going into halftime down 27-15.

Third Quarter (36-17)

Coming out of halftime, the Cougars aimed to slow the Bulldogs' momentum, but Bladenboro continued their methodical attack.

Russ sank a smooth mid-range jumper, Bordeaux added a strong inside finish, and Melvin capitalized at the charity stripe.

The Cougars struggled to break through the Bulldogs’ defense, managing only a single basket from McKoy in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter (48-24)

With the game winding down, Bladenboro kept their foot on the gas.

Ellison showcased his versatility with a crafty finish and a free throw, while Braydon Melvin made his presence felt with a deep three-pointer and a strong take to the rim.

Lesane remained steady under pressure, sinking two more from the line, Kamaurie Barr add in two free throws as well.

Elizabethtown refused to go down without a fight, as Maynor continued to attack the rim, earning trips to the line and knocking down a tough two-pointer in traffic.

High and McKoy added free throws, but the Bulldogs' lead proved too much to overcome.

Coach Joe Gore’s Bulldogs will host East Columbus Thursday.

Elizabethtown (24) – Khalil Moore 1, Prince McKoy 5, John High 5, Chase Moultrie, Damion Maynor 13, Ayden Smith, Richard White, Kollin Adams, Miguel Espinosa, Jurbrel Rodgers, Joshua Armstrong.

Bladenboro (48) - Keithan Russ, Zion Ellison 8, Jayden Ruffin 4, Tyler Thurman, Avion Murphy 1, Braydon Melvin 5, Tyler Wright, Jace Lesane 12, Gaston Russ 6, Rodrick Bellamy, Malcolm Melvin 6, Jeremiah Bryan 2, Jamari Hayes, Brooks Carroll 2, Kamaurie Barr 2, Rylan Bordeaux 2.