Middle School Boys Basketball: West Columbus 48, Bladenboro 47.

Bladenboro, NC – The Bladenboro Bulldogs left it all on the court in a very close Waccamaw Middle School Conference matchup. Despite a combined 35 points from Gaston Russ and Jace Lesane, the Bulldogs take a narrow loss.

The Bulldogs showcased their resilience and grit, making their 8th Grade Night one to remember. The evening began with a special recognition of Bladenboro’s eighth graders: Jace Lesane, Tyler Wright, Gaston Russ, Malcolm Melvin, Jeremiah Bryan, Jamari Hayes, Brooks Carroll, and Rylan Bordeaux.

First Quarter (10-10): Bladenboro came out strong, setting an early rhythm.

Jace Lesane got things going with a smooth finish at the rim and a trip to the charity stripe. Gaston Russ made his presence known, cashing in three close-range buckets and adding a free throw.

Jeremiah Bryan also chipped in from the line, helping the Bulldogs keep pace in a competitive opening frame.

Second Quarter (15-27): West Columbus ramped up the defensive pressure, but Bladenboro found ways to respond. Russ powered through for another bucket inside, and Jamari Hayes drilled a shot from deep to keep the Bulldogs in striking distance.

Third Quarter (39-34): After halftime, the Bulldogs turned up the heat. Lesane put on a scoring clinic, slicing through the defense for four inside finishes and knocking down a long-range dagger.

Russ stayed aggressive, converting a pair of close-range chances, adding a free throw, and sinking a three-pointer of his own.

Malcolm Melvin added two clutch free throws, while Keithan Russ and Rylan Bordeaux each tacked on points from the line.

Fourth Quarter (47-48): With the game hanging in the balance, the Bulldogs continued to battle.

Lesane stayed aggressive, adding another tough basket and a free throw. Brooks Carroll muscled in a shot down low, and Bordeaux added a key bucket to keep Bladenboro within reach.

Despite their best efforts, West Columbus managed to hold on in the final moments, escaping with the one-point victory 48-47.

Bladenboro will travel to Elizabethtown on Tuesday evening.

Bladenboro (47) - Keithan Russ 2, Zion Ellison, Jayden Ruffin, Tyler Thurman, Avion Murphy, Braydon Melvin, Tyler Wright, Jace Lesane 18, Gaston Russ 17, Rodrick Bellamy, Malcolm Melvin 2, Jeremiah Bryan, Jamari Hayes 3, Brooks Carroll 2, Kamaurie Barr, Rylan Bordeaux 3.