The Barnwell High Warhorses were riding high in the saddle last week in boys varsity basketball.
After being dropped 60-58 in their season opener against Blackville-Hilda High, the Warhorses rebounded with  wins over Williston-Elko High and Bamberg-Ehrhardt High.
With the wins, Barnwell High improves to 2-1 in the season.
Barnwell High head coach Michael Highsmith, who was a bit critical of his team’s performance against Blackville-Hilda High, said  he was pleased with how his players stepped up in the victories.
“I was satisfied our effort in both games,” Highsmith said.
“It’s only three games into the season, but we’re starting to get into a good flow offensively. We’re winning the rebounding battle inside plus we’re taking good shots.”
Williston-Elko High first triumph came on Dec. 6 in a 27-23 win against in-county rival Warhorses.
The game featured poor shooting from the field and free throw line.
Both teams were looking for their first win of the season and the nervousness showed as they combined for 43 turnovers.
The difference in the outcome, however, was the play of Ferris Nickens of Barnwell High. Nickens took the “bull by the horn”, scoring  a game high 13 points and 14 rebounds.
“We were ahead at halftime so we froze the ball in the second half,” Highsmith said. “It turned out to be a good decision because we were able to come away with a victory.”
Also playing well for the Warhorses were Octavius Baynes with eight points and seven rebounds and Edward Johnson with five points, six steals and three assists.
Williston-Elko High coach Kenneth Lipsey despite a cold night shooting, the Blue evils had their chances for victory.
“We can’t blame anyone for this loss, but  ourselves. We had opportunities to put the ball in the basket tonight and just and didn’t execute,” Lipsey said.
Leading the way for the Blue Devils was Zac Smith with 10 points and four steals.
Kalin Strong had seven points and nine rebounds while Deashe Davis added nine steals and three points.
On Thursday night, the Warhorses continued their wining ways with a 46-40 victory over the Red Raiders of Bamberg-Ehrhardt.
Nickens again lead the offense with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
 Others playing well included Mark Riley with 15 points and seven steals. Baynes notched a double double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Jones had five points and seven steals.
“This was a good all around team performance,” Highsmith said. “Offensively we had good balance. We were able to hit a few shots from the outside and score in the paint.”