To say the the Blackville-Hilda High boys varsity basketball team has been on a roll would be an understatement.

Over the last three weeks, the Blackville-Hilda High Hawks have soared over the competition with nine victories in its last 10 outings, including the last nine in a row.

On Tuesday, Jan. 12 that roll continued with the Hawks knocking off Fox Creek High of North Augusta with a score of 66-57.

Blackville-Hilda High had Fox Creek High in its rear view mirror from the start as the team raced to a 16-8 first quarter lead.

However, Fox Creek High narrowed the lead to 47-43 after three quarters.

After that, the Hawks were able to slowly pull away from the Predators with a 19-14 scoring run to end the game.

With the victory, Blackville-Hilda High improves to 11-2 in the standings and first place in Region 5A.

So far this season, the winning formula for the Hawks has been a feisty defense, aggressive rebounding and timely shooting.

Blackville-Hilda High coach Michael Beasley said the team is doing all the little things right that it takes to win.

"Right now, I'm extremely pleased with our play in all phrases of the game," Beasley said. "We've been getting after teams since day one and our enthusiasm hasn't let up. It's something hopefully that will carry us a long way this season."

Behind the scoring of Larry Johnson, Jaleel Hammond and Andrew Smith, the Fox Creek High Predators were easy prey for the Hawks.

The trio accounted for 93 percent of the team's offense. Johnson inflicted the most damage on the Predators as he poured in a season high 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field, including two free throws. Johnson was also six-of-eight from the free throw line.

Hammonds, who has emerged a top scorer for the Hawks this season, turned another solid effort against the Predators with 21 points on nine-of-14 shooting from the field. Smith turned in a dominating performance in the paint with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

"I believe we've put ourselves in a good position in the region because of hardwork and dedication. However, we can't afford to get complacent because there's still a lot of basketball left to be played," said Beasley.