The much anticipated boys varsity basketball rematch between in-county rivals Barnwell High and Blackville-Hilda High turned into a one-sided affair Friday night in Barnwell.

In the first meeting between the teams, Dec. 4 in the Hawks Nest, Blackville-Hilda raced to a 10-point second half lead before holding on for a 63-57 victory.

However, this time for Blackville-Hilda High, there would be no close call.

Sparked by the torrid shooting of senior guard Larry Johnson, the Hawks raced to a 15-point first half lead before soaring away with a 64-42 victory.

Johnson finished with 19 points, including three three-pointers, 10 steals and eight assists. Johnson was at his best in the second quarter when his slam dunk at the 5:28 mark ignited a Hawks 14-5 run. The scoring run gave Blackville-Hilda a 30-15 lead with 1:34 left in the first half.

With the win, Blackville-Hilda High improves to 4-0 in the season.

Blackville-Hilda coach Michael Beasley said said he likes what he sees from his team although it's still early in the season.

"We've got miles of basketball yet to be played this season. However, so far we been doing a good job of making plays," Beasley said. "Getting another win over Barnwell High is a big boost for our team. They have some talented athletes over there and they are well coached."

For Barnwell High School, turnovers were its downfall with the team committing 25, including 13 in the second quarter.

"We played well in the first quarter then we just lost our focus," Barnwell High coach Michael Highsmith said. "Our transition defense was very poor and offensively, we never got into sync due to all the turnovers."

The start of the game had the making of a barnburner as the team traded baskets with three lead changes in the quarter.

During the quarter, Barnwell High shot four-of-nine from the field with Patrick Green, Phazon Odom, Antwan Hiers and D.J. Williams scoring.

The Hawks countered by going seven-of-13 from the field for a 16-12 lead.

Leading the way for the Hawks was Larry Smith eight points.

Others scoring in the quarter included Andrea Smith, Larry Johnson and Javon Dukes with a basket apiece.

Leading 20-14 with 7:25 left in the second quarter, the Hawks pulled away from the Warhorses. The Hawks went on a 12-1 run, scoring 10 points on layups for a 32-15 lead with 2:17 left in the first half.

"In the second quarter, I thought our team did a good of forcing turnovers, rebounding and scoring in transition," Beasley said.

Leading 34-19 in the third quarter, the Hawks continue to pile on the points. On a two-one-one break, Javaris Dukes went high off the glass for two points. On their next trip down the court, Chris Kearse lobbed a pass inside to Andrea Smith, who finished with a lay-in. Two possessions later, Larry Smith brought the Hawk faithful to their feet when he rattled in a three-pointer to put the team ahead 41-23 lead.

Ahead 48-31 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Hawks didn't let up, outscoring the Warhorses 16-11 to end the game.
Rounding out the scoring for Blackville-Hilda was Larry Smith with 18 points and nine assists. Andrea Smith notched a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

For Barnwell High, Hiers led with 12 points, four steals and four assists. Pat Green had nine points. Phazon Odom registered nine points and eight rebounds.