The Williston-Elko High boys varsity basketball team took over the role as this season Class 1A Cinderella team.

After finishing third in its region, the Blue Devils stormed into the playoffs with three straight wins, including victories over top seeds SouthSide High and McCormick High.

However, the Blue Devils deepest run into the playoffs in more than 10 years ended Saturday at the BI-LO Center in Greenville. In a battle of Devils, Blue Devils fell to the top ranked Red Devils of Great Falls High by a score of 46-39.

In a defensive battle, the Blue Devils kept pace with the Red Devils, trailing only 22-17 at halftime.

Despite a valiant second half effort to keep the game close, the Blue Devils were dealt a blow when leading scorer Antonio "Buster" Walker fouled out with three minutes left in the game.

The loss ends WEHS season at 13-14 overall, including a 3-1 record in the playoffs.

"In a close game like that, you would like to have your big scoring gun at the end. Losing Anontio at that juncture of the game put a lot of pressure on the rest of the players," Williston-Elko High coach Devin Liferidge said. "He's been our leader all season and not having him in there to finish the game really hurt our chances."

The Red Devils keyed on Walker, holding him to a season low nine points. The Blue Devils, however, found other means of scoring.

Ondrew Bellinger stepped up for the Blue Devils offensively. Bellinger poured in eight first half points to keep the game close with the team trailing 22-17 at the half.

Others providing offensive support included Quantel Mack with six points, four assists and five steals. Rokeem Williams landed eight points on four-of-nine shooting from the floor while Shamel Harley pitched in three points and six rebounds.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23 in the third round of the playoffs, Williston-Elko High knocked off top seeded McCormick High by a score of 41-38 in the North Augusta High School gymnasium.

Williston-Elko High, which led by as much as 10 points in the first half, saw its lead evaporate to one point at 34-33 midway in the fourth quarter.

However, down the stretch, Antonio Walker took over for the Blue Devils, scoring five of the team's final second points for the win.

For the game, Walker turned in a double-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Others producing included Quantel Mack with eight points. Rokeem Williams had three points. Kevin Johnson and Strong each added two points each.