Sumter Academy boys open season with 49-35 win

By Angel Jowers

Special to The Watchman

YORK — The Sumter Academy varsity boys basketball team opened the season with a 49-35 win over the Russell Christian Academy Warriors on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Both teams got off to a slow start, but Zach Maness’ five first quarter points gave Sumter a slim 8-6 advantage after the opening quarter. Nathan Williamson and Blake Jowers would each score six in the second period to give Sumter a 30-14 lead going into halftime.

Russell’s Taylor Wood scored eight of his team-leading 12 points in the third period as the Warriors outscored Sumter 12-4, shrinking the Eagles’ lead to just eight at 34-26 to begin the final period.

The Eagles cranked up the defense and the scoring in the fourth quarter, forcing seven turnovers. Led by Blaine Winsett’s five points and Clay Truelove’s four, Sumter outscored the visitors 15-9 to seal the victory.

Russell Christian was led by Taylor Wood and Drake McKenzie with 12 points each. Sumter had three players with double figure scoring led by Winsett with 12, Maness with 11 and Williamson with 10.

Sumter will travel to Grove Hill on Thursday, Nov. 20 to take on Clarke Prep.

Scoring Summary:

Russell – Wood 12, McKenzie 12, Boland 4, Reeves 2, Van Drunen 2, Dubose 2, Faulkner 1, Boland 4.

Sumter – Winsett 12, Maness 11, Williamson 10, Jowers 7, Duke 4, Truelove 4, Newman 1.

Sumter’s overall shot percentage was 49% with 43% two-point attempts, 38% from three-point range, and 52% from the freethrow line. 24 team rebounds (5 offensive; 19 defensive).