By Thomas Grant Jr.

After playing under .500 in non-region play, top-ranked Class 5A Division I Ridge View boys has found its championship form.

Monday’s 78-49 win over Brookland-Cayce at the MLK Bash was the Blazers’ fifth straight victory. Guard Yale Davis scored 18 of his game-high 23 points in the first half in outscoring the entire Bearcats’ roster.

 Ridge View guard Davis with the Player of the Game award from the MLK Bash

“I tell Yale Davis as much as I can remember, whenever he decides, he can be one of the top players in the country,” Ridge View head coach Joshua Staley said. “If he makes up his mind, he’s one of the top players in the country because he’s got a heart of gold. He’s a great kid. I love being around him. When he’s locked in, I don’t know too many kids who are better than him.”

All-State forward Korie Corbett had 11 points. He said the Blazers “really wanted it” after “two bad games” and got better playing together as a team.

Even with the second unit getting significant playing time, Ridge View stretched its lead as many as 30 points.

Ridge View was scheduled to face Blythewood in a battle for first place in Region 5-5A. Weather conditions first moved the game to Wednesday and now its new date remains under discussion.

First place was also on the line between the Lady Blazers and Lady Bengals. The postponement meant Blythewood will have a 10-day layup before facing Westwood Friday.

Ridge view guard Janiya Carter looks to past against South Pointe. 
Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.

Ridge View also competed in the MLK Bash against South Pointe. They fell behind 10-0 to open the game and despite outscoring the Lady Stallions 18-7 in the fourth quarter, lost 53-46.

On Monday, Ridge View rebounded with a 68-47 win over Jackson Day at an MLK Holiday Classic at T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, N.C.

A fourth quarter rally was not enough to help the Lady Blazers erase a 10-0 deficit to open the game.

Sian Banks scored nine of her team-high 12 points in the fourth quarter. Ridge View outscored the Lady Stallions 18-7 to get within six points.

Player of the Game Janiya Cunningham had 15 of her game-high 21 points in the first half for South Pointe. Kaleigh Lewis added 16 points for the Lady Stallions.

Featured Photo: Ridge View forward Korie Corbett is defended by Brookland-Cayce guard AJ Edwards

Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.