Basketball Recap: Raniya Tyler Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Blackville-Hilda

Calhoun County's game last Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Tuesday. They managed a 40-36 victory over the Blackville-Hilda Fighting Hawks. This was a revenge game for the Saints: when they faced off against the Fighting Hawks back in January, they had to take a 36-26 defeat.

Calhoun County got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Raniya Tyler out in front who almost dropped a double-double on ten points and nine steals. What's more, Tyler also racked up three blocks, the most she's had since back in January of 2024. Cassidy Pough was another key player, dropping a double-double on 11 points and 11 boards.

Calhoun County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in three consecutive games.

Breyanna Williams and JaFaith Johnson certainly did their best on Tuesday to avoid the loss. Williams went 6 for 14 en route to 15 points in addition to eight rebounds and seven steals, while Johnson posted eight points and three steals. Johnson continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played.

Calhoun County's victory bumped their record up to 6-8. As for Blackville-Hilda, they have also been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season.

Calhoun County will host Wagener-Salley at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Wagener-Salley has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Blackville-Hilda, they are taking a road trip to take on Williston-Elko at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Williston-Elko has eight straight wins, Blackville-Hilda has three straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the court.