Basketball Recap: North Charleston Snaps Nine-Game Streak of Wins on the Road

North Charleston was the 56-45 winner over Orangeburg-Wilkinson when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The North Charleston Cougars took a 52-48 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Orangeburg-Wilkinson Bruins. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 66th, while the Bruins are ranked 19th).

Several Cougars players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Richard Hazel III, who posted 15 points and five rebounds. Hazel III has been hot, having also posted two or more steals the last seven times he's played. Another player making a difference was Otto Witherspoon, who put up 12 points.

vs

Previous 1 Games

01/15/25 - Away

48-52 L

Even though they lost, North Charleston smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 15 consecutive games.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Keith Smith, who went 5 for 6 on his way to 14 points and eight boards. Smith is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for three straight games. James Ross also deserves some recognition as he posted his first assist of the season.

North Charleston's loss ended a nine-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 11-7. As for Orangeburg-Wilkinson, their victory was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 14-3.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. North Charleston has already played their next matchup (against Battery Creek), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing. Orangeburg-Wilkinson will take on Oceanside Collegiate Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Oceanside Collegiate Academy will roll in looking for their tenth straight win, something Orangeburg-Wilkinson surely won't give up without a fight.