BLADENBORO — Playing for the first time in 18 days because of coronavirus protocols, West Bladen tumbled to its third straight loss opening the season on Tuesday night.
The Knights fell 71-63 to West Columbus in a nonconference game between Three Rivers Conference members. It was a rescheduled contest from Jan. 12, the day after Bladen County Schools announced 12 individuals associated with West Bladen’s team had come into close contact with an individual that had tested positive for COVID-19.
The Knights were provided opportunity by the guests in the fourth quarter. West Columbus missed 10 free throws in the period.
Senior Shy’ron Adams scored a career-high 29 points for West Bladen, including 17 by intermission. Landon Stanley added 11 and Donovan Stone chipped in eight in his season debut.
Five players scored all of the Vikings’ points, led by Brandis Kelly with 20 and Unique Kelly with 17.
West Bladen (0-3) is home against Red Springs on Thursday and visits East Columbus on Friday. West Columbus, a regular season tri-champion of the Three Rivers Conference last year, climbed to 2-3 and hosts Fairmont on Thursday.