Khalon Hudson dropped 30 points to help Westside defeat Columbia 82-72 at home in the Sweet Sixteen of the AA Georgia High School State Playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 26.
Columbia was the number two ranked AA high school in Georgia before losing to the Patriots.
“Mental preparation was a big part of it,” said Westside Coach Jerry Hunter. “We’re into the will versus skill portion and ultimately that’s what it ends up being. Our guys willed themselves to the fourth because eventually your skill level is going to matchup, then it is what is on the inside of you. We had the opportunity to represent what were made of, but we still have a long way to go.”
The Eagles began the game on a 6-0 run in the first quarter. Westside would fight back and grab the lead late in the first quarter with a layup by Hudson, making the score 20-18.
Hudson had dominate second quarter, finishing with 11 points and continuing to be there for the put backs. The game continued to be a back in forth battle with Columbia’s Daquavas Harrison converting a three to tie the game 32-32 with 2:45 remaining in the half. Hudson put the Patriots ahead at the half 39-35 with three late buckets.
Columbia battled and tied the game 43-43 midway through the third quarter with layup by Jamari Piercy.
The Patriots pushed away late in the third quarter, going on a 18-6 run and giving them a 61-49 lead to start the fourth.
Even though the Eagles would out score the Patriots in the fourth quarter, Westside hung on to win the game 82-72.
Hudson led the team with 30 points in the win. Jalexs Ewing finished with 16 points for the Patriots, followed by AuMari Tillman with 15 points.
Hunter spoke what this win means for his team and what’s next.
“Our big thing is, it’s okay to feel good, but its not time to celebrate,” he said. “I huddle them up after every win with this significance and make sure they understand that.”
Westside will now go on to face Early County on Wednesday, March 2. The time of the game is to be announced.
