Blackman boys stay perfect in 7-AAA; Lady Blaze upset Oakland

It was looking like a night of upsets at Blackman High on Monday.

After the Lady Blaze pulled off an upset win over Oakland, the Patriots were looking to return the favor against the third-ranked Blaze in a battle of league unbeatens.

However, Blackman's boys turned it up a notch in the fourth quarter and captured a come-from-behind 57-44 win.

"We just come with the philosophy to keep pounding, keep pounding," said Blackman senior Trent Gibson, who had 14 points, six assists and six rebounds in the win.

Oakland led 36-33 entering the fourth, but Blackman (7-0, 17-2) outscored the Patriots (6-1, 15-4) 24-8 down the stretch, including an 11-0 run that helped the hosts pull away.

Three Blaze starters (Brandon Thomas, Donovan Sims and Jaelen White) played sick.

"We're fine," said Blackman coach Barry Wortman. "This time of year everyone's sick. Oakland was the same way."

Added Gibson: "Coach didn't let us make that an excuse."

Keishawn Davidson's jumper gave the Patriots a 39-36 advantage before the Blackman run, which was sparked by a Nathan Nelson 3-pointer.

"This was a heck of a game with a good environment," Wortman said. "We've been in a lot of big games over the last six years. It helps our confidence when a lot's on the line."

Thomas led Blackman with 17 points and seven rebounds. Bryce Williams added 10 points, including two dunks that ignited the home crowd.

Jaden Jamison led Oakland with 10 points, while Davidson added nine.

Blackman pulled off a substantial upset in the girls' contest, overcoming an early deficit and slipping past Oakland 51-50.

Ja'Leah Goff's basket with 18 seconds left proved to be the difference.

"Our defense has definitely been our biggest positive," said Blackman coach Jessica Jackson, whose squad outrebounded Oakland and forced numerous turnovers. "Our offense has struggled all year. They've learned that if your defense is good, it can lead to offense."

Goff finished with 16 points, while Jaida Bond added 12 and freshman Joelle Patton had a big night for the Lady Blaze (3-4, 5-14) with nine points.

Maggie Knowles and Maddie Cook each scored 14 for Oakland (4-3, 16-4), which jumped out to leads of 12-3 and 18-9 before Blackman started making its comeback.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.