Gray Collegiate Academy defeated St.Joseph’s, 83-31, in the second round of the 2A state basketball playoffs, Saturday night.  The game was played on the campus of Allen University.

The War Eagles, from West Columbia,  used its size and athletic advantage over the Knights from Greenville, to jump out early.

Despite the large margin of victory, Gray Coach Dion Bethea said his team can played better.
“We are figuring it out. I think we have a lot of great basketball to play ahead of us. Every game we just keep getting better,” said Bethea. “We are playing together. We shared the basketball, and defended. So that was real key tonight.”

GCA jumped out to a big lead, going up 21-0. St. Joes did not score until . there was only 2:40 left in the first quarter. The quarter ended with the War Eagles up 27-8.
By halftime the score was 48-13, but Bethea never stopped coaching.
“Even when we were up big I just told them that this is preparation for the next game,” Bethea said. “Every game moving forward is important for us. Every game is a total team effort for us.”

His team listened and Gray never let up. Junior forward Juwan Gary hit a three pointer at the buzzer to end the third quarter to put GCA up by 40.

Gray improves to 23-4 with the win and and advances to the third round of the playoffs. The War Eagles will host Lee Central of Bishopville Tuesday at Allen in the Upper State semifinal.