Hillcrest Tops Byrnes in Playoffs Opening Round

The Hillcrest Rams spotted Byrnes an 8-point halftime lead, but came back in the second half to win 76-63 in a first-round game of the state Class AAAA basketball upper state playoffs Wednesday night at home.

The Rebels (13-12) led 36-28 at the break before the top-seeded Rams outscored them 20-10 in the third quarter to take a 48-46 advantage into the fourth quarter. Byrnes was able to regain a 52-51 lead but was overtaken midway through the final quarter.

Tavin Richardson led the Rebels with 16 points, while Janson Brown added 13. Jaylen Foster also reached double figures with 12 points, and Syverio Jones added nine.

Hillcrest was led by McDonald's All-American candidate Tre' Smith with 38 points. The Rams will next host Rock Hill on Saturday.