CERRO GORDO – The West Columbus Vikings claimed their 20th win of the season Tuesday night as they ran to a 84-44 decision over visiting South Robeson in the opening round of the Southeastern 1A-2A Conference Basketball Tournament.

It marked the 10th straight win for the Vikings, who were led by the 27-point effort of guard Chaz Everette. Everette also had 11 steals, eight rebounds and six assists.

Forward Zack Andrews scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds. Chris Smith also scored in double figures with 11.

WCHS coach Michael Powell noted that Andrews’ performance was as courageous as it was outstanding. Andrews’ mother Lynn died suddenly Sunday night at the age of 43.

“It was a situation where he decided to go ahead and play and he really did well,” Powell said.

Andrews is a senior standout in basketball, football and baseball.

West Columbus used a 25-8 second quarter run to take a 42-19 halftime lead.

Terrence McCallum was high scorer for South Robeson with 22 points.

West Columbus, 20-3, will play host to West Bladen tonight at 6:30 in the tournament semi-finals. West Bladen defeated Red Springs 71-51 in Tuesday’s first-round play. East Bladen, which thumped St. Pauls 74-40 Tuesday, will travel to play regular-season champion Fairmont tonight in the other semi-final.

In girls opening-round action on Monday, Red Springs defeated West Columbus, Fairmont defeated South Robeson and St. Pauls defeated West Bladen. Girls semi-final games were played Wednesday. Regular-season champion East Bladen had a first-round bye.

Tournament championship games are set for Friday night at Fairmont with the girls game scheduled to begin at 6 and the boys game at 8.

SOUTH ROBESON (44): McCallum 22, Fisher 12, Hollomon 3, Strickland 3, Samuel 2, Hunt 2.

WEST COLUMBUS (84): Everette 27, Andrews 16, C. Smith 11, De La Rosa 6, Hamilton 4, W. Smith 4, Snowten 4 Hayes 4, Leggett 2, Ward 2, Bilal 2, Green 1, Tyler 1.