Published on: Thursday, January 17, 2013

By Brandy L. Simms

SILVER SPRING – Blair survived a late rally from Kennedy Friday night en route to a 52-43 road victory over the Cavaliers.

Montgomery County’s 4A East Division is one of the toughest in the state this season. While Magruder sits comfortably atop the West Division standings, Blair, Blake, Kennedy, Paint Branch, Sherwood and Springbrook are left to battle amongst each other for the division title.

“Our division I think is by far the toughest,” said Blair head coach Damon Pigrom. “There’s no easy nights in the division.”

Blair junior forward Damar Bess scored a game-high 16 points to lead the Blazers and junior center Raymond Burtnick added 11 points in the win.

Kennedy was led by senior guard Marcus Murray who scored all of his 14 points in the second half.

Kennedy erased a 17-point halftime deficit and took a one-point lead in the fourth quarter before Blair converted 10 of 12 free throws in the final three minutes of the game to seal the win.

 “Damon and I are good friends and he’s a great coach,” said Kennedy head coach Diallo Nelson. “He keeps them tough. The kids are tough and they held on and they executed very well.”

Blair (8-4, 3-2) has now won four of their last five games heading into Friday’s home match with Paint Branch.

Meanwhile, Kennedy (9-4, 2-3) suffered their second straight loss after a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers travel to Sherwood on Friday.