EASLEY—The Easley Green Wave boys basketball team earned a surprisingly easy win over arch rival Wren Friday night on the shoulders of center Joel Cook.

Cook scored 21 points to lead Easley to a 62-40 win over the Hurricanes.

Easley took control early, leading 15-6 after one period and 31-16 at halftime.

The Green Wave then coasted through the final two quarters to take the win.

The win improves Easley’s Region 1-AAAA record to 3-2, halfway through the region schedule.

Adding to the Green Wave toal were Spencer Collins with 13, Joe Graver 11, Joe McNeely 10, MacKenzie Bladin 4 and Tim Pickel 3.

Wren was led by Demetrius Babb with 16 points. D.J. Brown added 11. Other scoring for the Hurricanes were Chris Rhodes, 6, Dustin Wright 3, Lewis Pelaez 2 and Sidney Rhodes 2.

Lions maul Blue Flame

The Pickens Blue Flame boys basketball team knew it had its work cut out for it Friday night, facing the once-beaten Daniel Lions on their home court, but the players probably thought the game would last more than one quarter.

Daniel rolled to a 27-9 lead after one period of action, coasting from there to an 81-61 victory.

To the Blue Flame’s credit, at a time when most teams would be putting up a white flag, Pickens played hard in the final three periods, although the Blue Flame was not able to make their early deficit disappear.

Daniel was led by Antonio Cannon with 17 points. Close behind were DeAndre Hopkins with 16 and Shaq Lawson with 15. Also scoring for the Lions were DeAndre Drapper 9, Justin Dotson 6, Cedrick Smith 4, Geoff Williams 4 and Jeremiah Wimphrie 4.

Pickens was led by Jacob Harrison with 17 points. Jalen Butler added 15. Also scoring for the Blue Flame were Jake DeGear 9, Enevellus Ellis 9, Daniel Fahey 4 and James Lawson 4.

Earlier in the week Pickens fell to Woodmont 52-29. Pickens trailed by three at the end of the first quarter, but Woodmont dominated the second period to take a 25-11 lead at halftime. The Wildcats continued in the third quarter, leading 42-19 at the end of the period, then held on for the win.

Jalen Butler led Pickens with 9 points.

Zach Hawkins scored 7. Others scoring for the Blue Flame were Jake DeGear 5, James Lawson 4, Aaron Hester 2 and Johnathan Holder 2.

Pickens played at Seneca Tuesday night.

Results of that game were not available at press time. The Blue Flame hosts Belton-Honea Path Friday night, then travels to next Tuesday.