The Dillon Wildcats hosted the Latta Vikings for a 73-65 win on Tuesday in varsity boys action.

Latta took a 23-19 lead in the first quarter but Dillon went 17-12 in the second to take a 36-35 lead into the half. The Wildcats widened the gap in the third, outscoring the Vikings 21-12, and held off an 18-16 rally from Latta in the fourth to claim the win.

Dillon was led by Jaquan Knowlin and Joe Manning, who each scored 15 points. Knowlin also picked up 10 rebounds in the win. Lawrence Crouch added 11 points for the Wildcats; Eri’Reon Hayes, 7; Avery McCall, 6; Gerome McLeod, 6; Darius Bethea, 5; Omar McCollum, 4; and Rakeem Fletcher, 2.

The Vikings were led by Tyquan Porter with a game-high 22 points. Kartilus McFadden added 10 points; Diez Mungro, 8; Davonte Porter, 7; Hall, 4; Jordan Sims, 2; Kel Williamson, 2; and Bruddy, 2.

Dillon improved to 6-5 with the win, while Latta slipped to 3-4 overall.

In the latest South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association polls, the Vikings were ranked ninth in the state in Class A, with Burke, Southside Christian, Lewisville, CA Johnson, and Christ Church claiming the top five spots.

In the Class 2A polls, Lake Marion, Battery Creek, Abbeville, Ridgeland-Hardeeville, and Cheraw were ranked in the top five.

Dillon will travel to Latta this Friday, January 9, at 6:00 p.m., and next Tuesday, the Wildcats will be at Aynor to begin region play. The Vikings will also open region play on Tuesday as they travel to Lake View to take on the Wild Gators.

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!