For the second straight year, defending Class 2A boys’ basketball champion Gray Collegiate dropped the opening contest of the Bojangles’ Bash.

The War Eagles were defeated 78-59 by Aspire Academy Friday night at Ridge View High School. Tommy Bruner scored 18 points and Dallaz Corbitt added 12 in defeat.

Five players scored in double figures for Aspire, who also held Gray Collegiate to 35.6 percent field-goal shooting and 4-24 from 3-point range.

The War Eagles will face Cardinal Newman at 9 p.m. Saturday.

River Bluff 98, Gilbert 64

Five players scored in double figures for the Gators, who improved to 8-1 on the season.

J.T. Reeves led River Bluff with 18 points, followed by Josh Crenshaw with 12, Andrew Robinson and Booker Cusaac with 11 each and Tyson Trottier with 10.

Dre Cook led the Indians with 14 points, followed by Ty Walker with 12.

(GIRLS)

Gilbert 52, River Bluff 46

Dori Heldreth scored 16 points in a losing effort by the Lady Gators, who play host to 3rd ranked Swansea at noon Saturday.