Speed and experience will be the calling card for the Lexington High School boys’ basketball team this season.

On Monday, the Wildcats used it to their full advantage in routing Strom Thurmond 71-44 in the opening game of the Lake Murray Tipoff.

Lexington jumped out to a 17-2 advantage and led as many as 28 points as it capitalized off transition points and help defense.

Guard Mason Carver outscored the entire Rebels’ roster 12-10 in the first quarter enroute to a game-high 25 points.

Bradley Foulks also scored in double figures with 11 and Jonathan Corley added 9 for the Wildcats (1-0). Jamarvious Jones had 16 points and DeShawn Miles finished with 13 for Strom Thurmond.

“We do not have much size so we are looking at a little more pressure on defense and we definitely want to get out in transition,” Lexington head coach Bailey Harris said.

Up next for the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday is Burke, who took a 58-57 victory over Palmetto in the Tipoff opener at Lexington High School.

“Burke won at the buzzer tonight and will be very aggressive and physical,” Harris said. “A very good offensive rebounding team.”

The Lexington/Burke contest will be preceded at 6 p.m. by Palmetto against Strom Thurmond.

Over at White Knoll High School, the host team defeated Columbia 75-38. In the first contest, Fairfield Central edged Airport 54-52 despite 14 points from R.J. Howell and 13 from Jalen Canada.

The Eagles will open Tuesday against Columbia, while the Wolves play host to Fairfield Central.

TIP OFF AT THE DAM

River Bluff 70, Mid Carolina 36

Spring Valley 53,  Wando 32

Dutch Fork 66, Lugoff- Elgin 38

Chapin 50, Eau Claire 42

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

(at River Bluff High School)

Wando vs. Mid-Carolina 6 p.m.

Spring Valley vs. River Bluff 7:30 p.m.

(at Chapin High School)

Lugoff- Elgin vs Eau Claire 6 p.m.

Dutch Fork vs. Chapin 7:30 p.m.

IMPACT SPORTS INVITATIONAL

Irmo 45, Mauldin 39

The defending Class 5A champion Yellow Jackets will face Shannon Forest at 7 p..m. Tuesday.

(GIRLS BASKETBALL)

A.C. FLORA TIPOFF

Irmo 49, Richland Northeast 22

Ehrial Wagstaff scored 17 points, Madison Dopico had 8 and Jayla Lovett added 7 as the Lady Yellow Jackets rebounded from Saturday’s loss to Ridge View and defeated the Lady Cavaliers.

Irmo will face Airport at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Airport 51, Blythewood 32

Jayla Jamison scored 12 points and India Candelario added 11 as the Lady Eagles evened its record to 1-1 after defeating the Lady Bengals.

Airport will face Irmo at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Spring Valley 67, Lexington 28

HOFFMAN & HUFFMAN CLASSIC

White Knoll 54, Augusta Christian 15