Host East Bladen turned back Midway 65-56 in the second round of the NCHSAA 2-A girls basketball playoffs on Thursday night despite 27 points from senior guard Leah Williams.

“We jumped out to a 5-0 lead and our wheels ran out from under us,” said Midway coach Allen McLamb. “(East Bladen) played good defense. We were banged up. We tried to keep it as quiet as we could.”

Williams and J.J. Sankey, the second leading scorer for the Lady Raiders, were both dealing with physical ailments.

Sankey and Madeline Royal each had eight points as Midway finished 23-3. Jenna Pope scored seven points.

The Eagles improved to 27-1 and remained unbeaten at home.

Williams is planning on continuing her career at Mount Olive, McLamb said.

“We had a good run,” said the Midway coach. “It’s been a great season.”