ELIZABETHTOWN — East Bladen set the tone Monday with a big first quarter en route to a 70-58 win over visiting Pender County in a Four County Conference tilt.

The Eagles outscored the Patriots by a 19-9 margin in the opening period, then withstood a second-quarter rally by Pender County — which outscored East Bladen 17-11 — and took a slim 30-26 edge into halftime.

The Eagles’ offense got back on track in the third quarter, putting 22 points on the board and extending the lead by four to 52-43 going into the final period.

Down the stretch East Bladen got the best of the Patriots by an 18-14 margin to seal the win.

Eian Hines led the Eagles with a season-high 23 points and a three-pointer, while Denzel Johnson scored 17 points with two three-pointers and Ethan Hines scored 15 points with a three-pointer.