The Cumberland Valley Christian Blazers rallied late in the game to defeat Highland View Academy 35-32 Thursday evening in their non-league, season-opening boys basketball game.

The Blazers were down by double digits in the third quarter but climbed to within 29-24 at the end of the period. They then outscored Highland View 11-3 in the final period.

“I’m really proud of the way these guys battled tonight. It wasn’t always pretty, but we found a way to get the job done,” Blazers coach Austin Sanders said. “There was a point in the third quarter where we were down 14 points, but we did a good job of ending that quarter strong and carrying that momentum into the fourth. I’m not necessarily pleased with our free throw shooting or our turnovers. Those are definitely things we will be addressing in practice, but I’m still happy with the overall result.”

Reece Hunsberger netted 14 points to lead the Blazers in scoring. Josh Rudy contributed nine points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, the latter three team highs. Nathan Minnier added six points, Thomas Garvin four points and Archer Munson two.

The Blazers survived 23 turnovers and 5-of-19 free throw shooting.

The Blazers host the Frederick Warriors Friday evening in their home opener.