By Gabriel Jenkins
No Kirkland Krazies? No problem. Beaufort High’s boys raced out to a big early lead and cruised to an 86-58 road win over crosstown rival Beaufort Academy on Saturday, sweeping the season series.
Oliver Holmes led the way for BHS with 26 points, while Rush Riley added 17, James Dennison had 13, and Daniel Phares contributed nine for the home Eagles. Elijah Fess scored 18, and Ben Frey had 12 to lead BA.
BHS started out with an impressive first half, playing aggressively and creating numerous turnovers to take an early 18-4 lead. BA couldn’t match the Eagles’ speed and tenacity, as BHS extended the lead to 31-7 by the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, BA started to bring more energy on defense and tightened it up offensively, thanks to Fess and Frey, but the deficit was already too daunting. BA clawed back within 38-19 early in the second but couldn’t stop Holmes, who quietly put up 26 points and helped his Eagles build a 52-29 halftime lead.
BA started to foul in the second half to try to close the gap, but BHS took advantage by racking up easy points at the foul line.
It was 70-45 after three, and BHS star Zyrin Odom came up with a steal and breakaway dunk early in the fourth that took the wind out of BA’s notions of a comeback.
BHS (2-0) opens region play at home against Bluffton on Dec. 15, while BA (2-3) traveled to Northwood Academy on Monday.
