GIRLS BASKETBALL
‘Canes spoil special night for BA
Beaufort Academy’s girls ran into a tough First Baptist team at home Friday, losing 63-35, but it wasn’t all bad for the Eagles, who celebrated Senior Night and received their SCISA Class 1A state championship rings from last season.
Mike’Ala Washington put together another big game for BA with 19 points and four rebounds, but the Hurricanes had too many weapons for the Eagles to keep pace.
Mary Hanna Hiers added four points and a team-high five rebounds for BA.
The Eagles (4-3) are off until hosting Hilton Head Prep for a region matchup Jan. 5.
Short-handed JPII comes up short at home
John Paul II’s girls struggled to a 29-19 home loss to Charleston Collegiate on Friday, as a young Golden Warriors squad continues to play without two key veterans.
JPII won the first meeting, 26-18 on on Dec. 10, and they had opportunities to complete the season sweep but were unable to take advantage.
“We will become more competitive when we hit free throws and eliminate unforced turnovers,” JPII coach Karen Floyd said. “Getting two of our veterans back after the break will be beneficial as well.”
The Golden Warriors have been without Taylor Michael and Caroline Gilmour, two of the top returners off a team that lost three-time region Player of the Year Tkai DeVore to graduation.
Ru Bennett had a strong game for JPII with six points, five rebounds, and four steals, while Cayce Graves swiped 10 steals to go with five points, and Maddie Heathcott grabbed eight boards.
JPII (1-4) is off until hosting two-time defending SCISA 2A champion Hilton Head Christian Academy on Jan. 5.
BOYS BASKETBALL
JPII boys hold off Sundevils to stay undefeated
John Paul II’s boys held off a late rally from visiting Charleston Collegiate to stay unbeaten with a 53-43 victory Friday.
Battery Creek’s Justin Smalls, left, gets the ball knocked out of his hands as team mate Jaeon Allen moves into help during the second quarter of their basektball game Tuesday, Dec. 15. At center is Beaufort Academy’s Ben Vanhise. The visiting Eagles outscored the hosting Dolphins 66-56.
Jackson Ogden led another balanced offensive effort for the Golden Warriors with 19 points, five assists, and two steals, and Mark Knight posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
Jeremiah Young added 10 points for JPII, which is 5-0 going into its holiday break and will host Hilton Head Christian Academy to open region play on Jan. 5.
Barnard, Warriors hang on for region road win
The Whale Branch boys are growing accustomed to winning ugly, but it beats the alternative.
Devonta Barnard scored 14 points to lead a balanced effort, and the Warriors took advantage at the foul line down the stretch to hang on for a 51-44 road win over Lowcountry Leadership in Region 7-1A play on Friday.
The Warriors built a 29-12 halftime lead and appeared poised to cruise to an easy win before the NaviGators heated up from 3-point range to close the gap to 38-35 heading to the fourth quarter.
The Warriors have struggled at the foul line early in the season, but they were 11-of-19 from the stripe Friday, including 8-of-13 in the fourth quarter. Barnard went 6-for-8 from the line.
Jaylen Reeves, Jaquan Gillison and Jashuan Gillison each scored nine points for Whale Branch, and AJ Singleton added five, all in the fourth.
Clay Schaffer hit four 3-pointers en route to 21 points for the NaviGators.
Bob Sofaly photo, top: Battery Creek’s Sophia Felix, left, keeps a close on eye on Beaufort Academy’s Mike’ala Washington during Tuesday’s game at Battery Creek. The Lady Eagles won, 36-28.
