<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>

Bluffton’s girls opened Region 7-4A play with a 45-30 win over visiting Beaufort High on Tuesday.

The Bobcats frustrated the Eagles at the offensive end in the first half, building a 12-4 lead after one quarter and extending the margin to 22-10 by halftime. Beaufort started knocking down some shots in the second half, but the Eagles couldn’t close the gap.

Beaufort bottled up Bobcats star Tacoya Heyward at the offensive end, holding the quick-footed freshman to four points, but she created opportunities for her teammates, who took advantage.

Samari Mitchell scored 12 points, Kayleigh Washington added 10, and Katie Rodney chipped in nine off the bench to lead Bluffton.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Beaufort’s Layla Warren scored 15 points and Quinn Wilson had 11, including a pair of second-half 3-pointers to try to keep the Eagles in it.

The Bobcats (1-1, 1-0) travels to Hilton Head High on Friday to continue region play, while Beaufort (1-2, 0-1) travels to Savannah Country Day for a non-region matchup Friday.

<em>Beaufort High’s Layla Warren drives to the basket during the Eagles’ 45-30 loss at Bluffton on Tuesday to open Region 7-4A play. Warren scored 15 points to lead the Eagles. Photo by Justin Jarrett / LowcoSports.com</em>