<strong>By Gabriel Jenkins</strong>

After letting a late lead evaporate in the first meeting, Beaufort Academy’s girls weren’t going to let another opportunity to knock off crosstown rival Beaufort High slip away.

This time around, BA locked down on defense in the final minutes to preserve a 52-46 home win over BHS, something BA coach Lillian Aldred thinks her program might have done for the first time.

Mike’Ala Washington poured in 22 point to lead the way for BA, while Chase Vaigneur had a huge day with nine points and seven rebounds, Shanese Bostick added nine points inside, and Tahleea Heyward contributed eight. Layla Warren scored 20 points and Quinn Wilson had nine to lead BHS.

BA got out to a fast start and put up a quick lead, and BA’s defense was persistent and created numerous turnovers in the first half. BHS started to slow things down and find points in the paint and knocked down some midrange shots to close within 22-19 late in the second quarter, but BA settled down and took a 27-22 lead into hafltime.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

In the third quarter, Washington caught fire, dishing out dimes and knocking down a couple of threes as BHS searched for an answer to slow her down. BA was up 42-35 late in the third thanks to the fluid ball movement that created open shots, and the Eagles extended the advantage to 46-38 going into the fourth quarter.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

In the fourth, BHS started to put things together with Warren and Wilson leading the way. They brought the lead down to five early in the period, but BA regained control of the momentum and pushed the lead to double-digits with two minutes left before holding on.

BA (3-1) traveled to Northwood Academy on Monday. BHS (1-1) hosts Bluffton on Dec. 15 to open region play.

<em>Above: Beaufort Academy’s Tahleea Heyward gets double-teamed by Beaufort High’s Ky Moultrie and Layla Warren on Saturday afternoon at Beaufort Academy. BA clung to a slim lead throughout the game and managed to best visiting Beaufort 52-46. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>