Highlands School hosted the Blue Ridge Bobcats on Tuesday in a basketball doubleheader. Highlands took both games in the match up.
The girls took the court first and Highlands grabbed the first two points of the game, but the score remained neck and neck for the first period. Points creeped to a 7-6 score with Blue Ridge in the lead, largely thanks to baskets by Brooklyn Kenney.
Whatever words of wisdom Highlands coach Brett Lamb relayed to his team must have worked. Highlands opened the second period full steam ahead. Highlands’ Aislynn Wyatt-Luck came out on fire and kept the heat up. Wyatt-Luck opened with a three pointer. And another. And still more. The score quickly rose to 30-9, Highlands, heading into the third period.
With the third underway, Highlands kept the same momentum, putting up 23 points compared to Blue Ridge’s nine. Wyatt-Luck continued on her momentum, getting another three. Not to be outdone, Blue Ridge’s Kenney answered with a three of her own. Highlands ended with a 53-18 lead.
The fourth period slowed down considerably for both teams. The girls finished with a 63-21, Highlands, score.
The boys faced off next for what turned out to be a similar game.
Highlands still held the home field advantage and Blue Ridge came out slow in the first period. Highlands took that period with a 22-5 lead. Despite grim odds, Blue Ridge’s Ethan Henson put up the first two points of the second period.
With strong defense, Highlands maintained possession of the ball. A scrap for the ball followed by a Highlands breakaway by Kasen Mitchell, plus a steal from Mitchell and Landon Green extended Highlands lead.
Blue Ridge’s Henson helped the Bobcats recover some points and then Eric Puskarich came through with a half-court buzzer beater. The score was 48-34 heading into the half.
Highlands continued to lead, though Blue Ridge came closer. Blue Ridge scored 17 points in the third period compared to Highlands’ 10. Both teams fought hard and bared their fangs on the defensive front. Efforts were not enough for the Bobcats, though. Highlands ended with a 61-43 win.