Highlands’ Hayley Borino (12) and Beatrice Bryson (3) swarm to double team Blue Ridge guard Mahalah Stewart (23) during their game at Blue Ridge on Tuesday night.
Highlands’ girls basketball team got the season off to a fast start with a 41-32 win over Blue Ridge on Tuesday night.
The game was the season opener for both squads and showcased a number of state mandated rule changes due to COVID-19. There was no opening tip, so the visitors were awarded the ball first. Each quarter featured an under four minute officials timeout and players were required to wear facemasks throughout the contest.
“It was different for sure, but it was good to get back out here and play a competitive game,” Highlands coach Brett Lamb said. “We got off to a slow start, but the girls kept their composure and played a really good second half.”
The Highlanders couldn’t find their shooting touch in the first half.
Behind six quick points from Charlotte Sherrill, Blue Ridge built a 9-0 lead over the games first five minutes. A pair of free throws from Hayley Borino got Highlands on the scoreboard, but at the end of the first quarter the Bobcats held a 12-4 advantage.
The lead swelled to 19-9 at halftime as Highlands continued to struggle in its half court offense against the Blue Ridge zone defense. At the intermission, Borino was the only Highlander active in the scoring column with all nine points.
“Hayley played well, especially in the first half, and we needed her to be our steadying force on offense,” Lamb said. “In the second half it felt like we calmed down a little bit as a team.”
Highlands outscored Blue Ridge 17-2 in the third quarter as frantic defense led to transition buckets. With Sherill in foul trouble, Blue Ridge lost its offensive rhythm and Highlands seized the lead.
The fourth quarter was much like the third with Highlands turning steals into fast break points. A bucket by Madeline Potts brought the Bobcats within arms reach, down 28-23 early in the fine period, but the home team never climbed any closer.
Borino led all scorers with 13 points for the Highlanders. Bella Wilson tallied all 11 of her points in the second half and chipped in four rebounds. Lilly Kate and Beatrice Bryson each added five points in the win.
“Bella had a big second half on both ends of the floor and she provided a scoring spark for us,” Lamb said. “We are young, and early in the year I expected there would be some nerves.”
Sherrill paced the Bobcats with 12 points and three rebounds. Potts just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
Highlands (1-0) overall will be back in action on Friday night when Hiwasssee Dam pays a visit.