A fast start was stymied by a slow second quarter as Highlands dropped a 43-26 decision to Andrews in girls’ basketball on Tuesday night.
Hunter Conner got the Lady Highlanders on the board first with an early free throw and the teams proceeded to trade baskets throughout a tight first quarter. When the horn sounded on the period, the visitors held a 10-8 advantage on the scoreboard.
The second quarter proved problematic for Highlands as the turnover bug reared its head and the home team’s offense stalled. The Lady Highlanders scored just two points in the quarter and trailed 22-10 at halftime.
Some adjustments by head coach Brett Lamb at the intermission paid early dividends as Highlands used its pressure defense to pick up the pace of the game. Buckets by Mallory Shriver and Aislynn Wyatt Luck helped the home team cut the visitors lead to single digits late in the third.
With the Bobcats carrying a 32-20 lead early in the fourth quarter, Andrews guard Kylie Donaldson put the game away with back-to-back driving field goals.
Andrews finished with three players in double figures, led by Donaldson’s 11 points. Kinleigh Queen and Hannah Talkington each added 10 points in the win. All five Andrews starters scored at least six points.
Conner paced the Highlands effort with nine points. Sadie Green added five and Wyatt-Luck notched four.
Highlands (0-4 overall) will play West Oak on Friday night as part of the annual “Homecoming Weekend” festivities. The game will begin at approximately 6 p.m.
Boys basketball
Andrews 59,
Highlands 30
Highlands struggled to get out of the gate against a tall and athletic squad from Andrews on Tuesday night.
The Highlanders didn’t record a field goal in the first quarter as the Bobcats built a 12-5 advantage. Highlands battled throughout but was never able to close the gap.
Highlands (1-3 overall) will take on West Oak on Friday night at 8 p.m. as part of the homecoming events scheduled for this weekend.