Plateau girls roll in NCHSAA tourney openers
Sophomore Oliva Reevs attempts a three-point shot during a regular season matchup against Highlands. | Photo courtesy of Jackson Dauble
The first round of NCHSAA 1A basketball playoffs tipped off Tuesday, Feb. 24, with Highlands, Summit and Blue Ridge’s boys and girls varsity teams competing for spots in the second round.
Highlands School
The Lady Highlanders faced the 4-14 Triad Math and Science Academy Lady Bengals at home, coasting to a 59-16 victory.
Highlands set the tone from the opening tip, moving the ball with precision and playing lockdown defense. Hunter Conner notched six points, one rebound and one block in the early minutes.
Jordyn Borino took control in the second quarter, scoring seven points while threading passes through defenders to set up teammates. Charlotte Westendorf also shined in the period, adding six points on a mix of mid-range jumpers and tough finishes at the rim. The Lady Highlanders led 43-10 at the half.
With a running clock in effect, Highlands closed the game with ease, allowing just six second-half points. Westendorf finished with a team-high 15 points, while Conner tallied 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, seven steals and four blocks. Borino finished with 10 points and seven assists.
The Lady Highlanders will travel to Clover Garden School on Thursday, Feb. 26 for a second-round playoff matchup. The Lady Grizzlies sit at 17-6 on the season.
“It was good to come up with a win in the playoffs and survive and advance,” said Head Coach Brett Lamb. “We started out getting the ball inside to Hunter and got some easy baskets and our defense held up and got a lot of people some experience. So, a good win and good to move on.”
The varsity boys were unable to replicate the girls’ success, falling 61-57 in a tight contest against North Stokes High School. Despite consistent scoring in the paint, several costly turnovers combined with efficient shooting from Talon Cole and Noah Bennett proved too much to overcome.
Despite the loss, Paolo McRae delivered an impressive performance, posting 19 points and 5 rebounds. The Highlanders finished the season at 8-18.
Blue Ridge
The Lady Bobcats secured their first playoff win since the 2012-2013 season, defeating The North Carolina Leadership Academy 40-27 at home. McKenzie Woods led the way with 15 points and Brooklyn Kennedy added 11.
BREC will travel to Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Thursday, Feb. 26 for a second round test against the 20-5 Lady Gryphons.
“I’m proud of the girls,” said Head Coach Tim Mayse. “We played really well on defense. We struggled offensively in the first half but were able to find our rhythm in the second half.”
The varsity boys faced the 13-12 Bethany Community Wolves on the road, falling 84-22. The Bobcats finished the season 5-20.
Summit Charter
The Lady Bears defeated Nantahala 74-18 at home and will travel to High Point to face the 19-6 Phoenix Academy Lady Firebirds in the second round of the playoffs on Thursday, Feb. 26.
The varsity boys fell 65-22 to The College Prep and Leadership Academy, finishing the season 5-16.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com