Highlands found itself trading punches with one of the better girls’ basketball teams in the area on Friday night.
The Highlanders just couldn’t quite get shots to drop at critical moments in the second half of a 45-34 loss to West Oak (South Carolina) as part of “Homecoming Weekend.”
The Warriors got off to a fast start in the first quarter and staked a 13-5 advantage, but Highlands battled back in the second period. Behind three buckets from Aislynn Wyatt-Luck the home team cut into the deficit.
A West Oak basket would make the score 24-17 at the intermission.
Hunter Conner, Charlotte Westendorf and AE Woods each recorded a field goal in the third quarter as the teams went shot-for-shot.
Holding a 36-26 advantage early in the fourth quarter, the Warriors were more than happy to slow the game down and play keep away on the offensive end. Behind the ball handling of junior guard Reagan Mobley the visitors ran their offense with methodical precision.
Highlands never closed within eight points in the final eight minutes, en route to the 45-34 final score.
Joey Burgess led West Oak (4-1 overall) with 12 points. Mobley added nine and Ashton Sosby netted seven.
Wyatt-Luck paced Highlands (0-5 overall) with 13 points. Conner and Jordyn Borino each added six points.
Highlands will be back in action on Friday night when the Robbinsville Black Knights come to town. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Boys basketball
West Oak 61, Highlands 41
Highlands got off to a good start, but couldn’t keep the momentum going in a 61-41 loss to West Oak on Friday night.
The Highlanders used a stingy half-court defense to keep the Warriors at bay in the first quarter and built an 11-7 lead.
The visitors stormed back in the second period as their outside shots began to fall. The Warriors put up 20 points in the period and claimed a 27-19 lead.
The teams traded buckets throughout the third quarter, but West Oak reasserted itself in the final eight minutes. A quick 3-pointer by Harry Burgess extended the visitors advantage to 49-33 and set the tone for the conclusion.
Highlands (1-4 overall) will take on Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference foe Robbinsville on Friday night. Game time at Highlands School is set for 8 p.m.