Highlands
Summit Charter hit a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left to score a 41-40 win over Highlands in varsity girls action on Feb. 4, splitting the season series. Hunter Conner recorded a team-best 12 points, along with five rebounds and three assists. Borino added 12 points with 4 assists.
The varsity boys completed the season sweep over the Bears with a crucial 59-53 road win. Isaiah Vilardo scored a season-high 27 points to propel the Highlanders to victory.
“Defensively, we did a really good job at Summit and our offense fell in line with it,” said Head Coach Kaitlin Bishop. “We forced some big turnovers and were able to capitalize on them offensively.
The JV boys fell 43-29 to the Bears. Jonathan Carpenter contributed a team-high eight points.
Highlands hit the road again on Thursday, Feb. 5 against Nantahala, with both varsity teams earning victories. The Lady Highlanders steamrolled the Lady Hawks in a 59-17 win, with eight different scorers contributing. Jordyn Borino finished with a team-high 21 points, while freshman Aubree Brooks scored a career-high 10.
The varsity boys bounced back with a 70-62 overtime win, avenging a Jan. 16 loss to the Hawks. Paolo McRae led the team with 16 points, and Bryan Juarquin and Aiden Crook-Jenkins each added 14.
“We missed some crucial free throws in regulation that led us to overtime,” said Bishop. “We really toughened up in overtime and pulled away with an 8 point win.”
Highlands celebrated Senior Night on Friday, Feb. 6 against Murphy, honoring eight seniors and one manager. Despite a slow start, the Lady Highlanders rallied for a 57-50 victory behind an impressive 34-point performance from Borino. Hunter Conner also shined, finishing with nine points, 12 rebounds and nine blocks.
The varsity boys were unable to replicate Wednesday’s success, falling 71-45 to the Bulldogs. McRae again led the team with 16 points.
The JV boys dropped a high-scoring 54-41 affair, with Carpenter topping their scoring with 16 points.
BREC
Both Blue Ridge Early College varsity basketball teams dropped their matchups last week, falling to Hiwassee Dam on Feb. 6 and Cherokee on Feb. 7.
The varsity girls lost 71-40 to Hiwassee Dam on the road, led by Brookly Kenney’s 19 points and eight rebounds. Later in the evening, the varsity boys fell 74-32, with Dakota Kinsey tallying nine points and four rebounds.
The Lady Bobcats were overmatched against the highly touted Cherokee Lady Braves, suffering a 97-16 defeat. Kenney recorded 11 of the team’s 16 points. The varsity boys also fell 75-18.
Summit Charter
The Lady Bears came up short against Hiwassee Dam on Feb. 5, losing 63-53. The varsity boys dropped their second game of the week, falling 78-28.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com