Highlands girls varsity basketball team hosted Blue Ridge Early College on Friday and won 59-52. After the victory Highlands recognized its senior athletes in both basketball and cheerleading.
Highlands Hayley Borino pulls up to shoot the three pointer on Friday against BREC. The crowd that packed the bleachers was a sea of red with people showing their support for Jackson Hall, who recently passed away.
Highlands Coach Jake Page said any time you go up against BREC you can throw records out the window and know you’re in for an emotional hard-fought game.
“Wasn’t our best game, but we will take it,” he said. “I thought our bench came in and really kept us in the game that first half when we got in some foul trouble. They played very poised and I was very proud of them.”
BREC Macy Heltsley tries to keep the ball inbound against Highlands.
Page added that Highlands gave up too many offensive rebounds that gave BREC second chance opportunities, but settled down and started boxing out better as the game went on.
“Really thought the second half we executed better as a team and we took care of the basketball,” he said. “Ezra [Branham] really had a great game offensively and defensively. Super proud of all my girls and so happy to get a win on Senior Night for our seniors.”
Highlands Kedra McCall and BREC Mercedes McLaughlin going for a rebound on Friday in Highlands.
Highlands Senior Kedra McCall said BREC made them work hard for the win.
“It wasn’t the prettiest thing ever, but we pulled it together,” said McCall. “They kept putting up shots and they went on some runs. Even when we had our hand in their face, they’d still put it in.”
BREC Maddy Potts about to make her move to the basket.
BREC Coach Tim Mayse said the Lady Bobcats ran into foul trouble in the third quarter when Highlands made a big run.
“When we were able to play our style of basketball, which is to attack the rim on offense and apply pressure on defense, we did great,” he said. “Our girls did a better job this time of executing on offense and rebounding the ball than the first matchup.”
Highlands Bailey Schmitt is being informed that she has been shooting at the wrong basket.
Editor’s Note: It was pretty funny.
He added that Highlands did a good job of mixing up their man defense with a half-court trap defense, and consistently made free throws.
“Their ability to make shots at the free throw line won them the game,” said Mayse. “They have a good point guard and they do a good job of spreading the defense out with their ball movement. Other than that, nothing they did was a surprise to us. Both teams know what each other’s strengths and weaknesses are.”
BREC Mahalah Stewart shoots a layup and puts 2 on the board.
Following the game, Highlands recognized its 13 senior athletes. Seniors on Highlands girls varsity team include McCall and Bailey Schmitt.
McCall said she’s going to miss the relationships formed with teammates and coaches throughout her basketball career and getting ready for big games.
BREC Chloe Fowler puts the play into motion against Highlands.
“In the locker room before big games, before the coaches come in we’re already excited, then they come in and it reaches an even more exciting vibe.”
Page said he’s lucky for the opportunity to coach players like McCall and Schmitt.
“Bailey is a great athlete and has led by example by working hard and being a great teammate to all of the players. Her attitude has been outstanding no matter what the circumstance is, and for that I am grateful.”
Highlands Jordan Carrier drives to the basket against BREC.
He said Ked was the “workhorse” for Highlands.
“She is a special player and she is just so dang tough,” said Page. “She gives 100% at all times. She also is a great teammate and just a great leader. Her work ethic and determination are things that make her such a great competitor as well. Very proud of both of these girls. They have set a great example of what it takes to be a Lady Highlander.”
BREC Charlotte Sherrill maintains possession under some pressure from Highlands.
Highlands Julia May Schmitt looks for an opening in BREC’s defense.
BREC Mercedes McLaughlin on a fast break.
Highlands Bella Branham snags a rebound and brings the ball down court.
Highlands Ava Schmitt boxes out BREC Mahalah Stewart.
BREC Charlotte Sherrill not digging the referee’s call.
BREC Hannah Carbone shoots a free throw against Highlands on Friday.
Highlands Ezra Branham looking to stop BREC from inbounding the ball.
BREC boys varsity basketball team waits for their turn to hit the court.
HHS Cheerleaders launch Ashlynn Wilson into the air.
Highlands Senior Night athletes with their parents. Portraits by Highlands Kindergartners in Margie Potts and Bonnylin Covey’s classes.
Highlands senior basketball players and cheerleaders were recoghnized on Senior Night. From left are Kedra McCall, Emma Weller, Dillon Schmitt, Taj Roman, Sayla Roman,Marilynn Valerio, Bailey Schmitt, Patrick Woods, Jordan Powell, Brianna Norris, Jeslyn Head, Bill Miller, and Pablo Jiminez.
Jeslyn Head
Jeslyn Head
Pablo Jiminez
Pablo Jiminez
Kedra McCall
Kedra McCall
Bill Miller
Bill Miller
Brianna Norris
Brianna Norris
Taj and Sayla Roman
Taj Roman
Sayla Roman
Jordan Powell glides onto the court in Heelys and works the camera like a straight-up boss.
Jordan Powell
Jordan Powell
Bailey Schmitt
Bailey Schmitt
Dillon Schmitt
Dillon Schmitt
Marilynn Valerio
Marilynn Valerio
Patrick Woods
Patrick Woods
Emma Weller
Emma Weller
High High School senior cheerleaders from left are Emma Weller, Bailey Schmitt,Jordan Powell, Jeslyn Head, Marilynn Valerio, and Briana Norris.
HHS cheerleaders from left on top are Jeslyn Head and Bailey Schmitt practicing stunts during a break in the game.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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