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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
The girls Little Smoky Mountain Conference basketball championship between Highlands and Hiwassee Dam on Feb. 22 came down to the final seconds, but the Lady Highlanders lost ending with a final of 51-49.
Highlands AE Woods scopes out Hiwassee’s defense during the LSMC Girls Basketball Championship hosted by Blue Ridge.
“I thought we played really well,” said Highlands Coach Brett Lamb. “Foul trouble caused us to go deep into our bench and those players stepped up. We had some unfortunate turnovers late that caused us to have empty possessions and HD was able to capitalize on those and pull out the win.”
Highlands Mac Woods kicks the ball back to the outside against Hiwassee.
It was neck and neck throughout the game with the lead changing multiple times. Those watching were on the edge of their seats and the winner was anyone’s guess.
Highlands Sadie Green waits for a free throw before launching for a rebound during the LSMC girls basketball championship.
“Our ball pressure created some turnovers that led to easy fastbreak layups,” said Lamb. “Also, we rebounded well and got the pass fast how we wanted it. The team was very unselfish and that helped get many open shots.”
Highlands Aislynn Wyatt-Luck brings the ball down the court under pressure from Hiwassee.
Highlands Aislynn Wyatt-Luck had 13 points, Hunter Conner scored 8, and Mac Woods snagged 8 rebounds.
Highlands Jordyn Borino on a fast break against Hiwassee.
Highlands defeated Blue Ridge Early College in the first round of the LSMC tournament on Feb. 20, ending with a final of 64-22.
BREC Brooklyn Kenney maintains control of the ball during the first round of the LSMC girls basketball tournament against Highlands on Feb. 20.
Shortly following the tournament, Highlands faced off against Cherokee in the state playoffs on Feb. 27 and lost 93-25.
Highlands Hunter Conner works her way into the paint against Hiwassee.
Lamb said he knew they would be going up against a tough team.
BREC Analia Garcia sets up on defense against Highlands Aislynn Wyatt-Luck.
“Cherokee is one of the best teams in the state,” he said. “We knew it would be an uphill battle. Their pressure on defense, skill and shooting ability make it very difficult to go up against them. We played a decent first quarter offensively but our defense and turnovers really got us in an early hole on t(e scoreboard.”
Highlands Charlotte Westendorf fires a pass to AE Woods against Hiwassee.
He added that the girls gave it their all throughout the season.
BREC Hope Ward drives to the basket to score 2 against Highlands.
“I am super proud of our players for their dedication and perseverance through the entire season,” said Lamb. “We have everyone back except our one senior Mackenzie Woods so a lot to look forward to for next year. Mackenzie will be greatly missed, she has been a leader on and off the court. Thanks to all that supported us this year.”
Highlands Sadie Green grabs a rebound and kicks at back to the perimeter against Hiwassee.
BREC Mackenzie Woods boxes out to grab a rebound against Highlands.
Highlands Jordyn Borino calls a play and gives it a second to take shape against Hiwassee.
BREC Destiny McConnell launches to snag a rebound against Highlands.
Highlands Mac Woods sinks a short jump shot against Hiwassee.
BREC Brooklyn Kenney drives to the hoop to score a bucket against Highlands.
Highlands AE Woods looks for an opening in Hiwassee’s defense.