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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Highlands hosted this year’s Little Smoky Mountain Conference Boys Basketball Tournament last month where the Highlanders made it to the championship game against Hiwassee Dam, but lost in a heartbreaker by one point, 52-51.
Highlands Carson Forrester drains a long jumpshot during the LSMC Championship.
Highlands trailed for most of the game and at one point were down by 12 in the second half.
Highlands Coach Kaitlin Bishop said they fought back and took one of their first leads with about 40 seconds left in the game. Hiwassee then hit a shot to go up by 1 point with 2.9 seconds to go. Highlands couldn’t score before time ran out.
Highlands Coach Kaitlin Bishop talks strategy during a late-game timeout against Hiwassee Dam.
“Our boys played their hearts out and if one thing goes differently in the last 30 seconds of the game we come out on top,” said Bishop. “I couldn’t be more proud of the effort and the heart the boys poured into this game.”
Highlands Paolo McRae led with 22 points, Bryan Jarquin and Isaiah Vilardo both added 10 points each, Kasen Mitchell had 5 points and Wyatt Wilson and Carson Forrester both added 2 points each.
Highlands Kasen Mitchell puts 2 on the scoreboard against Hiwassee Dam during the LSMC Championships.
In the first round of the tournament, Highlands faced off against Nantahala and won 62-49.
Highlands Wyatt Wilson works for a rebound against Hiwassee Dam.
Bishop said after losing to Nantahala twice during the regular season, she thought this was the best game they played all year.
Highlands Paulo McRae sinks a bucket for 2 against Hiwassee Dam. McRae has cotton in his nose because he caught an elbow to the face. Also pictured at the top of the article.
“We settled in offensively and were very patient and moved the ball really well,” said Bishop. “Our defense and rebounding really kept us in the game and let our offense fall into place. We really did a great job limiting our turnovers and executing on the offensive end.”
Highlands Cheerleaders keeping it real during the LSMC tournament hosted by Highlands this year.
Against Nantahala, Highlands Paolo McRae had 18 points and 9 rebounds, Kasen Mitchell had 12 points and 11 rebounds, Carson Forrester had 16 points and 4 rebounds and Isaiah Vilardo had 8 points and 12 rebounds.
Highlands Bryan Jarquin makes his move to the hoop scoring 2 against Hiwassee Dam.
Highlands junior varsity boys walked away with a championship trophy after beating Hiwassee Dam 38-24.
Highlands junior varsity boys basketball team poses with the LSMC Championship trophy after defeating HD. Photo courtesy of Highlands Booster Club
Blue Ridge Early College played against tournament champions Hiwassee Dam in the first round and lost 76-37.
BREC William Russell drives to the hoop on the road against Highlands on Feb. 7. BREC lost a close game 60-52.
BREC Anthony Baumgarner drives to the hoop and scores a bucket against Highlands on Feb. 7.
BREC Dakota Kinsey on a fast break against Highlands.
BREC Evan Pressley works for position against Highlands Carson Forrester.
BREC Victor Reyes picks off a Highlands pass and breaks to the hoop.
BREC Alex Martinez and Highlands Kasen Mitchell wait for a freethrow before exploding into action.
BREC Isaiah Palestino sets a play in motion against highlands.
BREC Conor McCall snags a rebound and puts it right back up for 2 points against Highlands.
BREC William Russell drains a 3-pointer with Highlands Coach Kaitlin Bishop in the background.
BREC Anthony Baumgarner drives to the hoop against Highlands.