Cyclones split with Hilltoppers as Girls go on big run to pick up win
Published 2:24 pm Friday, December 15, 2023
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Jeriah Griffin shoots the short jumper over the Science Hill defenders.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Cyclones guard Andrew Barnett protects the ball as he waits on a teammate to get open; he would lead the Cyclones with 15 points.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Mac Paulson cuts through two defenders for the left handed push shot.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Luke Whaley concentrates on his free throws.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel The EHS Cheer Squad tries to get the crowd going in the second quarter on Thursday night.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Despite a Hilltopper in her face Kayelyn Nave got the shot off; she would finish the contest with nine points.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Jamira Small muscles her way in for two of her 15 points.
Star Photo/Ron Marvel Lady Cyclones Head Coach Lucas Andrews calls the timeout to talk defense with his team.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
The Cyclones took on rival Science Hill Thursday night. While the girls found a second gear to push past the Lady Hilltoppers, the boys’ squad struggled to get their offense rolling in a contest that simply looked ugly at times.
Girls – Cyclones 61, Hilltoppers 41
The Lady Cyclones embarked on a 16-4 run in the third quarter, working the paint for points and elevating their season record to 3-8. Tied at 32, the Cyclones directed the ball to Jamira Smalls, enabling her to secure pivotal points. As the Hilltoppers converged in the paint, the Lady Cyclones capitalized with three-pointers. Smalls scored 10 points in the quarter, while Kali Shepherd contributed two crucial shots, igniting the significant run.
In the earlier match, the combined efforts of Michelle Shields and Peyton McGee kept the Cyclones close as the Hilltoppers led by two points into halftime. Head Coach Lucas Andrews highlighted adjustments made during the game, switching defenses and emphasizing offensive strategies centered around their “bigs.” Jamira’s impactful shots and control in the paint, alongside early successful shots, turned the tide for the team.
Jamira Small finished the game with 15 points, with Michelle Shields contributing 13 and Peyton McGee adding 11. A significant aspect was the Lady Cyclones’ advantage at the charity stripe, shooting 79% compared to the Hilltoppers’ 42%. The Lady Cyclones’ next challenge awaits in Cherokee, NC, against Providence Day from Charlotte, NC, in a Christmas Tournament.
Boys – Hilltoppers 49, Cyclones 32
The Hilltoppers’ staunch defense and missed opportunities by the Cyclones created a deficit that proved insurmountable. For most of the first period, the Cyclones struggled, scoring only one point—a Justis Wallin free-throw. Andrew Barnett’s 3-pointer brought the score to 9-4, but a last-second 3-pointer by the Hilltoppers’ Jayshawn Swartz widened the gap to 8. Despite the Cyclones narrowing the lead at times, the Hilltoppers consistently responded with their own runs.
In the second period, Barnett’s three 3-pointers helped keep the Cyclones in the game, entering halftime at 25-16. Despite efforts to cut the lead, the Hilltoppers surged to maintain an advantage, finishing the game with a 16-point margin. Barnett led the team with 14 points, while Mac Paulson contributed nine as the Cyclones fell to 3-9 on the season. Their next match is against Chilhowie on December 21st, with a 6 pm tip-off.
