Burnsville – Hiwassee Dam fell to Mountain Heritage in the third round of N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A state basketball playoffs on March 5, when the No. 1-seeded Cougars defeated the No. 8-seeded Lady Eagles 77-47.
The Cougars got out to an early lead and never looked back. They started the game with a 21-point first period and matched it in the second. Mountain Heritage held the Lady Eagles to 10 points in the first period and eight points in the second, taking a 42-18 lead into halftime.
Despite a low-scoring first half, the Lady Eagles were able to put some points on the board in the second half with hopes of staying in the game. They were able to put up 29 points in the second half, but were still outscored by Mountain Heritage. The Cougars came out in the second half and scored 19 points in the third period and 16 in the fourth to win the game by 30.
Olivia McNabb led the way for the Lady Eagles with 22 points, 14 in the second half. Brinkley Payne and Katie McNabb both had seven points, while Sky Taylor had six points on two 3-pointers.
Mountain Heritage had three players, all seniors, in double figures. Vega Deyton had 21 points, and both Ava Webb and Kiera Wilson scored 13.
Lady Eagles head coach David Payne said his team didn’t give up, despite the Cougars setting the tone early with their play.
“Their defensive pressure and physicality set the tone early. We played better during the second half. They didn’t quit and continued to work hard. We were able to finally get some offense going. Our defense was also better in the second half because we were able to mix some stuff up,” Payne said.
After the game, the coach’s message to the team was, “It is always tough to lose, especially your last one of the season. I just told them I am very proud of their efforts and hard work. They have accomplished a lot that most people don’t have the chance to be a part of.
“Conference champions, conference tournament champions, 20-win season (23-5), Sweet 16 (in state playoffs). These are the things to remember after the hurt of your loss goes away.”
What’s next for the Lady Eagles?
“We have to say goodbye to our two seniors, Shelby Kester and Katie McNabb. These two ladies have been fully committed and done a great job as our captains,” Payne said.
“To our returners, we just have to commit to working hard this summer during our camps and workouts. I would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to all those who supported us. Our fans make a big difference.”