Hiwassee Dam – It was a successful week for the Hiwassee Dam varsity basketball team, as the Eagles spoiled Swain County’s season opener and capped off the week with a 33-point win over Summit Charter.
It was tight in the first quarter on Dec. 3 as Swain (1-2) took an early 20-17 lead. The Eagles (4-1) turned the tables in the second quarter as they scored 19 points and only allowed Swain to score seven in the second quarter. The Eagles took a 36-27 lead to halftime.
The Eagles stayed consistent with 17 points in the third quarter, but Swain put up 23 points to keep it close.
In the fourth quarter, it stayed close as both teams were fighting for the win. In the final seconds, Hiwassee Dam made multiple free throws to take a four-point lead. As time expired, Swain drained a 3-pointer to end the game at a one-point win for the Eagles.
Despite Swain outscoring the Eagles in the fourth quarter, the Eagles won 73-72 to spoil Swain’s season opener.
Braiden Ledford led the team with 21 points. Also in double digits were Jimmy Kelley with 14 and Aidan Bennett with 13.
To close out the week Friday, the Eagles defeated Summit Charter on homecoming night.
The Eagles came out of the gate strong and once they got the lead, they never gave it up or let Summit get close.
The Eagles scored seven consecutive points to open the contest, then Summit scored on a free throw. After the free throw, Summit didn’t score again until the second quarter. The Eagles took a 23-1 lead to the second quarter.
Summit scored on a layup in the first minute to finally get back on the scoreboard. Summit scored on two consecutive trips down the court, but barely cut into the lead the Eagles had already built.
Eagles freshman Jonah Dockery began to heat up in the second quarter with two 3-pointers on as many trips down the court.
The Eagles took a 42-14 lead to halftime. They came out in the third quarter and continued to pile on points, taking a 69-29 lead to the fourth quarter.
In the final frame, Summit made late points, but the Eagles were already well on their way to securing their fourth win of the season.
Dockery led the Eagles on Friday night with 21 points. Dockery scored in bunches in the second quarter with 10 points. Bennett was also in double digits with 15 points for his second double-digit performance of the week. Luke Harbin had eight point, including two three-pointers in the third quarter.
The Eagles will face Little Smoky Mountain Conference opponent Highlands (3-3) on the road Friday. They will then host Robbinsville (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. Monday.