Bryson City – The Hiwassee Dam Lady Eagles claimed their third straight win Friday night over Swain County.
In their 56-27 win, the Lady Eagles defeated the Lady Maroon Devils for the second time this season with both wins coming by more than 25 points. With the win, they also remain undefeated against Big Smoky Mountain Conference teams with season, with six of their eight wins this season being against SMC teams.
They kicked off Friday night with a huge first quarter. They jumped out to a big 16-4 lead in the first period thanks to eight first-quarter points by Brinkley Payne.
Both teams scored 12 points in the second quarter, but the Lady Eagles took a 28-16 lead to halftime. At halftime, Payne had 12 points, and Olivia McNabb and Avery McNabb scored four each.
Coming out of halftime, the Lady Eagles further extended their lead with another big quarter. They added 17 points in the third quarter to take a 45-22 lead after allowing Swain to only score six points. Both Brooklyn Hyde and Abby Harris had six points in the third quarter.
The Lady Eagles closed out the game with 11 points in the fourth quarter. They only allowed Swain to score five points in the final frame en route to victory.
Payne led the Lady Eagles with 19 points, with Hyde also in double digits at 13. The Lady Eagles were efficient from the free throw line, going 15/23. Six of Hyde’s 13 points came from the charity stripe.
Boys varsity
The Eagles fell to Swain 69-59 for their third straight loss, with all three coming to Smoky Mountain Conference teams.
The Eagles grabbed an early one-point lead in the first quarter after taking a 10-9 lead. After the first quarter, the Eagles fell behind.
In the huge second quarter, Swain dropped 22 points and the Eagles scored 20 to give Swain a 31-30 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Swain built on their lead by scoring 22 points for a second consecutive quarter. Swain took a 53-47 lead to the fourth quarter. Swain again outscored the Eagles in the fourth period for the win.
Up next
The Eagles will host Andrews on Friday night for the rematch that saw the teams split their games, with the Lady Eagles getting the win and the boys falling in their first meeting on Nov. 26. The Lady Eagles tipoff at 6 p.m., while the boys start at 7:30 p.m.
Following the Andrews game, the Eagles will head to Robbinsville for their rematch with the Black Knights on Tuesday night. In their first game, the Lady Eagles won and the boys fell.