Science Hill’s Ashlyn Hickman (24) releases a shot as teammate Sharemma Mayo (11) eyes a potential rebound during Tuesday game’s against Jefferson County in Johnson City.
Science Hill’s Ashlyn Hickman (24) releases a shot as teammate Sharemma Mayo (11) eyes a potential rebound during Tuesday game’s against Jefferson County in Johnson City.
JOHNSON CITY — Science Hill’s girls basketball team kept taking charge, but Jefferson County hung around.
Finally, a decisive run at the end of the third quarter was the difference for the Lady Hilltoppers in a 55-40 win Tuesday night at The New Gym.
It was an important bounce-back victory for the Lady Hilltoppers (7-2) after Friday’s blowout loss to Greeneville.
“We’re happy for the girls,” Science Hill coach Scottie Whaley said. “We were dejected Friday night because that’s not who we are. That’s what we talked about, win or lose, just be us and play hard.
“Our kids responded. We played a lot more man. It’s just part of growing up. We’re incredibly young. At times we had three freshmen on the floor tonight.”
In the boys’ game, the Hilltoppers regrouped from a slow start and worked their way to a 49-37 win over the Patriots.
GIRLS GAME
Science Hill built a couple of leads in the first half. However, the Lady Patriots (4-3) battled back to close within one point before Allie Conner’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer sent Science Hill into the locker room up 23-19.
“We were trying to clear it out for Kaylee (Oler),” Whaley said. “She made a good read and saw Allie in the corner. Allie is a freshman, first time she’s been in that spot. She set her feet and knocked down the shot. It was a big turning point in the game.”
In the second half, Jefferson County was within two points, 29-27, before Science Hill scored 11 straight to take a command.
“It was a combination of offense and defense,” Whaley said. “It’s a lot easier to play defense when the ball goes in the basket. We made a couple of shots and got the defensive energy going.”
Oler paced Science Hill with 12 points and teammate Jersey Jones added 11.
Madi Hawk topped the Lady Patriots with 11 points.
BOYS GAME
Jefferson County (2-6) had a slim advantage early, but the Hilltoppers (5-4) found a groove. They scored the last nine points of the first half and opened the second with a 9-0 run to take a 31-18 lead — and the Patriots never recovered.
Seven players scored at least five points for Science Hill, and none had more than eight. Keilan Reid and Landon Smelser each had a team-high eight.
Stay Engaged
React to this article and join our community of readers sharing their feedback.
