Bulldogs Sweep Indians on Friday Night in Hartwell
The Stephens County Indians used a full court attacking defense that led to easy baskets and trimmed a 21-point lead to just two in the 4th quarter but fell just short of stealing a big win on the road falling 69-62 to Hart County in Hartwell on Friday night.
Stephens County trailed by 21 points late in the first half due to seven Bulldog 3-pointers but AJ Russell’s 4-point play at the end of the half cut the lead to 17.
The Indians stayed in the locker room and did not take warmups during the halftime break but came out smoking in the 2nd half with multiple steals, layup’s and timely 3-pointers to cut the lead to 6 at the end of the third quarter.
The Indians cut the lead to 2 early in the 4th quarter but Hart County would score the next 8 points and took the lead back to double digits.
Stephens County placed three in double figures led by Nuri Winter with 14 points. Corey Richie added 13 and Cam Lacy 11 for the Indians.
Hart County’s balanced scoring was led by Keeton Stowers and Xavier Freeman with 11 points each and Tahj Johnson and Terrance Mitchell chipped in with both scoring 10.
The win gives Hart County sole possession of 2nd place in region-8 heading into the final week of the regular season with a record of 5-3 in the region and 13-10 overall.
Stephens County falls to 4-4 in region play and 11-10 overall.
The Lady Indians fell to Hart County 50-23 in the earlier game.
After a low scoring first quarter, the Lady Bulldogs outscored the Lady Indians 20-7 in the 2nd quarter and rolled to the victory.
TK Smith led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points. Makiya Knox led Stephens County with 5.
The Lady Indians fall to 1-7 in the region and 3-19 overall. Hart County improves to 6-2 in the region and 16-7 overall.
The Monroe Area boys and the Hebron Christian Academy girls both clinched the regular season region titles on Friday night and will be the #1 seed in the region tournament beginning February 13th.
Stephens County returns to Currahee Arena for senior night and the final regular season home game on Tuesday night when they host Monroe Area. The girls tip will be at 6 P.M. and airtime is scheduled for 5:45 P.M. on WNEG.