Indians stage come-from-behind win against Hart
The Stephens County Indians trailed Hart County by 16 points heading into the 4th quarter but outscored the Bulldogs 24-6 in the 4th and stormed back for a 66-64 road victory Friday night in Hartwell.
The Indians, behind a full-court pressure defense, were able to force numerous turnovers and quick shots that led to easy baskets and free throws.
Javin Gordon hit two free throws to give the Indians a 2-point lead with just under a minute to play, and after a Samaji Walker rebound on a Bulldog missed shot, took a pass from Walker and hit Jasec Smith with a long pass leading to a layup and 4-point lead.
Hart County’s Avery Strickland’s 3-pointer cut the lead to one with three seconds remaining, but Stephens County’s Semaji Walker was fouled and sank a free throw for the final score.
Jet Black scored 11 of his game high 21 points to lead four Indians in double figures. Walker added 14 points, Gordon 11, and Nuri Winters 10 for Stephens County now 3-5 in region-8 play and 9-12 overall.
Strickland led Hart County with 16 points and O’Brian Evans had 13 for the Bulldogs now 4-4 in the region and 10-13 overall.
In the girls’ game, Hart County made eight 3-pointers to none for Stephens County and rolled to a 55-43 win.
The Lady Indians battled to keep the score close trailing by six points at halftime and the end of the 3rd quarter, but the Lady Dogs were able to extend the lead in the 4th quarter.
TK Smith and Madison McLane each had 17 points to lead Hart County now 5-3 in the region and 16-7 overall.
Senior A’Niya Mayweather was outstanding for the Lady Indians with 24 points and Lanesia Verdell also scored in double figures with 13 points.
Stephens County falls to 1-7 in the region and 3-19 overall.
The Indians and Lady Indians will be back on the road on Tuesday night at Monroe Area. The girls’ game will begin at 5:30 P.M. with airtime scheduled for 5:20 P.M. on WNEG.