The host Freedom boys basketball team capped off the opening day of the 50th annual Foothills Marine Freedom Christmas Invitational with a convincing quarterfinal victory over visiting Bessemer City, 91-54, in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Scoring north of 90 points for the second time in three games, the Patriots led 18-13 after the first quarter, 46-28 by halftime and 72-48 after three periods before taking the fourth frame, as well, 19-6, to win by 37 points.
The win set up Friday’s semifinal contest versus T.C. Roberson, which defeated Hibriten 61-37 on Thursday evening.
FHS (9-1) had four players finish in double figures, including Kobe Johnson (21 points), King Johnson (18), Amore Connelly (15) and Ke’Andre Davis (15). Additional scoring came from Elijah Davidson (eight points), Braxton King (five), DeAndre Caldwell (three), Ian Clark (two), Kaden Davis (two) and Jonah Griggs (two).
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The Yellow Jackets had three double-digit scorers, including Jonathan Black (18 points), Tristen Gordon (12) and Josiah Guyton (10). Also scoring were Javeon Miller (seven points), Raheem McClure (five) and Jaquarion Friday (two).
Bessmer City played Hibriten in consolation action on Friday.
GIRLS
Freedom 67, Kings Mountain 11
The Lady Patriots (6-5) advanced in their home tournament by scoring a mercy-rule quarterfinal win on Thursday in Morganton, setting up a Friday semifinal contest against East Rutherford, which defeated Bessemer City 76-52.
In the win, FHS cruised to leads of 29-4, 45-6 and 57-8 after the first three periods, commencing the running clock. Freedom took the final frame 10-3 to win by 56 points.
Freedom was led by a game-high 22 points from Peyton Caldwell. The rest of the hosts’ scoring came from Cynica Caldwell (nine points), Ava Cooke (nine), Kaitlyn Hagmann (eight), Haven Gladden (seven), Alayhia Bates (six), Simone Wright (four) and Caylyn Taylor (two).
The Lady Mountaineers’ scoring came from Christiana Williams (five points), Farri Martin (four) and Aalyiah Miller (two).
MCDOWELL CHRISTMAS INVITATIONAL
GIRLS
East Burke 62, Smoky Mountain 27
The Lady Cavaliers (11-0) set up the chance to defend their tournament title by winning Thursday’s semifinal contest in Marion, leading 15-0 after a quarter, 34-7 at halftime and 51-17 after three periods before taking the fourth frame 11-10 to win by 35 points.
With the win, EB advanced to challenge host McDowell, which topped Avery County 52-40, for the title on Friday.
Braelyn Stilwell (17 points), Kara Brinkley (12) and Maci McNeil (12) all finished in double figures for EBHS. The rest of EB’s scoring came from Sydney Pyatte (eight points), Addison Sisk (five), Journi McDowell (four), Addi Brittain (three) and Kendall McFalls (one).
The Lady Mustangs’ scorers were Dayritzis Chinea (nine points), Braelyn Mullingan (seven), Kieaira Ensley (six), Aaliyah Voss (three) and Julia MacAulay (two).
Smoky Mountain slipped into Friday’s third-place contest versus Avery County.
BOYS
East Burke 69, Smoky Mountain 60
The Cavaliers (6-5) earned a title-game berth with a semifinal victory on Thursday in Marion, leading throughout the contests with advantages of 20-17, 34-31 and 48-42 after the first three periods before taking the fourth frame 21-18 to win by nine points.
EB met McDowell, which defeated Avery County 80-51, for the championship on Friday.
EBHS’ double-digit scorers were Barger Shook (24 points), Owen Hartmann (20) and Luke Demiter (10). The remainder of EB’s offensive output came from Dautry Ragle (seven points), Cannon Morrison (six) and Carter Bennett (two).
The Mustangs were led by Custer Prenger (25 points) and Ben Brown (12). Additional scoring came from Jayce Stillwell (nine points), Ace Prenger (seven), Shane Buchanan (four) and Jarek Jones (three).
Smoky Mountain faced Avery County in Friday’s third-place game.
