by: Brighton McConnell
Brevard basketball had a busy schedule last week, with two away games in the span of three days. The girls and boys programs both travelled to East Henderson on Tuesday, January 27, and to West Henderson on Thursday, January 29.
Against East Henderson, the Lady Devils were unable to keep a halftime lead, and lost a close game with a score of 43-39. Sophomore Nijayah Cruell lead the team with a double-double, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Brevard’s boys team found more success against East than the girls, though, and were able to avenge a previous loss to the Eagles earlier this season. They scored a decisive 62-37 victory without ever trailing in the match. Senior Hunter Johnson lead all scorers with 15 points and shot 6 for 13 from the floor. Senior Isaac Bingle also had a solid game, scoring 14 points and going 3 for 6 from beyond the arc.
On Thursday, the girls team fell to the West Henderson Falcons 45-29. The Lady Devils struggled more in this game with shooting and turning over the ball, and scored just three and four points in the first and third quarters of the game. Cruell and junior YaaQoa Ivey lead Brevard’s scoring with 10 points apiece.
The Blue Devils also had a tough shooting night on Thursday. The team went 13 for 46 (28%) from the field in the losing effort, falling 53-37 to the Falcons. Johnson lead the team again with 10 points (4-15 FGs) and senior Jacob Smith added 7 points with 9 rebounds.
The Lady Devils fell to 1-9 in conference play this season, with a 2-15 record overall. The boys team also now stands at a 3-12 record, and post a 2-8 record in conference.
Both programs have another busy week as February begins. They will face Smokey Mountain at home on Tuesday, February 2, before travelling to Franklin High School the following evening. Brevard will have Senior Night on Friday, February 6, while hosting North Henderson High.