The University Heights Academy Blazers have had their struggles at the free throw line at times this season. Such was not the case however Wednesday night, and it was a very good thing too. The Blazers hit 15 of 16 at the line coming down the stretch, and 24 of 28 for the night, as they held off a furious Henderson County rally for a 72-61 win at Blazer Gym.
Henderson County, who trailed as by as many as 21 points in each half would get as close as two points in the 4th quarter before the Blazers sealed the win with their sizzling performance at the line. The Colonels had trailed 55-34 late in the third quarter when they scored the final eight points to close the gap to 55-42 heading into the final eight minutes of regulation.
Henderson would open the 4th quarter on a 14-3 run to close to within 58-56.
The Blazers’ Amani McGee would stop the tide with a basket, a defensive rebound, and two free throws to make it 62-56. From that point, UHA sealed the win with free throws and pulled back out to the double-digit margin.
The night began with the Blazers threatening to run away and hide. UHA scored the first five points and eventually led by as many as 21 points in the opening quarter before settling in with a 29-13 lead.
After the scoreboard was in “tilt” mode the first eight minutes, things slowed down significantly in the second quarter. Henderson would get as close as 11 points before the Blazers stretched the margin back out to 37-22 at the break.
D.J. Quarles led the way for the Blazers with 25 points. Amani McGee finished the game with 17 points. William Bryan and K.J. Crump also hit double figures with 13 points and 11 points respectively.
Henderson County was paced by Noah Curry with 24 points. Xavier Bugg added 12 for the Colonels.
UHA moves to 9-9 on the season, while Henderson County drops to 10-11. The Blazers wrap up the regular season Friday hosting Greenwood. Henderson County now gets ready to open district tournament play Monday night against Union County.
HCHS — 13 9 20 19 – 61
UHA — 29 8 18 17 – 72
Henderson County (10-11) – Curry 24, Bugg 12, Thomas 11, Davenport 8, Reed 4, Lyons 2
University Heights (9-9) – Quarles 25, McGee 17, Bryan 13, Crump 11, Duncan 4, Braxton 2
