By Robert Cole

For The Newberry Observer

Camron Hawkins set personal season and career highs with 13 points in Newberry Academy’s game against King Academy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Camron-Hawkins-scores-against-King.jpgCamron Hawkins set personal season and career highs with 13 points in Newberry Academy’s game against King Academy. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Leigha Harbert prepares to shoot against King Academy on Friday night. She ended the night with eight points.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Leigha-Harbert-prepares-to-shoot-against-King.jpgLeigha Harbert prepares to shoot against King Academy on Friday night. She ended the night with eight points. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

BATESBURG — With the regular season winding down, both Newberry Academy teams were looking for region wins to shore up their region standings.

They accomplished their goals on the road Friday night, as the Lady Eagles beat King Academy 28-15, and the boys won 48-21.

The Lady Eagles wore down the persistent Lady Knights, opening a small three-point lead after the first quarter and taking an eight-point lead into the half.

A better defensive performance by Newberry in the second half shut down any hope of a comeback for King.

The Lady Eagles were led by Andie Getz and Leigha Harbert with 8 points each. Getz also reeled in 6 rebounds. Amber Suber had 6 points and 5 rebounds. Other Lady Eagles to score included Megan Bedenbaugh with 4 points and Kathryn Wilbanks with 2 points.

The Lady Eagles record now stands at 6-12 overall and 4-3 in the region.

In the boys’ game, Newberry started off the game playing ferocious defense, opening an early 10 point lead. Unfortunately, the pace of the game slowed as fouls piled up in the visiting Eagles.

Newberry finished the game with 26 personal fouls. Despite the fouls, Newberry still pushed the lead to 14 at the half. Newberry held a distinct advantage in depth, which head coach Scott Gardner exploited by frequent substitutions.

The Eagles cruised in the second half, with King never really challenging. Although as a team this was not Newberry’s best performance, several players stood out, including Camron Hawkins who set personal season and career highs (leading all scorers) with 13 points.

Dylan Mackeben finished with 8 points, Daniel Bannister with 6 points, and Tabb French and Landen York each had 4 points. Bennett Connelly added 3 points, Shield Sawyer and Darius Williams each had 2 points and Tyrese Taylor had 1 point to round out the scoring.

The Eagles now stand at 8-9 overall and 3-2 in the region.

This week will be a busy one for Newberry Academy, as they close out the regular season with away games at Richard Winn on Tuesday, and home games against Anderson Christian on Wednesday and Laurens Academy on Friday.