Tamya Hutchinson poured in 30 points and Hilton Head Christian Academy girls basketball successfully completed its Georgia gauntlet with a 69-61 overtime win at Calvary Day on Monday in Savannah.
Each team drained eight 3-pointers and shot well from the foul line, but Hutchinson found an extra gear down the stretch, and HHCA dominated the overtime period to escape with a hard-fought win over a quality opponent in one of the most exciting games of the season thus far.
The lead changed hands throughout the first half, but the Cavaliers surged ahead by eight in the waning minutes of the half before Hutchinson and Skylar Smith each splashed a pair of threes to put HHCA up 36-32 at halftime.
Hutchinson and HHCA had to outduel a talented Calvary lineup led by junior guard Hannah Cail, who surpassed 1,000 career points with her team-high 19. Senior guard Mahkayla Premo and freshman sharpshooter Destini Gooddine added 16 each for the Cavs, who pulled even at 49 after three quarters.
It was knotted again at 55 with just under two minutes left, and it was tied at 59 at the end of regulation, but HHCA outscored Calvary 10-2 in the extra period.
The Eagles’ post presence provided by Abby Peduzzi, Mackenzie Buchter, and Jaida Grayson gave HHCA an edge on the boards and helped the Eagles wear down the Cavs in overtime. HHCA also took advantage at the foul line, going 20-of-24 – including 13-of-15 from Hutchinson. Peduzzi scored 16 points and was a force on the glass, while Buchter added eight, Smith had seven, and Grayson scored six.
HHCA (7-1) has won three straight against Georgia opponents since Christmas. The Eagles open region play at home against Colleton Prep on Tuesday.
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