Hilton Head Christian Academy girls basketball rode a hot start to its 10th straight victory Friday, downing visiting John Paul II 54-29.
The Eagles struck quickly with a Tamya Hutchinson layup and an Abby Peduzzi free throw, and John Paul II responded with a tough finish close to the hoop from Caroline Gilmour. But it was all Hilton Head Christian for the rest of the first quarter, soaring to a 17-0 run as the Peduzzi-Hutchinson duo dominated in the paint while the Eagle defense feasted on a flurry of forced turnovers for a 20-2 lead.
Kenny Conroy’s squad kept the terrific defensive intensity going in the second, allowing just four Brady Mahoney points and a Ru Bennett layup while Peduzzi excelled on the boards to help the Eagles to a commanding 32-8 lead going into the half.
The Golden Warriors found a surprising spark in the third period, as seventh-grader Lauren Majorkiewicz banged a pair of triples, but it wasn’t enough to dent Hilton Head Christian’s massive lead, as Devon Yarde capped the night off with a six-point fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on the Eagles’ 10th straight win.
Hutchinson delivered again for the defending state champs, scoring 17 points on the night. Peduzzi notched 11 points alongside her remarkable rebounding effort, and both Yarde and Skylar Smith put up nine apiece.
Mahoney paced the Golden Warriors with 10 points and five boards, while Majorkiewicz and Maddie Heathcott added six points each. Heathcott led the Golden Warriors on the glass with 10 rebounds.
Hilton Head Christian (11-1, 4-0) is back at it in less 24 hours with a marquee home rematch Saturday against Calvary Day. John Paul II (2-3, 0-1) hosts Beaufort Academy on Tuesday.
By Wes Kerr
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