They may not have the star power of Will McCracken and Sam Summa this time around, but Hilton Head High boys basketball showed its strong potential Tuesday in a dominant 73-28 home win over Bluffton.
Playing just their third game in nearly three weeks, the Seahawks blitzed out of the starting blocks as explosive guards Zac Morris, Karyce Campbell, and Alex Smith picked apart the Bobcats to storm ahead 14-0. Chane Brown’s group impressed with its textbook ball movement and relentless defensive pressure, contesting shots and forcing miscues to control the game on both ends.
Campbell and Smith were red-hot from beyond the arc to start the game, draining a three each in the first quarter while Morris’ strong effort in the paint and on the glass helped the Seahawks to an early 21-5 lead.
After struggling down the stretch against Beaufort High on Saturday, Bluffton’s offense was neutralized again as a high-energy Seahawk group turned its defensive prowess into easy looks in transition to build the advantage. Campbell kept up his stellar shooting from deep with a pair of triples in the second quarter on some beautiful finds from his teammates, and the Seahawks soared to a 41-12 halftime edge.
It was the Morris show in the third quarter, as the crafty senior used his strong frame and outstanding hustle to add eight more points while the Bobcats continued to search for their offensive rhythm. Senior Jayden Gilliam took over down the stretch, swiping away loose balls and finishing at the other end for eight fourth-quarter points as the Seahawks polished off a terrific home performance.
It was a balanced and efficient night for the home team, as Morris led the way with 19 points while Campbell put up 16. Smith showed his elite defense and passing abilities alongside 11 points, and Gilliam scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter.
Jaylin Linder and DJ Aiken paced the Bobcats on a rough night at The Nest, scoring six points apiece.
Hilton Head High (9-8, 4-3) looks to keep its newfound momentum rolling on Friday in a home matchup with Colleton County. Bluffton (4-13, 0-8) hosts rival May River on Friday.
By Wes Kerr
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