Hilton Head High girls basketball picked up its third Region 7-4A win in four days Friday, fending off a pesky Beaufort High squad 48-34 at The Nest thanks to a 10-point fourth-quarter from Deja Godsun.
It was a low-scoring contest early on, as both sides struggled to hit shots against strong defensive pressure. But trusty Gianna Timko broke the scoreless draw midway through the opening quarter, hitting a corner 3 to put the Seahawks on the board. Russell Raniszewski’s group found success in getting to the free-throw line, as Lynda Young and Alex Fisher helped raise the lead before Fisher added a layup to make it an 8-3 game.
But the contest changed on a dime with the shooting stroke of Beaufort’s Riley Brozek, who scored eight points in a matter of minutes including a pair of 3-pointers to put the Eagles on top before Janiya Ferebee called bank at the buzzer to reclaim the lead at 11-9.
Hilton Head High scored on three straight possessions to increase the advantage to five, but a Jayla Daise triple and Quinn Wilson jumper trimmed the deficit to one. The Seahawk defense left Jayla Champion uncovered in the paint as the half drew to the close, and the Eagle junior cashed in to grab a 19-18 edge heading into the break.
Hilton Head upped its defensive intensity early in the third quarter, forcing a flurry of Beaufort turnovers while six different players found the scoresheet in the period as the home team charged ahead with a 10-2 run. Wilson’s stellar shot got the Eagles right back in it, draining a jumper before Brozek used her quickness to grab a rebound and score on a floater to cut it to 30-27 heading into the fourth.
But the defense of Young and the scoring of Godsun took over down the stretch, as the crafty sophomore point guard poured in 10 fourth-quarter points to hold off the Eagles and her team continue its surge up the region standings.
Godsun’s dominance in the late stages propelled her team to victory, scoring a game-high 14 points. Chyna Fields worked hard in the paint for a crucial eight points, and both Timko and Ferebee added seven each. Riley Brozek impressed for Beaufort High with her hot shooting, leading the Eagles with 12 points.
Hilton Head High (10-11, 5-5) finishes its home region slate Thursday against James Island. Beaufort High (3-13, 1-7) travels to Colleton County on Wednesday.
By Wes Kerr
Some local sports content that is not sponsored is now available only to LowcoSports.com’s Patreon supporters. Pledge your monthly support here for as little as $1 per month to ensure you have access to all of our grassroots LOCAL sports coverage!