WHITMIRE — Whitmire hosted Newberry Academy on Friday night and managed a split, with the Lady Wolverines falling 39-22, while the boys’ team won a hard fought game 49-41.

In the opener, Whitmire opened an 8-4 lead, only to see Newberry Academy close the gap. The Lady Eagles surged ahead in the second period, claiming a 16-12 lead at the half.

Whitmire roared back, powered by six third period points by Alexis Swain. The game was tied at 22-22 after three periods.

The final period belonged to Newberry Academy, as turnovers plagued the Lady Wolverines.

Whitmire was led by Jazmine Curenton with 8 points, while Swain finished with 6 points. Taylor Peay and Raegan Kendricks added 4 points each.

The Lady Eagles were led by Leigha Harbert, who finished with 11 points, followed by Kathryn Wilbanks with 9 points. Summer Harbert added 8 points, while Amber Suber and Michelle Brown each had 7 points.

In the boys’ game, Newberry Academy started strong and opened a 17-9 lead with 4:26 remaining in the second period. Whitmire slowly closed the gap in the second half, as full court pressure and defensive intensity took a toll on the Eagles shooting percentage.

Whitmire took the lead briefly — 30-28 — with 2:20 remaining in the third period, and took the lead for good early in the fourth period.

Whitmire was led by Culan Means with 14 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. Quin Jeter finished with 12 points and three assists, while Quentin Aughtry had seven points. Other players to score included Alan Stanley with six points and eight rebounds, CJ Saverance with four points, Avery Renwick with three points, JB Epps with two points, and Jaylen Brown with one point.

The Eagles were led by Matthew Cole and Daniel Bannister with eight points each. Darius Williams had eight points and nine rebounds on the night, while Payton Gardner also had eight points. Other Academy players to score included Camron Hawkins with five points and Tabb French with two points.

Raegan Kendricks scores against Newberry Academy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Raegan-Kendrick-Scores-Against-Newberry-Academy.jpgRaegan Kendricks scores against Newberry Academy. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Darius Williams drives against Whitmire.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Darius-Williams-Drives-Against-Whitmire.jpgDarius Williams drives against Whitmire. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Amber Suber shooting against Whitmire.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Amber-Suber-Shoots-against-Whitmire.jpgAmber Suber shooting against Whitmire. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Culan Means soars for Whitmire.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Culan-Means-Soars-for-Whitmire.jpgCulan Means soars for Whitmire. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

By Robert Cole

For The Newberry Observer