Greenbrier gaining upper hand on rivals

Early in the Region 2-AAAA North schedule, Greenbrier has gained the upper hand on Columbia County rivals Evans and Lakeside.

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After the Wolfpack (12-4, 2-0) defeated the Knights 69-62 in both teams' subregion opener, Greenbrier took down Lakeside 50-43 on Wednesday.

Both contests were home games for Greenbrier, which will play at Evans on Jan. 25 and at Lakeside on Jan. 28.

"We know it's not easy and it's just going to get harder, so we're just going to take it one game at a time," said Wolfpack senior Justin Cofer, who scored 13 points in the win over Lakeside. "We'll just keep fighting."

The Wolfpack turned to their typical frenetic pace early in the second quarter. Cofer said he and his teammates are at their best when they're getting steals and running in transition.

"If you get (defensive) stops, one, they're not scoring, and two, if you get out on the break, it's easier to get fouled, go to the free-throw line and create easier points," he said.

Senior Dejon Britton also scored 13 for the Wolfpack, while Thomas Brown used his strength inside to grab a handful of offensive rebounds and contribute six points.

Chris Hall led the way for Lakeside, scoring a game-high 16.

Lakeside (8-9, 0-2) was 9 of 14 from the line, but attempted only one foul shot in the second half. Meanwhile, Greenbrier was 12 of 20 on free throws in the second half and 19 of 32 for the game.

In girls' action, Lakeside came out strong in the first and third quarters in a 58-23 road win over Greenbrier.

The Panthers (9-7) have started 2-0 in Region 2-AAAA North after they won at Effingham County in the subregion opener.

Senior Tishal Turknett was all over the glass from her guard position while scoring a game-high 26 points. She said the quick start was crucial for the Panthers.

"It was really important because the last few games, we've been starting off kind of slow," said Turknett, who hit a pair of 3-pointers. "So today, we really emphasized coming out there with energy, not just coming out there thinking we're going to win."

Turknett was called on to run the point after standout senior Carolyn Hennecken suffered a knee injury in the game at Effingham County.

Coach Maureen McCormack said she's hopeful that Hennecken did not tear her ACL after tearing the ACL in her other knee at the end of last season.

Greenbrier (3-13) got eight points from senior D'Layne Deas and six points from freshman Taylor Dupree.

The Wolfpack have struggled without standout post sophomore Deztinie Cotton (high ankle sprain) and senior point guard Shelby Berns (PCL sprain).

Tuesday's results

Boys

Augusta Prep 45, Westminster 44

The Cavaliers edged their GISA Region 4-AAA rival in the teams' first meeting of the season.

The game remained close throughout, with Augusta Prep (10-6, 3-1) leading by one at halftime.

John Paul Lynn scored nearly half of the Cavaliers' points, leading all scorers with 20. Caleb Lifsey added 12.

The two teams will face off again Jan. 25 at Westminster.

Girls

Westminster 38, Augusta Prep 36 (OT)

The Augusta-area rivals' first of two matchups this season went down to the wire, twice.

In the end, Augusta Prep fell to Westminster in overtime, despite 15 points from Amanda Murphy.

The Cavaliers (7-8, 0-3) held the Wildcats to just two points in the second quarter to grab a 15-14 halftime lead.

Augusta Prep led by four entering the fourth quarter, but Westminster forced overtime before pulling ahead. Sam Trobaugh had 17 points for the Wildcats.

The two teams will face off again Jan. 25 at Westminster.