Ava Owens
Courtesy photo
PICKENS — The Pickens High School Lady Blue Flame basketball team returned from the Christmas break last week and notched two wins, against Palmetto and Eagle Ridge, to improve its season record to 7-4.
“The girls were aggressive and shut our opponents down defensively,” said Rikki Owens, Lady Blue Flame basketball coach. “They communicated well with each other and did the little things the right way. Overall, I am very proud of their hustle and heart, and we are super excited to start region play this week.”
In a Jan. 4 game played in the friendly confines of Coach Peggy Harden Anthony Gymnasium on the Pickens High campus, the Lady Blue Flame defeated Eagle Ridge charter school of Salem 69-14. Sophomore guard Hannah Campbell and eighth-grade guard Ava Owens each had 16 points on the evening. Campbell also had eight steals and Owens added five assists. Freshman center Sadie McKinney had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Blue Flame defeated the Lady Mustangs of Palmetto High School 46-21 in a contest played Jan. 7 in Williamston. In the Palmetto game, Owens had a triple double with 18 points, 13 steals and 11 rebounds. Senior forward Hannah Roper scored 11 points.
The first region game of the year was played Tuesday evening at Walhalla, with results too late for press time. The Lady Blue Flame play at Easley Jan. 18 in the next region contest.