EASLEY — After smothering a ranked Walhalla team in its last outing, the Pickens High School Lady Blue Flame basketball team fell to county and region rival Easley 46-41 in a see-saw battle that could have playoff implications.
“Having the girls out of the gym for a whole week (partially due to digital-learning weather days) and recovering from Covid was tough on our little team,” said Rikki Owens, Lady Blue Flame basketball coach. “They gave it their all, but we ran out of gas in the second half. We started off strong, but then we missed foul shots and layups that cost us the game in the end. We also did not rebound well. I am just glad that everyone is getting back healthy, and we are definitely ready to get back into our routine and on the court this week.”
The Lady Blue Flame are now 8-5 overall, 1-1 in Region 1A.
The game against the Lady Green Wave, played in the friendly confines of Coach Peggy Harden Anthony Gymnasium on the Pickens High campus, was like a Tale of Two Halves. The first half belonged to the Lady Blue Flame, as they jumped out to an early 9-0 lead and went into the locker room with a 21-16 margin. The third quarter was a different story, however, as Easley outscored Pickens 22-11 and ended the period with a 38-33 lead. The Lady Green Wave maintained the 5-point margin through the end of the game.
Eighth-grade guard Ava Owens led the Lady Blue Flame in scoring with 15 points and snagged seven steals. Senior forward Caroline Lucas scored nine points.
Pickens plays two region games this week, both at home. The game against No. 1 and 2021 state champion Westside of Anderson was played Tuesday evening, with results too late for press time. The Lady Blue Flame will host region foe Walhalla Friday evening, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.