Prep Roundup, Dec. 30

The Eagles denied host Hilton Head High a chance at the Island Classic title, winning 37-31 to earn a berth themselves. Christian Academy will play Strom Thurmond at 5:30 p.m. today for the championship.

Hilton Head Christian sopomore Brad Meccariello scored 11 points to lead the Eagles. Alex MacDonald scored 13 points and Jacob Coltrane added 11 for Hilton Head High.

The Seahawks (5-6) led at the half, 13-12.

The Eagles improved to 8-2.

Hilton Head High faces Colleton County at 4 p.m. in a consolation game.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Durham (N.C.) Academy 48, Hilton Head Prep 29: Junior guard Charlie Wilmot led his team with 11 points and sophomore guard Shaun Topper pulled down eight rebounds in the Dolphins' loss to Durham (N.C.) Academy at the Island Basketball Classic at Hilton Head High. The Dolphins, also defeated in Wednesday's first day of the tournament, dropped to 2-8.

"We played better today," said Prep coach Bob Sulek, in his first year coaching the boys. "Our energy was good, but we couldn't make a shot. Today also was a good defensive game."

Eighth-grader Aiden Hegarty led the defensive charge with three steals, resulting in five points. The Dolphins play Hunter-Kinard-Tyler today at 1 p.m.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson 49, Beaufort High 45: Jordan Brussard missed a shot that would have tied the game with 8 seconds remaining as the Eagles lost at the Modie Risher Classic in Charleston.

Brussard finished with 17 points and teammate Joey Chaplin added 8. The Eagles struggled from the free-throw line, shooting 5 of 14. Beaufort's (5-3) next game is today against the loser of the Burke vs. Ridgeland game.

Thomas Sumter 65, Thomas Heyward 34: Sophmore Nick Keiffer had 12 points and 10 rebounds and freshman Will Richardson added 10 points as the Rebels lost at the Orangeburg Prep tournament. Thomas Heyward (3-6) plays in today's consolation round.

Junior varsity: Wade Hampton 35, Hilton Head Prep 20; Whale Branch 47, Battery Creek 37

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Duluth (Ga.) High 48, Hilton Head High 32: Senior Sabrina Drammis led her team with 16 points and freshman Lauryn Bush chipped in nine as the Seahawks fell to Duluth (Ga.) at the Jump Off Plus Tournament in Sandy Creek, Ga.

Hilton Head High finished the tournament 1-2, dropping to 8-4 on the season. The 32-team tournament featured schools from nine states. The Seahawks next game is against Ridgeland at 6 p.m. Wednesday at home.