Beaufort High boys sweep basketball series with rival Battery Creek

Battery Creek boys basketball coach Antoine Youmans said Friday his team can expect "the kitchen sink," thrown at them whenever it faces rival Beaufort High School.

The Eagles raced up and down the floor during the first meeting back in December, setting the pace for their victory. But Battery Creek scored often in transition during that game, and Beaufort High coach Bruce Beasley wanted a different tempo for Friday's rematch.

The tempo slowed, Beaufort High worked out of more halfcourt sets and as a result, churned out a lower key victory, winning 49-38 at home to sweep the Dolphins.

"This was more of a halfcourt game on both teams' part, a little more deliberate," Beasley said. "We fast-breaked at times, but we didn't generate as many points off turnovers."

Tyrone Holmes scored 17 points to lead Beaufort High. Battery Creek's Tyrone Kelson led the Dolphins with 11.

The game served as another region primer for both teams. Beaufort High travels to non-region foe Hilton Head High today before opening the Region 8-AAAA schedule with Colleton County at home Tuesday.

Battery Creek returns to Region 7-AAA play next Friday against Hilton Head High. Before then, the Dolphins can expect some lessons from Friday's loss to Beaufort, though Youmans was encouraged in certain areas.

Part of the slower pace could be attributed to the Dolphins' zone defense, which held Beaufort High in check early. But the Eagles were able to rebound their misses, owning the size advantage inside.

And Beaufort High was still able to get out in transition, with an early dunk help setting the tone. The Dolphins were held at arm's length the duration of the second half, with the final margin as close as they could get after the Eagles quickly added to their 10-point halftime lead.

"We're not doing enough of the little things," Youmans said. "We just can't turn the corner when we need to."

Beaufort High boys 49, Battery Creek 38

Battery Creek (3-12) -- Tyrone Kelson 11, Leroy Jennette 9, Justice Oliver 8, Devontae Wilson 6, Cleveland Hampton 2, Michael Robinson 2

Beaufort High (7-4) -- Tyrone Holmes 17, Henry Jenkins 14, Thurston Milton 8, Jordan Broussard 3, Martin Washington 3, Darrae Alston 2, Keion Marshall 2

Beaufort High girls 41, Battery Creek 30

The driving force, what finally separated the Eagles from the Dolphins, was a desire not to lose to their rivals, Beaufort High senior Veneshia Holmes said.

Holmes' jumper at the buzzer to end the third quarter sparked a 10-0 Eagles' run. And Beaufort High survived a sluggish start after an extended holiday layoff to sweep the season series Battery Creek.

Holmes, Paris Smith and Ebony Watson each scored 10 points to lead Beaufort High. Holmes added seven assists and four steals.

"We could not lose to Creek," Holmes said. "They're our rivals, and we want to beat them-- blow them out."

The chance at a blowout ended when Battery Creek pulled within one on Alisha Varela's layup late in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins held Beaufort High to only three points during the third, including Holmes' buzzer-beater.

"We've got to have smarter play," Beaufort High coach Lillian Keeler Aldred said. "But an ugly win is still a win."

The Eagles travel to Hilton Head High today before hosting Colleton County on Tuesday to open Region 8-AAAA.

Battery Creek (2-8) -- Ericka Alston 9, Alisha Varela 9, Daisja Cannon 4, Jasmine Wallace 4, Matalyn Dearsman 2, Ronisha Stevenson 2

Beaufort High (5-4) -- Veneshia Holmes 10, Paris Smith 10, Ebony Watson 10, Emani Gray 4, Jordan Fields 2, Kaitlyn Hamilton 2, Casey Dixon 1