Story and photos by
Mike Maddock

Hammond’s Sarah Parker Mounce led all scorers with 13 points.

Hammond Head Coach Rich Edwards was missing an important part of the Skyhawk line–up when his team rolled into Heathwood Hall Tuesday, February 7. Starting sophomore guard Lauren Smith was out with an injury. But thanks to sophomore Ali Hymson and seniors Sarah Parker Mounce and Margaret Clay, the Skyhawks were able to handle the Highlanders 45–29.

As Edwards said, “It was nice to see, even with Lauren out, they didn’t miss a beat.”

Mounce led all scorers with 13 points. Hymson led the Skyhawks at point guard scoring six of her eight points in the second half. Clay did most of her damage in the second period. When the Highlanders took their second lead of the game at the 4:41 mark of the second period, Clay hit two consecutive three–point shots for six of her eleven points and started a 17–3 run that would give the Skyhawks a 30–16 half–time advantage.

Heathwood Hall got strong performances from Arayel Brandner who scored ten points and Catherine Roach who finished with nine points. Marchant Conick added six points and Kristen Dickerson finished with four points for the Highlanders.

Sophomore Ali Hymson led the Skyhwaks from the point guard position. She finished with eight points. Brandner and Roach would bring the Highlanders within ten points of the Skyhawks midway through the third period, but that is as close as they would get. Hammond outscored Heathwood Hall 13–7 the rest of the way and cruised to a 16 point victory.

“We can’t win the regular season title, but two of our season goals are still attainable...winning the region tournament and going to State.”

After a stop at Ben Lippen Thursday February 9, Hammond will host the region tournament.

Heathwood Hall travels to Augusta Christian Thursday night.

Senior captain Margaret Clay made two consecutive three point shots to give Hammond the lead for good.