It was a split day for the Cloudland basketball at the Hall’s Sgt. York Southeastern Christmas Invitational.
The Lady ‘Landers jumped out early and never looked back en route to a 57-16 lead over Stratford, while the ‘Landers fell in a heartbreaking 77-74 decision to Red Boiling Springs.
In the girls’ game, Cloudland left no doubt from the opening tip.
The Lady ‘Landers raced out to a 22-0 lead in the first eight minutes before Stratford added a free throw in the waning moments of the quarter. CHS pushed the lead to 32-1 before they allowed a field goal, and held a 32-9 lead at the break.
Mandy Benfield led the way with 17 points, while Jasmine Birchfield and Gracie Freeman had nine points apiece in the win. Kenzie Birchfield added eight points.
In the boys’ game, the ‘Landers were unable to get back in front in the closing minutes of a back-and-forth battle.
Cloudland took a 20-17 lead after the first quarter of play with a balanced attack. The ‘Landers continued to stay balanced in the second quarter as five players reached the scorebook and CHS maintained a 44-43 lead at the half.
Red Boiling Springs used a run in the third quarter to take the lead and the teams nearly traded shots for the rest of the game. In the closing minutes, Cloudland stayed within striking distance, but was unable to regain the lead.
Hunter Shell had 17 points to lead the way, while Bentley Gilbert had 13 points for the ‘Landers. Conner Birchfield had 11 points. Garrison Julian and Elijah Blair had 10 points apiece.
In Friday action, the ‘Landers are slated to take on Washburn in an elimination game, while the Lady ‘Landers will face off against Clay County.
