Basketball Recap: Leah Elizabeth Ann Jackson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Hilton Head Island over Beaufort

After flying high against Colleton County last Friday, Hilton Head Island came back down to earth. The Hilton Head Island Seahawks took a 51-43 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Beaufort Eagles on Tuesday. The Seahawks were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in February of 2022.

Several Seahawks players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Leah Elizabeth Ann Jackson, who dropped a double-double with 21 points and ten boards. Another player making a difference was Olivia Brockway, who posted four points in addition to eight rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Hilton Head Island smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 30 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 15 consecutive games.

Beaufort found their leader in freshman Jania Hayward, who went 7-for-14 to rack up 20 points and seven steals. Hayward continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Carson Crosby was another key player, putting up seven points.

Hilton Head Island's loss dropped their record down to 7-13. As for Beaufort, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 14-8 record this season.

The teams didn't have to wait long for a rematch: Beaufort beat Hilton Head Island by a score of 50-44 on Thursday.