Basketball Recap: Highland Tech's Higher State Rank on Full Display on Wednesday + How To Watch

Highland Tech had won three straight on the road, but on Wednesday they bumped up to 7-0 to make it four. They walked away with a 41-28 victory over the Central Academy of Technology & Arts Cougars. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Rams' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 125th, while the Cougars are ranked 478th).

Lily Johnson

Points

12/10/25 @ Central Academy of Technology & Arts	17
12/09/25 vs Bessemer City	18
12/04/25 vs Central Academy of Technology & Arts	16

Highland Tech found their leader in freshman Lily Johnson, who shot 46% from the field en route to 17 points along with seven assists and three steals. Johnson's evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least 16 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Carsyn Redmond, who posted 11 points and five boards.

Highland Tech was working as a unit and finished the game with 11 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Central Academy of Technology & Arts only posted four.

As for Central Academy of Technology & Arts, their loss dropped their record down to 0-7. They haven't had much luck with Highland Tech recently, as the team has come up short the last six times they've met.

Central Academy of Technology & Arts' loss came despite strong showings from Nia Udenze and Justice Hegwood. Udenze put up eight points and 17 rebounds, while Hegwood almost dropped a triple-double with 15 points, nine boards, and nine steals. That was a full 53.6% of the Cougars' points, marking the sixth time in a row Hegwood has scored more than a third of the team's points. Jordyn Whitford also deserves some recognition as she posted her first assist of the season.

Highland Tech wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 56-26 win against Cherryville on the 12th. As for Central Academy of Technology & Arts, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 60-26 defeat against West Stanly on the 12th.