Basketball Recap: Heathwood Hall Episcopal Falls Despite Big Games from Nic Nichols and Tristen Mccleary

Heathwood Hall Episcopal has been a dominant force so far, but they're in the middle of a mini-slump at the moment. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 55-49 heartbreaker at the hands of the Augusta Christian Lions. While losing is never fun, the Highlanders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 57th in South Carolina, while the Lions are ranked tenth in Georgia).

Despite the loss, Heathwood Hall Episcopal had strong showings from Tristen McCleary, who went 6 for 15 en route to 15 points along with six boards and four steals, and Nic Nichols, who went 5 of 9 on his way to 11 points and five rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Henry Morris, who posted five points.

Leading Augusta Christian to victory were Ty Shine and Aamere Tolbert. Shine had 18 points in addition to six assists and five boards, while Tolbert went 7 of 13 on his way to 15 points. Shine's evening made it seven games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Chuck Schwarz was another key player, putting up eight points and six rebounds.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal's defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 13-7. As for Augusta Christian, the victory (which was their 18th in a row) raised their record to 21-2.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal has already played their next contest (against Cardinal Newman), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing. Augusta Christian will head out to take on Hammond at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Augusta Christian's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last 17 matchups.