Basketball Recap: Jaida Johnson and Ashlyn Evans Secure Win for James F. Byrnes

Rebels

Margin (Wins)

01/04/25 vs Wade Hampton	49
01/17/25 @ Boiling Springs	45
12/06/24 vs Greer	41
11/23/24 vs Lancaster	40
12/10/24 vs Eastside	40

James F. Byrnes won the last time they faced Eastside and things went their way on Friday too. The James F. Byrnes Rebels were the clear victor by a 59-34 margin over the Eastside Eagles. The Rebels have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven contests by 22 points or more this season.

Leading James F. Byrnes to victory were Ashlyn Evans and Jaida Johnson. Evans dropped a double-double on 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Johnson dropped a double-double on 13 points and 12 boards. Johnson also posted seven blocks, which is notable because James F. Byrnes is 11-2 when she posts at least five blocks, but 2-3 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Makayla Barnes, who posted seven points in addition to six rebounds and three steals.

James F. Byrnes smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 26 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 13 offensive rebounds in eight consecutive games.

Eastside's loss came despite strong showings from Laila Harvey and Emma Johnson. Harvey earned 12 points along with seven boards and four blocks, while Johnson put up nine points.

James F. Byrnes pushed their record up to 13-5 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 65.0 points per game. As for Eastside, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-12.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. James F. Byrnes will venture away from home to take on Wade Hampton at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. James F. Byrnes is facing Wade Hampton at the right time seeing as Wade Hampton is stuck on an eight-game losing streak. As for Eastside, they will challenge Gaffney at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Gaffney will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Eastside surely won't give up without a fight.