The Murphy Bulldogs won the last time they faced the Highlands Highlanders, and things went their way on Monday too. Murphy took their contest at home with ease, bagging a 73-45 victory over Highlands. Given Murphy's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 146th, while Highlands is ranked 609th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Murphy had a senior duo take command as Xander Wachacha went 6 for 10 from beyond the arc en route to 22 points and 5 assists and Zach Skogen scored 12 points along with six rebounds and four steals. The matchup was Wachacha's fifth in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Cale Harger, who scored six points along with five rebounds and three steals.
Murphy's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Highlands, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-9.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Murphy won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Swain County at 8:00 p.m. on December 19th. Highlands will be home for the holidays to greet Hayesville at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday.
