Second-quarter Owls run gives Eagles uphill climb

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Playing without its top scorer, DeMarcus Hartfield, Highlands needed to find willing volunteers to put points on the scoreboard in what was anticipated to be a close regular-season finale against Brackenridge.

Fortunately for the Owls (16-15, 9-5), 6-foot junior JerMichael Shirley was ready to shoulder more of the load. Shirley produced a game-high 17 points, leading fourth-place Highlands to a 71-60 win over fifth-place Brackenridge (16-15, 9-5) last Monday at Lanier’s Alumni Center.

“I was trying to take it to the hole,” said Shirley, who chipped in with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. “I felt like I had an advantage. Posting up is something I’m still trying to work on.”

Hartfield, who leads the Owls with a 16.7 points a game scoring average, remained out with a loose tooth from a collision against Lanier Jan. 31.

Brackenridge led 12-10 when senior sharpshooter Gabe Hildebrand (10 points) nailed a three-pointer with 36.4 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Highlands opened the second quarter with 12 unanswered points and had a 30-17 edge with 2:38 left in the first half.

“I try to emphasize that what we do in practice dictates what we do on the floor,” Highlands coach Rufus Lott said. “Somebody different has been stepping up for us every game.”

Owls senior Xavier Long scored 12 of his 14 points in the second quarter.

The Eagles outscored Highlands 39-32 in the second half. They picked up the tempo at the start of the final quarter and reduced the lead to single digits on a driving layup from Ramon Richards (4 rebounds, 3 assists) and a three-point basket from sophomore Antonio Lopez (9 points, 4 rebounds).

“It was a tough game, a physical game,” Brackenridge coach Joey Isaac said. “We made adjustments and got everybody playing hard, but we had a rough second quarter. It was an uphill battle after that.”

Brackenridge was within 64-56 with 3:04 left as sophomore Richard Wallace (15 points, 11 rebounds) scored inside. Highlands guard Samuel Jackson scored four straight points to keep the Owls out of danger.

“This was a good team win,” Shirley said. “We worked together and we didn’t give up.”

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