Box Score Heifner Scores 20 but Scots Fall 65-63
MARYVILLE – An 8-0 Brevard run during the crucial moments Wednesday proved to be the difference in a 65-63 Tornados victory over Maryville on Senior Night.
There were 11 ties in this contest and 12 lead changes -- the fourth quarter itself saw eight lead changes -- but the Scots were on top 57-56 after Shelby Hix's layup with 2:15 remaining.
Brevard then scored on its next four possessions while holding Maryville without a shot attempt that made it to the rim. The Scots during that 1:40 stretch went turnover-blocked shot-offensive foul, and Lexi Shephard's two free throws with 35 seconds left made it a 64-57 Tornados advantage that proved too much to overcome.
This was the third narrow loss in a row for the Scots, who have lost five of six overall to drop to 5-8 in the USA South. Maryville takes on Wesleyan on Thursday night in a nonconference matchup, and then faces Brevard in a Sunday rematch.
The regular season ends Tuesday at Covenant as the Scots are still alive for a berth in the USA South Conference Tournament.
"If you look at our losses this year, minus the game at Berea, it has been a one- or two-possession game at the under-5 timeout in every one of those losses," Maryville head coach Darrin Travillian said. "Starting all the way back at Wheaton.
"It's a frustrating thing, but I give the players credit because they have still been battling and grinding it out. We're just coming up short."
Jordan Heifner led all scorers with 20 points, highlighted by a 10-of-11 effort at the free throw line. Those free throws attempted and made were both career bests.
Hix added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Courtney Carruthers scored 10. Elsa Eckenrod matched her season high with 10 rebounds.
Brevard's top scorers were reserves Calli Wells with 17 and Melvia Seymore with 13. The Tornadoes finished with a 36-11 scoring edge in bench points.
Before the game, Maryville Athletics recognized seniors Eckenrod, Hix and Hannah Jones for their accomplishments. As a senior class, the group has put together a 70-47 overall record to date and a terrific 47-24 mark against USA South competition, highlighted by last year's divisional championship win at Piedmont over the host Lady Lions.
Travillian had this to say about each of his seniors:
"Hannah has improved as much as any player we've had at Maryville. She has become a threat to score, to rebound, and to block shots. We were very fortunate to be able to watch her development and journey as a member of our team.
"Shelby has been the model Maryville Scot. On the floor and in the classroom, Shelby has done the work and truly been a leader by example. She has made huge shots over her career, and her consistent demeanor will be missed.
"Elsa has been a leader throughout. An aspiring coach, she is vocal and instrumental in our preparation and daily practices. She has been a stalwart in the lineup for four seasons, and her willingness to put in the extra work has paid off on the floor for her and her team."
Thursday's tipoff against Wesleyan is at 6 p.m.
