Braves sweep Blue Devils, await rival Callaway tonight in Franklin

(Franklin, GA) — The HCHS boys and girls basketball teams are set to host rival Callaway High School in Franklin tonight after sweeping Bremen at home last Friday to open region competition for 2021.

The Lady Braves (12-3) downed the Blue Devils 50-37 behind strong efforts from several girls including freshman Jayden Boykin who led the scoring with 13.

Jasmine Owens (Photo: Ty Freeman Photography/Heard County Lady Braves Basketball on Facebook)

Other top scorers included sophomore Jasmine Owens who scored 10 and Hermonie Garza who had nine points.

Senior Sophia Long scored seven as did upstart sophomore Lady Brave Shyann Kelley.

“We hadn’t played in 10 days so we started a little cold and a little rusty. Things were very off but super proud that you can get a win when things just aren’t clicking,” said Coach Helen Akins after the game.

In boys’ action Friday, Coach Derek Smith’s squad also moved to 1-0 in Region 5-A with a solid 55-43 win over the Blue Devils.

Senior Ayden Cannon led the way with 15 points and was especially successful from the foul line going 7-for-8.

Khalil Cofied had one of his biggest nights of the season so far scoring 12 including three 3-point baskets.

Isaiah O’Neal and Jameer Cook each scored eight while Ethan Lawson and D.J. Herring each tallied four.

“It’s always to get off on the right foot in region — especially with fewer teams in the region we are all trying to avoid the four or five seed,” Coach Smith said after the game.

The Braves (6-7) fell 69-52 to a strong Southwest Atlanta Christian team on Saturday in Atlanta.

The Region 5-AA tournament will be held at the home of the top girl’s seed this year, so if the Lady Braves can come out of region play with the best record, the tourney would take place in Franklin in kid February.

The Lady Braves will tip at 6:00 PM tonight at HCHS and the boys game will follow at 7:30 PM. The JV boys will battle Callaway at 4:30 PM prior to varsity action.