LAURINBURG — The Pinecrest girls basketball team built an early lead and never relinquished it on the way to a 64-40 win over Scotland on Friday.

The Lady Patriots led 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Scots closed that deficit to as little as nine points several times throughout the rest of the game, but Pinecrest always remained a step ahead.

Sierra Breeden scored a team-high 12 points for the Lady Scots (5-6, 2-2 SAC). Kadence Sheppard and Asjah Swindell both finished with nine points.

A free throw by Sheppard cut Pinecrest’s lead to 37-27 late in the fourth quarter. The Lady Patriots responded with a 3-pointer that began Pinecrest’s 12-2, victory-securing run.

Keayna McLaughlin posted a game-high 23 points for Pinecrest (8-6, 3-2 SAC).

Brandon Tester | Laurinburg Exchange Scotland senior guard Miste Clark brings the ball up the court on Friday night.
https://laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_IMG_6712.jpgBrandon Tester | Laurinburg Exchange Scotland senior guard Miste Clark brings the ball up the court on Friday night.

Brandon Tester

Sports editor