SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
South Pittsburg’s boys and girls basketball teams opened the season Friday night with a pair of wins over St. Andrew’s-Sewanee on the road.
The Lady Pirates pulled away for a 60-30 victory, shaking off early rust before taking control as the game went on. Senior Adrianna Robinson — the team’s lone senior — led the way with 25 points, setting the tone as South Pittsburg built separation.
Freshman Kaydance Ferrell added 12 points, while sophomore Jaylee Johnson finished with 10. Junior Maliyah Davis chipped in seven, sophomore Aubri Higgins scored three, and junior Madison Hawkins added three.
Sophomore Ava Wilson also made her varsity debut with a standout defensive performance, contributing several rebounds and a steal
The boys followed with a 61-42 win, jumping out early and never looking back. Brandon Goldsmith scored 10 of his game-high 19 points in the first quarter, as the Pirates raced out to a 25-4 lead.
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee managed just nine points by halftime, going 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. South Pittsburg added 17 points in the second quarter, though it went just 1-for-5 from the stripe.
The Mountain Lions made a late push in the second half by knocking down seven 3-pointers, but the outcome was already decided. The Pirates connected from long range through Goldsmith, Shannon Pendergrass and Alex Phillips with one apiece.
J.R. Hardrick finished second in scoring with 10 points. Kaveon Sutton added nine, while Pendergrass scored eight.
Next up is an early region game against Whitwell at home.