Mountain Lions Rally Late as Women, Men Sweep North Greenville in Conference Carolinas Play

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The Young Harris College Mountain Lions picked up a pair of hard-fought Conference Carolinas basketball victories Wednesday night, with the women rallying late at home and the men delivering a dramatic road win at North Greenville.

Women’s Basketball: Mountain Lions 59, North Greenville 55

The Young Harris women’s basketball team closed strong in the fourth quarter Wednesday evening, pulling away late for a 59–55 Conference Carolinas win over North Greenville at the Harp Recreation & Commencement Center.

After a defensive first half and a momentum swing in the third quarter, the Mountain Lions responded with their best stretch of the night. Young Harris shot 50 percent in the final period and outscored the Crusaders 25–? in the fourth, relying on composure, rebounding, and timely scoring to erase a second-half deficit.

Kamryn Bates earned player of the game honors, leading Young Harris with 17 points while adding five rebounds and four steals. Bates delivered key baskets down the stretch and helped anchor a defensive effort that sealed the win.

Chassidy Fedd posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Annalise Malone contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Katia Nekic sparked the offense off the bench with six points, including two three-pointers, and Rhiannon Saller added six points and five rebounds in reserve minutes.

Young Harris finished with a 36–28 rebounding advantage and scored 34 points in the paint to improve to 18–7 overall and 12–5 in conference play.

The Mountain Lions return to action Friday, Feb. 21, hosting the Panthers of Ferrum College. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

Men’s Basketball: Mountain Lions 71, North Greenville 68

On the road, the Young Harris men’s basketball team delivered a clutch performance, rallying past North Greenville 71–68 inside Hayes Gymnasium to secure another key Conference Carolinas victory.

After trailing at halftime, the Mountain Lions controlled key stretches of the second half and stayed within striking distance before delivering a decisive final moment. Justin Payne was named player of the game after burying a go-ahead three-pointer with one second remaining to silence the home crowd. Payne finished with a game-high 24 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc.

Jalen Ware added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Cameron Bleshoy recorded a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 13 boards. Christian Drummer guided the offense with six assists and chipped in six points.

Young Harris converted 18 of 23 free throws, forced 18 turnovers that led to 25 points, and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to create extra possessions. Savion Brown led North Greenville with 28 points.

The win moved the Mountain Lions to 19–6 overall and 15–2 in conference play. Young Harris returns home Friday, Feb. 21, to face Ferrum College, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m.