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ELIZABETH CITY – Hayes Hatcher scored a game-high 21 points to lead unseeded Northeast Academy to a 52-41 upset of #8 Albemarle School here last night (Thursday) in the second round of the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association’s 1A Girls Basketball Tournament.

The Lady Eagles (12-10 overall), whose roster is limited to just five players, advances to meet top-seeded Grace Christian School (22-1) in Saturday’s NCISAA quarterfinals.

At Albemarle, Northeast used a 19-9 scoring edge in the first quarter to build a working lead. They led 30-19 at halftime and then used a 13-6 advantage in the third quarter to seal the win.

Emalee Jones added 19 points to the NEA effort. Sarah Kate Ricks (7) and Gracie Baker (5) rounded out the scoring for the Lady Eagles.

Kyndall Banks scored 18 points to pace Albemarle.

Northeast opened the state tournament at home on Tuesday where they defeated Southside Christian School, 64-36.

Hatcher (21 points), Jones (19), Ricks (12), and Baker (10) each scored in double figures to lead Northeast. Leah McDermott added two points.

Joining Northeast in the state quarterfinals are three other members of the Tarheel Independent Conference. #4 Lawrence Academy (18-9 overall) will host league rival Pungo Christian Academy (the #5 seed with a 17-6 record). Fellow TIC member Terra Ceia Christian School (the #6 seed at 16-6 overall) travels to meet #3 Greenfield School in Wilson.