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AHOSKIE –Long time rivals Bertie and Hertford County met here Saturday night in non-conference basketball action where the home-standing Bears were victorious in both varsity games.

In varsity girls action, Hertford County rolled to a 43-11 halftime lead en route to a 60-13 victory.

Jaliyah Mitchell scored 14 of her game-high 16 points in the first half to pace the Lady Bears. She also hauled in 10 rebounds.

Four of Hertford County’s five starters scored in double figures as Adarielle Townsell added 15 points, Brooklyn White tallied 11 points, and Karae Alfred finished with 10 points. Tamia Britt scored eight points for HCHS, who improved to 4-1 overall with the win.

Alexia Dickerson (7 points) and Simone Williams (6) accounted for all of Bertie’s offense.

While the girls game was a blowout, the varsity boys affair was a nailbiter as the Bears rallied from a double-digit (57-46) third quarter deficit to edge the Falcons, 67-65.

Bertie appeared on their way to a fifth straight win to open the 2022-23 season as Zy’lee Bazemore scored 13 points in the first half, to include a trio of three-pointers, while teammate Jah’Kelvin Rascoe scorched the nets for 12 points in the third period where Bertie built their double-digit lead.

But the Bears (4-1 overall) rode the hot hand of senior Israel Powell in the fourth quarter. There, Powell scored 13 of his game-high 22 points to lead the Bears on a 21-8 run and the 67-65 win.

Rounding out the HCHS scoring were Rimiez Williams (12), Shimere Garris (9), Keveon Rodgers (8), Jeremiah Benthall (7), Jayden Robinson (6), and William Valentine (3).

Bertie, who held a 39-33 advantage at halftime, was led by three players in double figures: Bazemore (18), Rascoe (16), and Trevon Halleran (12). Jayza Lee added seven points while Zymiere Dempsey and Tequan Holley scored six points each.