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LASKER – Northeast Academy built a double-digit halftime lead and then held off a Ridgecroft rally as the Lady Eagles posted a 41-36 win here Tuesday night in a Tarheel Independent Conference varsity girls basketball game.

The Lady Eagles led 24-13 at halftime. That advantage was needed as Ridgecroft mounted a comeback, outscoring their hosts 23-17 over the final two periods of action.

Gracie Baker’s game-high 11 points led the way for Northeast. Emalee Jones (9 points), Jessie Martin (7), Allie Liverman (6), Savannah Martin (6), and Sarah Kate Ricks (2) added to the winning effort.

Leah Woodard paced Ridgecroft with eight points.

In the middle school girls game, Hayes Hatcher poured in 16 points to lead Northeast to a 24-11 win.

The middle school boys game was a nailbiter as Ridgecroft held off a huge, fourth quarter rally by Northeast to defeat their hosts, 27-24. Northeast trailed 24-13 entering the fourth quarter.

Chance Lassiter scored a game-high 16 points for Northeast.

Cade Oliver led Ridgecroft with 13 points.

Northeast hosted Lawrence Academy on Thursday, but only the two middle school games were played due to a COVID-19 issue at the varsity level.

Lawrence won both middle school games: 31-15 (girls) and 32-18 (boys).

Hayes Hatcher (5) and Payton Odom (4) led the Northeast girls.

Jake Parks scored 10 points to top the Northeast boys scorebook.

After a Friday (Jan. 22) game at Pungo Academy, Northeast is scheduled to travel to Lawrence Academy on Tuesday, Jan. 26. Their next scheduled home game is Friday, Jan. 29 vs. Terra Ceia Christian Academy. Dates and locations of the games can change due to the COVID-19 virus.