Sycamore Splits Doubleheader with Rossview as Lady War Eagles Stay Hot, Boys Show Fight in Rematch
It was a night of mixed results but strong effort in Pleasant View on Friday, as Sycamore hosted Class 4A Rossview for a final home doubleheader before the winter break. The girls set the tone early with a gritty win, while the boys showed growth in a tough loss against a high-powered Hawks squad.
Let’s break it down.
Lady War Eagles Ride Second-Quarter Run to Victory
Sycamore’s girls came out cold but finished with confidence, using a second-quarter explosion to pull away from Rossview and secure a 41-31 win. That’s now two straight over the Lady Hawks this season, and this one was powered by senior leadership and timely shooting.
The Lady War Eagles (6-3) struggled to find their rhythm early, hitting just two of their first 14 shots. Meanwhile, Rossview opened 4-of-5 from the field, jumping out to an 8-6 lead after one.
But that’s when Josie Boyd took over.
The senior guard caught fire in the second quarter, drilling three of her five three-point attempts and scoring 11 of her game-total 14 points in the frame. Boyd’s outburst helped flip the momentum and sparked a 16-4 run that gave Sycamore a 22-12 lead at the break - a lead they never gave back.
From there, the Lady War Eagles tightened the screws on defense and extended their edge to 34-16 by the end of the third. The final margin may have been 10, but the tone was set long before the final buzzer.
Boyd led the way with 14, while Campbell Gill added 13 of her own - the two combining for 27 of Sycamore’s 41 points. Faithlynn Harley chipped in six, with Sophie Stuart (4), Sophie Head (2), and Libby Reeder (2) rounding out the scoring.
Rossview’s Ellie Hankemeier did everything she could to keep her team in it, leading all scorers with 18 points. But with only three other Lady Hawks making it onto the scoresheet - none scoring more than six - Rossview couldn’t keep pace once Sycamore got rolling.
War Eagles Battle but Fall Short in Boys’ Rematch
The boys’ matchup had a different tone - one of redemption and resilience - even if the final result didn’t go Sycamore’s way.
After getting blown out in the first meeting back in November, the War Eagles came out with a chip on their shoulder. They pushed Rossview early and even held a halftime lead, but a third-quarter surge from the Hawks proved too much to overcome, as Sycamore fell 56-43.
The War Eagles trailed 15-13 after one but found their groove in the second quarter, outscoring Rossview 14-10 to take a 27-25 lead into the break. It was a promising sign, especially considering how lopsided the first matchup had been.
But Rossview came out of the locker room firing, putting up 21 points in the third while holding Sycamore to just seven. That swing flipped the game and gave the Hawks all the breathing room they needed to close it out in the fourth.
Senior Hicks Hunter led Sycamore with 14 points - 10 of those coming in the first half when the War Eagles were in control. Carter Wallace stepped up after halftime, scoring 10 of his 11 points in the second half. Owen McMahan added seven, Nate Batson had six, Jake Galbreth scored three, and Mac Gagnon contributed two.
Rossview’s Lincoln Schwass led a balanced attack for the Hawks with 15 points, one of four players to hit double digits.
What’s Next
Both Sycamore squads now turn their focus to Monday’s road trip to Fairview - their final action before the Christmas break. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. in Williamson County.
For the Lady War Eagles, it’s a chance to keep building momentum behind their experienced backcourt. For the boys, it’s about continuing the progress they showed Friday - turning flashes of strong play into four full quarters.
One thing’s clear: both teams are trending in the right direction as the season heads into the heart of winter.