Bryson City – The Maroon Devil basketball team opened their season on Tuesday as they hosted Smoky Mountain. Swain grabbed the lead midway through the first quarter and held it for the remainder of the game. In the end the Devils held off a Mustang comeback attempt to take a 64-58 win.
The Maroon Devils got stellar play from senior Reese Winchester. Winchester finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists to go with a pair of blocked shots and steals. Winchester and fellow senior Josh Collins hit clutch free throws down the stretch to help hold off the Mustangs comeback attempt.
Junior Aiden Southards scored a game high 21 points for the Devils, with 19 of the 21 coming in the second half. Josh Collins chipped in 11 points to go with 8 rebounds.
Swain will host Franklin in a boys only tilt on Saturday, with tip off for the jv boys at 2 o’clock.