Icard- It’s a new season for the East Burke girls basketball team.

The Lady Cavaliers made a strong statement to start out the season at home by defeating South Caldwell 62-33.

The win is the 18th straight on the home court, dating back to a February 2022 win over West Lincoln.

“The girls came out and played pretty well for our first game; South Caldwell is well-coached and always has a good program,” said East Burke coach Crystal Bartlett.

East Burke (1-0) started with a 23-8 first-quarter lead led by seven points from sophomore Kara Brinkley.

A second-quarter three-pointer by returning senior Ally Moore kept the lead in double digits, 30-10.

Junior Braelyn Stilwell opened the third quarter of play by scoring five straight points and put the win on lock.

Stilwell finished with 21 points and also captured six steals. In comparison, Brinkley added 17 points and a pair of steals, marking the sixth consecutive game that both major returners scored in double digits dating back to last year’s playoff run to the 2A regional finals.

“Our defense was pretty good; Braelyn had a great night, Kara came up strong, and Kamiah Lawing played great defense on their best player.”

SC 8 11 6 8

EB 23 12 23 4

Braelyn Stilwell 21, Kara Brinkley 17, Turner 6, Moore 6, Lawing 4, Coble 3, McDowell 3, Hill 2

BOYS: South Caldwell 74, East Burke 49

The Cavaliers (0-1) had a few good runs with the Spartans until a 19-8 fourth quarter by the visitors set the sails.

Sylas Coleman (14 pts, three 3s) and Barger Shook (12 pts, six in each half) led the East Burke scoring.

Owen Hartmann had an early hot start, knocking down three 3-pointers in the first quarter of play.

Zack Crawford was another key scorer, making a basket in the first three quarters.

SC 17 20 18 19

EB 22 6 13 8

Sylas Coleman 14, Barger Shook 12, Hartmann 9, Crawford 6, Dellinger 4, Morrison 2, Ragle 2

JV GIRLS: East Burke 29, South Caldwell 22

A 14-point effort by Kendall McFalls sparked the JV Lady Cavaliers in their season-opening win.

McFalls also made three steals and pulled down a pair of rebounds.

Addie Brittain (four points, three steals) and Carissa Towery (three points, three rebounds, two steals) contributed to the win.

JV BOYS: South Caldwell 36, East Burke 29

The JV Cavaliers (0-1) couldn’t pull ahead of the visiting JV Spartans, falling in their season opener.

Tyler Brown (7), Jonas Weidner (6), and Calvin Vue (5) were East Burke’s leading scorers.