A strong defensive effort led to an opening night victory for the Highland Huskies girls’ basketball team (1-0). The Huskies traveled to Keota for a non-conference matchup versus the Eagles (0-1). Highland scored the first 24 points of the game, cruising to a 55-7 victory. All seven of Keota’s points came in the first half.

Three Huskies scored 11 or more points; they were led by Aly Stokes with 19 first half points. Stokes made six of her nine field goal attempts and was four-for-four at the free throw line. She added seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Kelsey Hora and Brylee Carolan added 11 points each. Murphy Beinhart had a team-high seven steals as Highland forced 24 turnovers.

Keota’s offense came on a pair of three-point shots and one made free throw. Addison Spourse led the Eagles with four points.

The Huskies will host the New London Tigers tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Highland High School. Keota’s next game is scheduled for November 28 at Lone Tree.