Isabella’s boys team on Friday built a 10-point halftime lead then survived several Jemison runs to win, 68-60.

Jemison’s Christian Briscoe scored six of his team-high 26 points on consecutive 3-pointers to open the second half, and the Panthers (1-6) cut the lead to three points on several occassions, once with just more than one minute left to play in the game.

But Isabella’s Brandon Veazey scored 14 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter to help preserve the win. Half of those points came on free throws even though Veazey missed on five attempts in the frame.

Brian Donovan also had a strong game for the Mustangs (2-7) with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Jemison’s Terrance Taylor chipped in 18 points.

Isabella girls 37, Jemison 22

Isabella raced to an early lead, watched Jemison scrap its way back into the game but then pulled away in the second quarter.

The Mustangs (5-4) built an 8-2 edge to open the game, but the Panthers (0-7) scored six of the next 10 to trail by only four at the end of the first period.

But Amber Wyatt pulled down a rebound with 2:39 on the clock in the second quarter and found Kimi Jones streaking the other way for two points and a 19-10 lead.

The visitors wouldn’t threaten again.

Jones (10 points and eight steals) and Wyatt (18 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks) paced Isabella.

Codi Mims led Jemison with eight points, and Emily Smithey was good for five points.

– Stephen Dawkins can be reached at stephen.dawkins@clantonadvertiser.com