Landrum’s men had their hands full against a young, but highly-athletic High Point Academy team in Wednesday’s first round of the Battle at the Border Shootout at Landrum. Though High Point made eight three-pointers in the first half, and tied the score at 39 at the half, the Cardinals generally out-rebounded their opponents, and won the opening round, 75-56, a score that belied the closeness and intensity of the matchup.

“We started out very good,” said Landrum head coach Lyn Smith, who noted that his team “missed some defensive assignments.” After the half, Smith added, his team changed defensive assignments. Smith noted that the Cardinals are trying to find their identity defensively.

Today, Thursday, Dec. 29, the Cardinals play the winner of last night’s Blue Ridge/Brashier Middle College game. The tournament ends Friday, Dec. 30. Next regular season action is Friday Jan. 6 at cross-state rival Polk County.