Oconee County forward Gabby Bevillard hit a 3-pointer, and the Lady Warriors took the lead for the first time since the first quarter with just 12 seconds left in the game.

North Hall let it last exactly eight seconds.

Lady Trojan Sydney Cleveland sailed into the paint to grab a rebound and lofted it back into the basket with four second remaining to give North Hall a 61-60 win Tuesday at North Hall.

“One of our goals this season was to win all of our home games,” said Lady Trojans senior Mary Kate Rushton, who finished with 19 points. “And we wanted to show people what we’re made of.”

The Lady Trojans (1-0) are out to prove that they’re as good as people think they are, even playing without two starters in the lineup in McKenna Rushton (last season’s leading scorer) and Tiffany Hamilton.

On opening night, they showed off their depth.

“We were missing a few key players and our whole bench had to play,” Lady Trojans coach Kristi House said. “I was proud of how our kids fought.”

For much of the game, it didn’t look like there would be much of a fight as North Hall, after falling behind 8-2, went on a 23-3 run to take a double digit lead that the Lady Trojans held for much of the contest.

But Region 8-AAA South opponent Oconee County (1-1), which lost to North Hall (Region 8-AAA North) 65-58 in the region tournament last season, came roaring back in the fourth.

“It’s usually a battle with North Hall, and we had to dig out of a hole,” Oconee County coach Cindy Roach said. “They’re definitely one of the top teams in the region.”

Bevillard displayed why she is one of the region’s premier players with a team-high 23 points, 18 rebounds and 13 blocks.

Rushton had to guard her for the final minutes of the game after North Hall forward Sarah Pashall fouled out early in the fourth.

“She can do anything,” Rushton said. “She’s a really good player.”

Bevillard brought her team back, but it was North Hall guard Taylor Swozowski who kept the home team in control even as the big lead evaporated.

“She is a seasoned floor leader,” House said of her senior point guard. “There’s nobody I’d like to have with the ball more than her in that moment.”

Swozowski finished with 19 points, including six of the Lady Trojan’s final eight to put the home team back ahead after Oconee County tied it at 51 on a 3-pointer by Morgan Maglio, who finished with 12 points.

Swozowski’s final shot missed, but Cleveland, who finished with seven points, was there with the rebound to give North Hall the win. Cleveland also deflected the desperation inbound pass from Bevillard to seal the victory.

North Hall, which had no one to match the height of Bevillard, lost the rebound battle 27-30. But the Lady Trojans defense created havoc for Oconee County, forcing 18 turnovers.

North Hall will travel to Pickens on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tip-off; Oconee County will return home to host Jackson County on Tuesday.

NORTH HALL BOYS 66, OCONEE COUNTY 44: The Trojans (1-0) broke the game open in the second quarter and cruised past Oconee County in a Region 8-AAA crossover game Tuesday at the North Hall gym.

The home team finished 9 of 24 from the 3-point line and shot 50 percent from the field and finished 3 of 6 from the free throw line.

“It was a typical first game and both teams were sloppy,” said North Hall coach Benjie Wood. “I thought we executed a little better in the second half.”

Ethan Smith finished with a team-high 20 points for the Trojans, Preston Smith added 16 and Amin Aziz scored 12.

Jamars Thomas led Oconee County with 11 and Connor White added 10.

North Hall will play at Pickens Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Oconee County will host Jackson County.

For the Trojans, who are focused simply on getting better each day, said Wood, it was good to face a real opponent.

“We needed to see a different colored jersey,” the coach said. “Our kids are tied of season each other in practice.”