COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A highly competitive matchup between two completely different teams gave way to a tightly contested finish. The Independence duo of junior guard Antony Lowery and senior Christian Byrd combined for 36 points to push the 76ers past the tough-minded Braves 64-57.

Independence jumped out to a 12-2 lead to start the game, but that was shaved down before the first quarter ended with a 7-0 Olentangy run. A 23-point explosion in the second quarter sent the Braves into the locker room up 32-26, with Ethan Smith leading the way with a team-high 14 points. After a fairly quiet third quarter, Olentangy took a 42-38 advantage into the fourth.

The final frame was a battle between two strong willed teams, that was finally broken somewhat open with an Antony Lowery three that tied it at 46, that was followed up with a lay-up that gave them a one point edge that the Sixers would only build on.

Olentangy was led by super senior Ethan Smith, who poured in a game-high 22 points including four three-pointers. Andrew Boyle followed up with 11 points, Austin Sizemore pitched in eight, Will Keller hit two three’s, Logan Thrapp hit a couple shots, while Gideon Alabi, Harrison Rosenbaum and Reid Apke added in a bucket a piece to round out the scoring for the Braves.

Junior Antony Lowery scored 21 to lead the way for the Sixers while senior Christian Byrd added another 15. Excellent sophomore Denarius Crowder, who was hampered by foul trouble all evening, scored nine points. Reign Lowery scored seven points, Antonio Harris hit all four of his free throws, Geremiah Thompson and Terry Meadows poured in three and Kevon Jackson scored a bucket in the victory.

The Sixers step back onto the court Tuesday as they travel up James Rd. to visit the Nubians from Africentric and the Braves don’t touch the floor until Friday against Hilliard Darby.

Antony Lowery (6’2 G / Independence / 2023): Lowery was the best guard on the floor Saturday evening, he played poised and under control all night while hitting big shots and playing his tail off on defense against Smith. The junior showed his range, hitting multiple triples off the dribble, including the one that tied the game up in the fourth quarter. The guard also got into the paint and attacked the interior defense of the Braves with his relentless driving. He played tough defense, always having his hands around the basketball and helped make the looks tough for Ethan Smith. Lowery is an Eastmoor transfer who looks to be in amazing shape, if this game was any indication then this will be a breakout season for the junior.

Christian Byrd (5’10 G / Independence / 2022): Byrd’s attacking style paid dividends at the end of the day, he shot eight free throws and made seven of them. The senior was also the other defender on Ethan Smith and pestered him with his hands and strength on the defensive side of the ball. Byrd scored 11 of his 15 in the second half, continuously coming up big for the Sixers on offense and collecting steals on defense. The energy he brought in the second half infected his team with juice and surged his team through the fourth quarter. This senior’s defensive prowess was on full display Saturday night, if he can continue this then the Sixers will always be in games.

Ethan Smith (5’9 G / Olentangy / 2022): One of the best shooters in the entire spectrum of 270, Smith added to that legend with another four three-pointers Saturday night. His release is second to none in quickness and his range is in the gym. Smith is much more than a deep threat though, he can get into the paint off the dribble and finish in traffic with either hand. He can run around off-ball screens with the best of them in the area, creating space off the catch for himself. Smith threw some really good passes as well, threading the needle on bounce passes a couple of times and hitting the cutter in stride. The senior is an intriguing prospect, with a college-ready shot, he can make an impact immediately for a program.