O'Neal nails nine 3s to lead Seahawks in last regular home game (VIDEO)

Senior Megan O’Neal went out with a bang, nailing nine 3s, Thursday night in her last regular home game at the Hawks Nest to boost the South Walton Seahawks to an 86-26 victory over the Liberty County Bulldogs in girls varsity basketball.

“It was a great senior night and it was a good final regular season game for Megan,” said South Walton Coach Kevin Craig.

“She’s just an incredible shooter, but more incredible as a kid,” Craig added.

O’Neal finished the evening with 35 total points, even with a running clock the last half.

Prior to tipoff Thursday evening, O’Neal was honored with flowers and balloons at center court.

But once the ball was put into play, there was no stopping the Seahawks. In the first two minutes, South Walton dumped in 16 points with O’Neal draining a pair of 3s and a layup, while Savannah Slade hit a couple of inside shots and Allee Coble put a rebound back for two points and hit two from the foul line.

Liberty finally got a shot to fall at the 4:35 mark on a basket from Abigail McComb. South Walton answered with seven straight with O’Neal driving the lane for two points. Slade hit a jumper and Coble turned in a three-point play for a 23-2 lead.

In the last two minutes, Liberty scored five points, while Hayle Seiblecame off the bench and popped a 3-pointer for the Seahawks and a free throw. South Walton led 27-7 at the buzzer.

In the second quarter, O’Neal continued to fire away for the Seahawks swishing three 3s, running the baseline for two points and hitting two from the free-throw line. Slade, Coble and Aidan Collins all worked it from the inside for points, while Seible hit another 3-pointer. At the half, South Walton was sitting on a 51-12 lead.

With a running clock the entire second half, the Seahawks bombed the Bulldogs in the third quarter with O’Neal and Seible each making three 3s. Gracie Ricci and Courtney Chesser each scored a basket for the Seahawks, while Slade made two from the foul line. Liberty only scored two points for the quarter giving South Walton a 75-14 advantage.

In the final quarter, the Seahawks put up 11 points to the Bulldogs 12.

For the game, other Seahawks hitting double digits were Seible with 16 points, including five 3s, and Slade with 12 points. Coble picked up nine points.

Tops for Liberty was Brittney Davis with 10 points.

South Walton will host the 1A District 3 tournament next week.

At 6 p.m., Tuesday, Chipley, the No. 3 seed will take on Northview, No. 6.

At 7:30 p.m., Jay, the No. 4 seed will play No. 5 Freeport.

On Thursday, Jan. 28, No. 2 seed Baker will play the winner of the Chipley vs. Northview game. Then at 7:30 p.m., No. 1 seed South Walton will take on the winner of the Jay vs. Freeport game.

The championship will be at 7 p.m. Saturday.