ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond junior varsity girls’ basketball team’s roster may be small in numbers, but it’s mighty in the spirit of competition.
Playing another game with just five players, the JV Lady Raiders took care of business and defeated Pinecrest High School 53-42 Tuesday.
All of Richmond’s players found the basket, including a game-high 24 points by sophomore guard Olivia Brown. Almost matching that was freshman forward Kaniah Little, who netted 22 points.
Freshman Audicy Rush added four points, while fellow freshmen Iyana Little and Ny’Aziah Wilson scored two points and one point, respectively.
“I’m proud of all these girls and how they keep fighting and showing up every practice and game,” head coach Tonia Breeden said. “It’s extremely tough with only five girls but they are making it look easy.
“Everyone scored tonight and did her job,” she added. “The second half gets tough because they are tired but they just keep going and pushing through. They definitely aren’t quitters.”
Kaniah Little helped the Lady Raiders take a 16-7 lead after the first quarter thanks to her first 12 points. Starting with a pair of made free throws, she added five field goals.
Brown scored four points in the early going, knocking down the first of her three three-pointers in the game and adding a free throw.
Pouring on the offense, the Lady Raiders opened their lead to 35-13 at halftime. Richmond’s defense limited the JV Lady Patriots to just six points in the second.
This time Brown led the way, scoring 13 points. She made two field goals, another three-pointer and sank all six free throw attempts.
Kaniah Little notched a trio of field goals to bring her halftime total to 18 points.
Pinecrest used the third quarter to cut into its 22-point deficit. Using an 18-9 run, the JV Lady Patriots pulled within 44-31.
Iyana Little scored her two points and Brown added seven points to Richmond’s lead on a triple and four free throws.
Pinecrest whittled Richond’s lead to single digits in the fourth, but Rush helped add some distance with a three-pointer near the halfway point of the quarter. She connected on a free throw earlier in the quarter.
Helping seal the win were Kaniah Little and Wilson. Little scored a pair of field goals and Wilson made one free throw.
The JV Lady Raiders (6-4, 4-1 Sandhills Athletic Conference) will play at Hoke County High School Friday at 5 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Deon Cranford contributed to this article.
