FAYETTEVILLE — Scoring on its final possession, the Richmond Senior High School boys’ basketball team notched its first win of the season Saturday.
Participating in the Hoops & Dreams Showcase hosted by Phenom Hoops, the Raiders defeated New Life Christian Academy 53-51 at the Crown Complex.
Snapping a two-game slide to start the season, Richmond was boosted by several players who joined the team following the football program’s playoff loss the night before.
Two of those players were juniors Jayden Hamilton and Amer Morrison, who combined for the game-winning basket.
With 8.1 seconds on the clock and the game tied 51-51, Hamilton brought the ball across half court and made a quick bounce pass to Morrison in the lane. Facing a contested layup attempt, Morrison sailed to the rim and laid in the shot with his right hand.
On the Monarchs’ ensuing inbound pass attempt, senior Ahaiver McDonald intercepted the ball as the clock expired to seal the deal.
Hamilton was named the game’s MVP by Phenom Hoops. He shot 6-for-9 from the field for 15 points, including 3-for-5 from three-point land. He added six steals, five rebounds and three assists.
Richmond opened the game with a 19-9 lead after the first quarter and entered halftime up 32-25.
After three periods of play, the Raiders led the Monarchs (3-9) by a score of 40-34. That cushion would prove to be enough to hang on for the win, as New Life outscored Richmond 17-13 in the final eight minutes.
McDonald was Richmond’s second leading scorer with 11 points, shooting 4-for-8 from the field with three free throws.
Making his season debut, senior Keyonta Davis also finished 4-for-8 shooting with nine points, including a three-pointer. Senior Davion Ingram, along with Morrison, each had eight points and combined to go 7-of-14 from the floor.
Rounding out Richmond’s scoring in his varsity debut was junior Domonic Tillman, who scored a basket for two points on his three shot attempts.
As a team, the Raiders finished the game shooting 22-for-48 (45.8%). They went 4-for-17 from beyond the arc and 5-of-11 at the foul line.
The Raiders (1-2) will host Grace Christian School (2-5) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Game statistics provided by assistant coach Keith Parsons and Phenom Hoops.
