PEMBROKE — Not showing any rust after nearly a two-week break between games, the Richmond junior varsity boys’ basketball team earned a win on Wednesday.
Playing on the road at Purnell Swett High School, the JV Raiders notched their second win in as many tries against the JV Rams.
Thanks to a season-high 24-point effort from sophomore Ahaiver McDonald, the JV Raiders collected a 52-31 victory.
A big first quarter from McDonald saw him net nine points, including Richmond’s first nine points of the game. A short-range jumper and a pair of free throws from him gave the JV Raiders an early 4-3 lead.
Taking advantage of several Purnell Swett turnovers, McDonald added two transition buckets and one more point from the charity stripe.
Fellow sophomore Keyonta Davis gave the JV Raiders an 11-6 lead at the end of the first, converting on a layup after stealing the ball near half court.
A 5-0 run to begin the second quarter gave Richmond the first of its two 11-point leads in the first half.
Sophomore Amer Morrison hit a baseline drive, freshman Zamarion Robinson tacked on two free throws and McDonald gathered his final point of the first half on a foul shot.
Putting Richmond back up by double digits, freshman Terande Spencer forced a turnover and made an easy transition bucket. He added two more points on a putback with under a minute left to carry a 20-11 lead into the break.
Head coach Josh Calhoun said the JV Raiders got their feet under them and used a 15-4 run in the third quarter to distance themselves for good.
McDonald scored nine points in the third stanza, starting with a pair of field goals. Morrison hit a triple, which was followed by another two points from McDonald.
Up 29-15, Davis knocked in a free throw. The bank was open for McDonald, who used the glass to drain a deep three-pointer. Morrison scored a transition bucket to give Richmond a 20-point lead after three.
Davis came to life with six points in the fourth to finish with nine points. He drove the lane for two buckets and collected his own rebound on a free throw for an easy two points.
Down the stretch, McDonald notched his final five points and Spencer chipped in a pair of layups for his final eight points. Freshman Tate Craven rounded out the scoring with two points.
The JV Raiders (2-0) will look to continue their perfect start with a home game against Uwharrie Charter Academy (1-1) on Friday. Tip is set for 4:30 p.m.
