Clutch free throws help Raiders win Lugoff Christmas Classic title game

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CHESTERFIELD, S.C. — Facing a late-game deficit Saturday, the Richmond Senior High School boys’ basketball team remained cool under pressure. 

Clutch free throws and a transition basket off a steal in the closing minute led to the Raiders’ fourth straight win. 

The 60-57 victory over McBee High School also sealed Richmond’s title as champion of the Lugoff Christmas Classic hosted by Chesterfield High School. 

Finishing off their three-game holiday tournament, the Raiders’ win over the Panthers (9-3) followed victories against Lamar and Chesterfield high schools. 

Leading for the majority of the game, Richmond allowed McBee to take a 57-56 lead around the one-minute mark of the fourth quarter. 

On the Raiders’ next possession, sophomore Chance Crowder scored the final two of his 12 points in the game from the free throw line after he was fouled. 

Ahead 58-57, junior Jayden Hamilton put the championship on ice when he made a steal on the other end of the floor. Going coast-to-coast, Hamilton laid in the final two of his 13 points for the final basket of the game. 

Senior Keyonta Davis led the Raiders in scoring with 20 points, finishing the night 8-of-14 shooting with one three pointer. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. 

Contributing to the team’s scoring in the win were junior Domonic Tillman (7 points), senior Ahaiver McDonald (4 points) and junior Amer Morrison and freshman Donovan Jones (2 points each).

Hamilton and McDonald were both selected to the all-tournament team. 

The Raiders led 15-14 after the first quarter and held a 31-30 lead at halftime. 

A 48-45 lead following the third quarter was enough for Richmond when both teams netted 12 points in the final eight minutes. 

Richmond (5-7) will play at non-conference Cheraw High School Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

Sports editor’s note: Assistant coach Keith Parsons provided statistics and information to this article. 

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