ROCKINGHAM — Unable to hold onto a lead at halftime, the Richmond Senior High School junior varsity boys’ basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday.
Back in action for the first time in a week since beginning the season with a win, the JV Raiders lost to Scotland High School in their home opener.
A two-point lead at the break was undone in a 64-54 loss to the JV Fighting Scots.
It was a big night for sophomore Xander Chavis, who finished the game as Richmond’s only double-digit scorer with 24 points.
The JV Raiders’ other top two scorers were sophomores Devin Haynes (8 points) and Zymere Gillespie (6 points).
Sophomore William Bryant and freshman Samir Smith scored six and five points, respectively. Rounding out the scoring were freshmen Jazari Dawkins (4 points) and Zakai Wilson (2 points).
A high-scoring first quarter saw both teams trade baskets and ended in a 22-21 lead for Scotland. Chavis had a strong start with 10 points, netting a three-pointer, three field goals and a free throw.
Smith scored two-thirds of his point total in the first on a bucket and two free throws. Bryant connected for a three-pointer and Dawkins and Gillespie each found the basket one time.
The defenses locked in during the second quarter as scoring for both teams slowed. Richmond went on a 9-6 run to take a 30-28 lead into the break.
Starting his scoring with a triple and a bucket was Haynes, who scored five of the team’s points in the second. Chavis and Gillespie each scored from the field to put the JV Raiders ahead.
Scotland took the lead for good in the third quarter when it outscored Richmond 18-10 to take a 46-40 advantage. Haynes led all scorers for Richmond with three points, and scored on his second shot from downtown.
Gillespie, Bryant and Wilson all had a field goal to combine for six points and Chavis kept Richmond within striking distance with a free throw.
Down six points to start the final stanza, the JV Raiders couldn’t muster enough offense in the closing eight minutes to complete the comeback.
Doing his part, Chavis scored his final 11 points on four field goals and three shots from the foul line. Only two others scored for Richmond — a field goal by Dawkins and a free throw from Smith.
The Raiders (1-1) will look to even the series with Scotland on the road Friday. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Game information provided by head coach Travis Byers.
