Cooper Swearingen (10) with the reverse layup Tuesday for RWA. (Photo/Ross Burton)
WINNSBORO (Jan. 20, 2016) – A 15-0 run to end the third quarter proved to be the shot of energy the Richard Winn Academy boys’ squad needed Tuesday night to dominate King Academy, 45-18.
“We played well in the third quarter tonight, despite a slow start in the first half,” RWA head coach Joe Pitt said.
Richard Winn began the game sluggishly, missing easy attempts even though leading after the first quarter 13-6. The Knights never found a way to gain control of the game, losing the second quarter due to turnovers caused by the Eagles’ full-court pressure.
Despite stopping King Academy on the Knights’ end of the court, the Eagles also failed to increase their lead, missing shots and turning the ball over to the Knights. The Eagles eked out only 8 points in the frame, but still took a 21-9 lead into the locker room.
A rejuvenated team emerged to begin the second chapter.
The Eagles came into the third quarter on fire, starting off with a quick 4 points. The Knights countered, dumping in a quick 4 as well. After a timeout by King Academy, the Eagles ended the third quarter on an 11-0 run, increasing their lead to 36-13 at the end of the period.
Stretching that run to 15-0 in the final leg proved to be all the Eagles needed to win the game 45-18.
“Despite our shortcomings earlier, I like the way our defense paved a way for our scoring in transition,” Pitt said. “Hopefully we can continue to use defense to create offense for us the remainder of the season.”
The Lady Eagles, meanwhile, opened the evening with a remarkable 60-9 win.
Both the boys and girls return to the floor Jan. 22, hosting Lauren’s Academy.
Richard Winn 45, King Academy 18
KA – Hunter Dubose 4, Chris Fincher 5, Nathaniel Easter 2, Ben Buzhardt 7. RWA – Todd Johnson 6, Lane Bickett 4, Noah Edwards 6, Gunnar Hensley 3, Mitchell Gibbons 15, John Coleman 3, Ethan McManus 4, Christian Christianson 4. REC: RWA 3-8, King Academy 0-7.
