Solid defense from John Russell (15) and Hudson Wade (21) helped the Eagles wrap up last week’s win against Wardlaw. | Martha Ladd
JOHNSTON – The Richard Winn boys headed out on the road Tuesday night for their second face off against the tough Wardlaw Academy Patriots in a week’s time. In last Wednesday’s matchup, the Eagles breezed to a 52-38 win. Tuesday’s game, however, was a tight battle in Johnston. The Eagles fought to keep it close, but in the end Wardlaw escaped with a 54-47 win.
Both teams got off to hot offensive starts, but Wardlaw outgunned the Eagles 17-12 in the first quarter. Darius Boyd led all scorers with 21 points, and had five of those, including a three-pointer, in the first half.
The Eagles struggled offensively in the second quarter. Only three players scored, and no player had more than one basket. Their defense helped supplement their attack and managed to keep Wardlaw to eight points in the second.
Jimmy McKeown (13) drives down court in last week’s home game against Wardlaw. | Martha Ladd
Wardlaw led 25-20 at the half, but the Patriots added to the thin lead in the third. By the time the fourth quarter came around, the Eagles faced a 31-38 deficit. The Eagle offense was its strongest in the final period. Boyd and Hudson Wade led the offensive attack in the fourth, combining for 14 points. Wardlaw’s Caleb Martin had eight points in the fourth quarter and helped the Patriots wrap up the win. Martin finished with 18, but Gann Bilbrey had the team high 19 points.
RWA: 12-8-11-16-47
WA: 17-8-13-16-54
Richard Winn – Darius Boyd – 21, Hudson Wade – 14, Dru Caldwell – 5, Jimmy McKeown – 5, Gavin Douglas – 2.
Wardlaw – Gann Bilbrey – 19, Caleb Martin – 18, Mason Burgess – 8, Avery Spurlock – 6, Reid Gossett – 3.