The JV boys basketball team faced off against the Cedar Ridge Raiders on Tuesday Dec. 9th. The Warriors’ mix of on-court chemistry and fast paced playing style helped secure them the 66-58 win.

“My teammates like to get to the baskets, and they always are in the right spots to get easy baskets,” Charlie King ‘27 said. “I also like to get to the basket, and I like being able to find my teammates out in the open.”

Jumping into the first quarter, the Raiders took control of the court establishing a fast tempo. This put them in the lead quickly at 2-8.The Warriors responded to the challenge and put more pressure on the Raider’s defense. King focused on three pointers to help propel the Warriors in the lead. Evan Richards ‘27 dominated under the rim to secure rebounds which were crucial in supporting his teammates’ plays. This rhythm resulted in a fast paced back-and-forth game between both teams, ending the first quarter with a score of 16-14

“Their defense, they’re pressing the ball game which was part good pressure,” King said. “But I had to make sure to stay in control and just be comfortable.”

Rolling into the second quarter, Max Romero ‘27 launched a pass from deep to his teammate in the paint for an easy layup, this created a scoring advantage early into the quarter for the Warriors. The Warriors eccentric plays helped them maintain dominance over the court. This allowed  them to maintain their lead at 24-18. Drew Davis ‘28 kept defense strong with his steals and sharp passes. Even so, the Raiders reinforced their defense and tried to out maneuver the Warriors’ plays. It proved to be effective and forced the Warriors to get creative on the court to end the first half at 32-20.

“My first option is always driving to the basket,” Romero said. “I’ve also been working on my three point shot [throughout the season].”

At the beginning of the second half, the momentum swung between both the Warriors and Raiders. But with the Warriors now in the lead, they had the offensive edge. Many players such as Romeo and King took advantage of this and kept piling points. With this the Raiders tightened their defense and homed in on the rebounds. As the points increased, so did the fouls. In the third quarter the Warriors had five fouls, while the Raiders only had three. At the end of the third quarter the warriors solidified their lead by their aggressive and fast paced playing style. After the third quarter the score was 47-39.

“If [the other team is] in the zone, I’m shooting more,” Romero said. “If they’re in the band, then I’m definitely going to the basket.” 

In the final quarter, they held their competitive approach that had been a trend throughout the game. Beginning the teamwork flow, as the game progressed, the Warriors’ passes on the court started connecting more smoothly. The Warriors were exactly ten points ahead of the Raiders in the beginning of the fourth quarter at 49-39. Even with this large gap, the Warriors didn’t let up. Khalil Alexander ‘28 took advantage of this with his crafty footwork and calculated passes. The Raiders attempted to regain control of the quarter but fell short to the Warriors aggressive defense and quick moving offense.

“Being intense on defense and hustling for all the loose balls is what I think put us over the edge to win the game,” Romero said.

The JV Boys basketball team will take the court again in their face off against the Manor Mustangs On Friday Dec. 12th.