The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

Eagles sit at top of region

WINNSBORO – Richard Winn scored a pivotal regional win against one of their arch foes, Newberry Academy, on Tuesday night. RWA capitalized on a strong defensive performance, and six three-pointers to come out ahead with a 40-34 win.

The sharpshooting Darius Boyd hoists up a shot from behind the arc. | Martha Ladd

The first two minutes of the game went by without a score, the Richard Winn scored eight unanswered points in a minute, but Newberry salvaged the first quarter. Peyton Gardner hit a three at the end of the first to bring Newberry back within two before the end of the quarter.

Richard Winn’s offense struggled in the second quarter, and Newberry used that window to make up ground. It was nearly five minutes before Richard Winn scored their first points in the second, and Newberry surged to take a 20-16 lead at the half.

Newberry only managed four points in the third. Darius Boyd and Will Carvalho each knocked down a trifecta for Richard Winn in the third quarter. Boyd ended the night with a team-high 15 points.

RWA played keep away for long periods in the fourth quarter, and when Newberry had the ball they were smothered. Hudson Wade had a big rejection, and three of his nine points in the final quarter. Newberry only knocked down three field-goals, and only managed 10 points in the final quarter.

Richard Winn will celebrate senior night on Friday as they close out the regular season at home against King Academy. The Eagles handed King a big 51-18 loss when they last met. They look to build on that win to clinch a top rank in the region heading into the post season.

RWA: 11-5-14-10-40

NA: 9-7-4-8-32

RWA: Darius Boyd – 15,  Hudson Wade – 9, Will Carvalho – 8, Jimmy McKeown – 7, John Russell – 1.

NA: P.  Gardner – 17, Bennett Connelly – 8, Anthony McLean – 7.