WINNSBORO — In a cross-town battle that came down to the final possessions, the Midlands STEM Mavericks secured a historic 58–52 win over Richard Winn on Monday, Dec. 29, in the opening round of the Richard Winn Holiday Basketball Tournament.

The win marked the first time in program history that the Mavericks have defeated the Eagles, a milestone not lost on second-year Midlands STEM Head Coach Rasheem Davis.

“It was our first win ever against a good Richard Winn team,” Davis said. “You could see the game slow down and our confidence take over.”

Christopher Parker paced the Mavericks offense with 22 points, while Tray Bevins provided a secondary scoring punch with 16 points. Cole Talbert facilitated the floor, contributing a team-high give assists and eight points.

Despite the Mavericks’ offensive rhythm, Richard Winn’s Walker Blackwelder kept the Eagles within striking distance throughout the contest. Blackwelder turned in a dominant performance, finishing with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. He was perfect from beyond the arc, shooting 3-for-3 from three-point range. He also had three assists and two steals.

The battle in the paint proved to be a stalemate between two physical squads. Midlands STEM’s Jayden Cail hauled in a season-high 12 rebounds to go along with seven points, while Jake Younts added six boards for the Mavericks. Richard Winn countered with Hoffman Sharpe, who matched the intensity on the glass with 11 rebounds and three assists. Dylan Wood added seven points, six rebounds and three steals for the Eagles.

Midlands STEM’s defensive effort proved to be the difference-maker in the closing minutes, keeping the Eagles’ late-game comeback attempt at bay.

The Mavericks fell on day two of the tournament by a tight 39-34 margin, while the Eagles downed Emmanuel Christian 52-36. 

The Mavericks (1-8) returned to the court on Wednesday to face ClearDot Charter School, but scores were not available prior to The Voice’s press deadline. They begin a crucial region stretch against Lee Central on Jan. 9.

The Eagles (5-4) opened 2026 play with a loss to Our Lady of the Rosary on Saturday, Jan. 3. They picked up a 67-24 blowout region win at Wardlaw Academy on Tuesday. They will host Cambridge Academy on Jan. 13 for a region contest.

The Eagle and Maverick girls teams did not play in the tournament.