JV Boys Basketball

The JV Warriors ended the season with a 72-35 home loss to Carmel Christian of Charlotte Saturday afternoon. St. David’s trailed 32-20 before the Cougars exploded for 35 points in the third quarter. “We struggled as a team, but most players had personal growth and improvement,” said coach Charles Graves, whose team finished 5-15. “They are making strides toward helping the varsity in the future. Paxton Williams led SDS with nine points, while Heyward George added eight.

The JV and varsity Warriors lost at Grace Christian Tuesday. The JV fell, 68-60. Heyward George led three players in double figures with 15 points. Judson Thompson scored 11 and Scott York posted 10. The varsity led 13-8 after the first quarter, but trailed 29-22 at halftime on the way to a 52-44 loss. “Their center (Jaylon Gibson) is 6’9 and they went to him in the second quarter,” said coach Will Coley, whose team is 1-4 in league play and 11-12 overall. “That was the difference in the game.” Tai Goode led the scoring with 12 points. Keonte Bradley added nine and had six assists. Nick Green also scored nine and Bo Rieker had eight. Both teams play at Cary Christian Friday and close the regular season at home Saturday against Carmel Christian of Charlotte.

The Warriors upper school teams took two out of three games at Parrott Academy Friday. The JV boys stormed back from 15 points down to start the fourth quarter to prevail 60-58. "Our sophomore leaders encouraged their teammates to play their best and they did," said coach Charles Graves, whose team is 5-12. "Our defensive pressure was outstanding in the fourth quarter and we forced turnovers that led to quick scores. I'm proud of our guys for not giving up." Judson Thompson led the scoring with 22 points, including three three-pointers. Hank Madden added 10. The girls won their eighth straight game, 31-13, to go to 10-8 and maintain first place in the EPIC with a 4-0 record. Karis New had a game-high 12 points, while Grace Haile added nine. The boys could not complete the sweep, as they fell 54-45 after a 17-14 lead after the first quarter.  SDS (11-11, 1-3) trailed 38-36 after three quarters and couldn’t overcome foul trouble and poor shooting down the stretch. “We just couldn’t make shots,” said coach Will Coley. “We played hard, but the ball didn’t go in. Parrott played well at home and it was a disappointing road loss for us.” All three teams continue conference play at Grace Christian Tuesday.

The JV boys snapped a five game losing streak with a resounding 55-18 victory Wednesday at Fayetteville Academy. “It was a great night,” said coach Charles Graves, whose team is 4-10. “We developed in several areas tonight and the guys had fun playing.” Grayson Chesson, Myles Rieker and Judson Thompson shared scoring honors with nine points. Cal Madden had eight and Heyward George added six. The Warriors are back in action Friday at home against Cary Christian.

The Warriors high boys basketball teams split a doubleheader at Word of God Thursday night in Raleigh. The JV Warriors raised their record to 3-5 with a 55-51 victory over the Holy Rams. Judson Thompson led a balanced SDS scoring attack with 14 points. Paxton Williams had 10, Cal Madden scored nine and John Hauser had seven.  “We started with great energy,” said coach Charles Graves. “That carried through and our defense made them work for every shot. We have strength in numbers and our guys are starting to buy into that mindset.” The varsity Warriors held a 56-40 lead after three quarters, but couldn’t handle the Holy Rams pressure defense in the final eight minutes and lost 68-63. “We just ran out of gas at the end,” said coach Will Coley, whose team is 4-5.  “We kept turning it over against their press and that was the difference.” Tai Goode scored 13 of his team best 24 points in the first quarter and added six assists. Miek Goode scored 17 and Keonte Bradley had 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.  

The JV Warriors wiped out a nine-point deficit with a 20 point fourth quarter on the way to a 46-38 victory over Cary Academy Friday at home. St. David’s trailed 35-26 after three quarters, but allowed the Chargers only a free throw and a late basket in the final quarter. “Our defense started our offense,” said coach Charles Bradford, whose team is 2-4. “Our mindset started to change a couple of days ago in practice and it clicked in the second half today.” St. David’s made 11 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter. Judson Thompson was 8-8 on his way to 10 points. John Hauser led SDS with 13 points, including the basket and free throw that gave the Warriors the lead for good.

The JV Warriors picked up their first win with a 59-37 victory over Southern Wake Academy Thursday in Fuquay-Varina. 12 players. scored for St. David’s (1-2). Paxton Williams led the way with 12 points, while John Hauser and Clay Matthews added eight. SDS travels to Ravenscroft Tuesday.