The East Burke Middle boys basketball team started its season with a 59-27 triumph against visiting River Bend last Thursday in Icard.
The Raiders led 11-8 at the end of the first period with forward Tyler Hernandez scoring eight of his 13 total points in the opening six minutes.
EB’s defensive pressure then silenced River Bend to a 12-0 tune in the second frame. Four different Raiders — Drew Kelly, Jonas Bradshaw, Michael Richardson and Hernandez — tallied field goals in the quarter as EB raced to a 23-8 edge at the half.
“I felt the first game nervousness was gone and we were able to relax in the second quarter,” said first-year Raider coach D.J. Carswell. “We want to play an aggressive style of trap basketball always. We are not a very big team so we have to play fast and aggressive.”
EB scored 20 third-period points and the fourth quarter belonged to the subs. Richardson, off consecutive assists from Christian Parson, scored seven points while center Ryan Denton added six. Joseph Duckworth completed the Raiders’ scoring with a 3-pointer from the left baseline.
EB (1-0) opens up Foothills Athletic Conference action Dec. 5 at home versus Walter R. Johnson.
GIRLS
East Burke 43, River Bend 14 — The Lady Raiders opened the season with a blowout home win Thursday. After trailing early, EB went on a 9-0 run with baskets from Kayla Fortenberry and Kaelyn Miller to surge in front to stay.
The Lady Raiders finished the opening frame on a 10-4 run to stake a 19-8 lead. Kristina Hernandez sank two free throws while Miller scored in the paint twice and Marley Strong connected on the final shot.
Hernandez and Skyler Gore scored the only points scored in the second period as EB led 23-8 at the break.
“I was very happy with how we performed,” said Lady Raider head coach Kelly Shook. “I felt as though our defense was the key factor in pulling ahead.”
The Lady Raiders (1-0) outscored the opposition 12-1 in the third quarter, and EB limited River Bend to four made field goals for the contest. Miller led the way with 12 points, Smith contributed six points and three assists, and Fortenberry added five points and three assists.
Table Rock announces roster — Lady Falcon head coach Mendell Derreberry and assistant Jon Wyatt released the names of this season’s girls basketball team this week.
Table Rock returns four players including Jade Crump, Laney Hodges, Amy Rhoney and Dorian Rutherford. Joining the nucleus will be Serra Smith, Taylor Bryant, Amaryah Corpening, Jasmine Davenport, Alayna Jackson, Chyna O’Neil, Hailey Shelton, Malerie Yancey and Ariyana Williams.
“We have a ‘small in stature, big in heart’ kind of team this year,” said Derreberry. “They are quick. We have a couple of tall returners (Hodges, Rhoney) and some returning speed (Crump, Rutherford),”
Table Rock opens up the FAC slate at Heritage on Dec. 5.
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