The Mathews High School varsity boys’ basketball team continued to roll in the first round of the Joe A. Ellis Memorial Tournament in Surry, increasing its record to 5-4 with a 54-47 win over Essex.

This tournament is renowned throughout 1A basketball as one of the best, held on Dec. 26-27. The Devils played exceptional defense, never allowing their opponents to get into an offensive rhythm. The leaders on the night were Cody Kelly and Stuart Anderson. 

The Devils advanced to the finals against the sharpshooting Surry Cougars, who embarrassed the boys last year in a regional semifinal matchup. This game meant a lot to the returners, who were itching for redemption from last year’s loss. The Devils came out with a fire under them and went into the half up, 39-32, partly in thanks to the sharp shooting of Reggie Johnson, who had five three pointers in the first half.  The Cougars came out firing in the second half and tied the game, 51-51, with under two minutes t...