The Mathews High School varsity boys’ basketball team improved its record to 8-6 after a three-game stint this past week.
On Friday night, Mathews had little trouble defeating conference foe Carver Academy, 63-46. The Devils started out strong and went up early 23-8, allowing some time for the starters to get some rest.
However, the Wolverines came back fighting and closed the gap to five, 28-23, heading into the half. The Devils came out firing in their full-court press coming out of the locker room and eventually pulled away from the Wolverines to win by 17 points.
The Devils quickly had to bounce back the next night for one of the most highly anticipated games of the year on the Middle Peninsula, as Mathews hosted the Gloucester Dukes in a classic rivalry matchup (see related story).
On Tuesday night, the Devils hosted the previously undefeated Northumberland Indians. The Indians had previously defeated the Devils on their home turf, 77-59, and went into Tuesday’s game with an 11-0 record. Mathews sent the Indians packing with their first defeat, 55-51.
The Devils played the game at their pace, and began the game behind the hot hand of Elijah Willis, going up 17-8. The Indians didn’t fall away easily, and cut the lead to four heading into the half. The Indians got going, cutting the lead to two with their fast-paced game and half-court trap defense.
In the end, the game came down to fouls and free throws, and the Devils had the hot hand.
Mathews travels to King and Queen on Friday night, looking to go 4-0 in Conference 42 play.
Jayvees
The Mathews High School junior varsity boys’ basketball team suffered a pair of losses this past week, falling on the road last Thursday to Gloucester, 62-36 (see related story), and at home on Tuesday night to Northumberland, 76-22.
On Tuesday, Mathews came out slow and never recovered from its rough start. The Indians amassed a 12-0 lead within the first two minutes and struggling against pressure, Mathews committed many turnovers. Mathews finished the first half with only four points, to the Indians’ 46. Mathews slowed the Indians’ pace in the third quarter, but couldn’t overcome Northumberland’s speed and athleticism.
High scorer for the Blue Devils was Tylon Forrest, who had eight points and did a good job rebounding.
The Blue Devils traveled to Essex last night looking for the team’s second win.