The varsity Mathews High Blue Devils split a pair of basketball games last week against two great opponents. Last Wednesday night the Devils faced off against the 5A Gloucester Dukes. Even though these two schools are not regular opponents, the annual Mathews-Gloucester match-up has turned into a rivalry.

The game went back and forth, with the Devils leading by three at the half. The second half proved to be a nail-biter, with the crowds intensifying every possession. Going into a timeout up 54-50 the Devils somehow held on 54-52, despite crazy three-point shooting by the Dukes. This was the second consecutive win for the Devils, hopefully a stepping stone for the rest of the year. Leaders on the night were Cody Kelly, Stuart Anderson and Elijah Willis.

Looking to continue on Wednesday’s success, the Devils faced off against the unbeaten Northumberland Indians at home Friday. The Devils previously fell to the Indians, 98-51, and this time hoped for a better result.

The Devils ...