In the final game before Christmas break, the Mathews High School boys’ basketball team faced off against Nansemond River last Wednesday night at MHS.

Although the Blue Devils fell to the visiting Warriors from Suffolk by a 71-60 margin, the Mathews boys proved they could hang tough with an opponent from a much larger Class 5 school.

Mathews even held a two-point lead midway through the third quarter. Then fatigue set in, and the Warriors responded with an 8-0 run to put them in control until the final buzzer.

Mathews rebounded well, led by Caleb Thomas who finished with 11. Also contributing were Jalen Matthews and Elijah Willis, both with seven. Jarius Monroe had two steals for the Devils. Thomas also led the team in assists with six.

Leading scorers for Mathews were Christian Williams and Thomas, who each finished with 15 points. Also contributing were Matthews with eight, Elijah Willis and Monroe both with six, Tylon Forrest and Will Hutcheson both with three; Jus...