The Richmond Senior High School boys’ basketball team won for the first time this season on Saturday, scoring on their final possession.
Phenom Hoops hosted the Hoops & Dreams Showcase at the Crown Complex, where the Raiders defeated New Life Christian Academy 53-51.
Richmond snapped a two-game losing streak to start the season, aided by several players who joined the team following the football program’s playoff loss the night before.
Jayden Hamilton and Amer Morrison, both juniors, combined for the game-winning basket.
With 8.1 seconds remaining and the game tied 51-51, Hamilton moved the ball across half court and made a quick bounce pass to Morrison in the lane. In a contested layup attempt, Morrison sailed to the rim and sank the shot with his right hand.
To seal the victory, senior Ahaiver McDonald intercepted the Monarchs’ ensuing inbound pass attempt as the clock expired.
Phenom Hoops named Hamilton the game MVP. He went 6-for-9 from the field, scoring 15 points, including 3-for-5 from three. He had six steals, five rebounds, and three assists.
Richmond led 19-9 in the first quarter and 32-25 at halftime.
After three periods, the Raiders led the Monarchs (3-9) 40-34. That cushion proved to be enough to secure the victory, with New Life outscoring Richmond 17-13 in the final eight minutes.
McDonald was Richmond’s second-leading scorer with 11 points, going 4-for-8 from the field and making three free throws.
In his season debut, senior Keyonta Davis went 4-for-8 with nine points, including a three-pointer. Senior Davion Ingram and Morrison each scored eight points and shot 7-of-14 from the field.
Junior Domonic Tillman rounded out Richmond’s scoring in his varsity debut, scoring a basket and two points on three shots.
The Raiders finished the game 22-for-48 (45.8%). They shot 4-for-17 from beyond the arc and 5-for-11 at the foul line.
The Raiders (1-2) will face Grace Christian School (2-5) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.