The Raiders and Lady Raiders were in Columbus on Saturday to take on Heritage Academy. Due to potential severe weather in the forecast the JV contests were cancelled and the Varsity games were moved up to 1pm. The Lady Raiders were short-handed as four different girls were unable to make the trip due to soccer commitments and the ACT. Even though that was the case, JA was still able to battle hard in this game. A slow start for both sides led to a low scoring one point lead for JA at the end of the first quarter, 5-4. Things picked up in the second quarter, as Heritage pulled in front 18-7, before JA closed the quarter on a 7-0 run to close the halftime gap to 4. Heritage was able to extend their lead to 29-21 heading into the fourth quarter. JA then scored the first five of the fourth to make it a three point game, but the Lady Patriots were able to hold off the comeback attempt as they secured a 37-33 victory.

In the Varsity Boys contest JA finally faced off an opponent that would be challenging. Leading into the contest the Raiders had outscored their opponents on average 77-32 and had never trailed by more than three and for a total of less than two minutes on the clock. Things changed quickly as Heritage broke loose from a 4-4 tie with eight straight points and led 12-4 midway through the first frame. JA was able to narrow the margin to 15-10 heading into the second quarter. The second quarter was the one that made the difference as JA turned a five point deficit into a ten point lead thanks to a 19-4 run. The second half was a back-and-forth battle as the game featured 6 ties and 13 lead changes and some last second drama. JA took back the lead for good at the 1:42 mark with a Mike Williams lay up. Whit Altmeyer’s three at the buzzer fell short as the Raiders picked up their 12th win to start the season.

JA returns to The Raider Dome next Thursday for a six-game slate against Brookhaven Academy. Varsity action tips off at 7:00pm and 8:15pm. The Little Dribblers will also be performing at halftime of the Varsity Girls game at approximately 7:30pm.

University Heart Players with The Most Heart
Aubrey Chambers - 19 points (6-11 FG), 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 1 assist, in 28 minutes
Tyler Lyles - 7 points (2-6 FG), 7 rebounds (5 offensive), 2 assists, 1 steals, and 1 block, in 17 minutes off the bench

GIRLS GAME
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BOYS GAME
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