The Raiders started conference play on Tuesday in Flowood as they battled Hartfield Academy at Joe Cole Court. The JV Boys were in a back and forth battle with the previously unbeaten Hawks as the game featured 5 lead changes and 3 ties. In the final frame Hartfield led 27-20 with just over 5 minutes remaining. The Raiders closed the game on a 14-2 run to deal the Hawks their first loss of the season as JA improved to 11-2 and 2-1 in conference play. Parker Orr led all Raiders with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

In varsity action, the Raiders took an early 20-11 lead on the Hawks in the opening frame. In the second quarter Hartfield trimmed the JA lead down to four before the Raiders scored four of the last five of the quarter to give the Raiders a 34-27 halftime advantage. In the second half, every time the Hawks would get it to within four or five the Raiders would have an answer and push it back to a lead of six or seven as JA finally pulled away late with free throws to send JA back home with a 67-54 conference opening win and a 20-1 overall record.

The Raiders will continue conference play Friday as they return to The Raider Dome to host Jackson Prep. JV Games will start at 5:15pm and Varsity action will follow at approximately 7:45pm.

University Heart Player with The Most Heart
Marcus Goodloe - career high 22 points (8-of-11 FG, 4-6 3 PT), 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in 22 minutes of action.

Full Game Stats
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