Jamahl Davis scores 29 points against North Atlanta High School!

Friday, January 27, 2012
Raiders Blow Out North Atlanta, 68-39
The Raiders traveled down the road to face in-town rival North Atlanta and ended a tough six-game skid with a sweep of the two-game home/away series with the Warriors. Taking command from the opening tip, Riverwood was never threatened during the contest. Benefitting from contributions from every member of the team, including Freshman call-up Jordan Renfro, the Raiders improved their region record to 4-7/10-13 overall. The Senior backcourt trio of Jamahl Davis, Eric Vaz and Barak Hayut began the assault by scoring the first 15 points of the game and staking the Raiders to a commanding 19-4 lead at the quarter. As the second quarter began, both teams played helter skelter, and, but for the fact North Atlanta could not hit from the free throw line, the game might have become close. After Junior swingman Amari Carter provided an offensive spark when he hit a jumper from 15 feet, Senior point guard Anthony Johnson served as the catalyst for efficient ball movement and reignited the offense to end the half. Riverwood went into the locker room with a commanding 32-15 lead.

As has been the Achilles heel all season, Riverwood left their game in the locker room to start the second half. After the Warriors knocked down a three-point shot and scored on a fast break layup following a Raider turn-over, the lead was quickly down to 12. Coach Jenkins immediately called time-out. The Raiders responded out of the time-out -- Vaz drove the lane and Junior forward Connor McDaniel scored on a terrific feed from Vaz. Riverwood was once again off and running. With the defense causing turnovers, and Davis scoring on fast break lay-ups, the Raiders quickly stretched the lead to 40-25. This time, they never looked back and did not allow the Warriors back in the contest. Resurgent Senior postman Adam Birnbrey added to the onslaught, finding the range inside. Combined with Davis’ relentless attack to the hole, Riverwood built a commanding 47-29 lead by the end of the third.

Playing the bench through much of the fourth quarter, Riverwood continued to extend the lead behind the guard play of Sophomore Trey Houston, who directed the offense and chipped in seven points, and the inside play of Juniors Jonathan Goodson (8 points) and Amari Carter (4 points). The Raiders maintained the intensity to the final horn and cruised to victory, 68–39. Riding the outstanding play of Davis – leading with a team high 29 points -- Riverwood enjoyed a comfortable, yet dominating win. Hopefully this win will propel the Raiders through the final three regular games: away against St. Pius X (1/31); and home versus Washington (2/3) and North Springs (2/7), and the Region Tournament.

Raider Scoring: Senior Jamahl Davis (29); Junior Jonathan Goodson (8); Sophomore Trey Houston (7); Senior Adam Birnbrey (6); Senior Eric Vaz (5); Junior Amari Carter (4); Junior Connor McDaniel (3); Senior Barak Hayut (3); Sophomore Royce Jones (2); and Sophomore Adam Hornstra (1)