The Riverview Middle School seventh grade boys basketball team defeated Dawson County Middle School 45-28 on Friday, Dec. 18.

Brandon Abbott had a huge night with 18 points, while Austin Martin chipped in eight points for the Eagles.

Riverview jumped out to an early lead and never let up. The team cruised to the 17-point win over their cross-county rivals.

The Eagles are currently 2-4 overall and 2-2 in region play.

“This was the best team effort they have had all year,” said Head Coach Mark Thomason.

“The guys have been working really hard to overcome some of their mistakes and finally they clicked Friday night,” he added.

The eighth grade boys were not so fortunate.

The Eagles started out slowly against the Dawson County full court press. After one quarter they were behind 15-8. By halftime Riverview trailed by 15 points.

Whatever Thomason said during halftime seemed to inspire the Eagles. In the third quarter, Riverview’s defense took over the game and at the end of the third quarter the Eagles were down by only two points.

Riverview seemed to carry over the momentum into the fourth quarter. With 1:15 remaining, Riverview tied the game at 41-41.

However, the Tigers broke the Eagles’ hearts with a made three pointer with 44 seconds remaining.

Dawson won with a final score of 44-41.

Scott Zadernak led all scorers with 23 points and Steven Stanfill added 10 points for the Eagles.

The eighth grade Eagles are currently 1-5 on the season.