Riverview and Dawson County middle schools eighth grade boys basketball teams squared off Dec. 6 at DCMS. The game was close throughout, but the undefeated Riverview Eagles prevailed to pull out the 50-37 win over the Tigers.

Each team had a player with a great offensive performance. For the victors, Connor Bearden recorded a double-double with 20 points and 23 rebounds. On Coach Jonathon Tinsley's Tigers team Coey Watson scored 20 of the 37 points the team scored the entire game.

"I thought our kids played real hard," Tinsley said. "I'm proud of the guys. They play hard every night. We did a lot of good things and are getting better each game. We need to do a better job on the glass."

The Tigers trailed the Eagles 19-15 after two quarters of play. The Eagles opened the second half on a 14-8 run to take a 10-point lead 33-23.

In the final quarter both teams exchanged baskets but it wasn't enough as Riverview went on to improve its record to 5-0.

Coach Steven London directed the Eagles in the game.

"I thought we showed poise and determination holding off a strong run by Dawson in the second half," London said. "The Eagles overcame the jitters early on as emotions and nerves ran high at the beginning of the rivalry game. Connor Bearden was unstoppable, as he rebounded and scored at will."

Eagles scorers: Bearden-20; Cullen Reed-13; Taylor Swafford-seven; Colby Cagle and Ryan Gallencamp-four each and Wyatt House scored two.

Tigers scorers: Watson-20; Nathan Sorrells-eight; Ty Fox-three; Jake Moore, Joey Flowers and Logan Brumbelow scored two points each.

Dawson County Middle will host Pickens Middle at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 12.

Riverview Middle will host Fannin Middle at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 12.