Riverview Middle School girls' basketball coach Natosha Beary's seventh and eighth grade teams split games with cross-county rival Dawson County Middle School Dec. 19.

Riverview took the seventh grade game by a score of 36-26 before losing the eighth grade game 27-21.

The seventh grade game was close over the first two quarters with the Lady Eagles clinging to a 15-12 halftime lead.

Beary's team used a huge third quarter to outscore Dawson 13-6 to take a 28-18 advantage into the final quarter of play.

Piper Wright led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 11 points.

Wright was followed by teammates Chloe Bennett and Avery Massey with nine points each.

Kinsey Beatty added four points and Roxie Fricton contributed three points.

"This was such a great win for us," Beary said. "The girls were able to put everything we have worked on together at one time to defeat the only undefeated team in our district. Dawson has such an amazing and talented team and we knew this would be tough. The girls did a nice job rebounding and executing the plan that we had. Our team moved the ball and had some nice open shots. I'm proud of the growth we have made."

The eighth grade game was tied at 18-18 going into the final quarter before Dawson used a 9-3 run to take the six-point win.

Only two Riverview players scored in the contest, Anna Lowe had 15 points and Lady Eagle teammate Maggie Schandera scored six points.

"I am so proud of the growth we have made this season. We had a devastating loss to Dawson last time we played them, so to come within six points, is really good. We were caught at times not rebounding, which allowed them several shots. Rebounds win ball games, and we just fell short this time," Beary said.