Tigers Notch Pair of Wins at Tip-Off Showcase

Benjamin J Veshi

The Hargrave Tigers opened up the 2019-2020 campaign with a pair of victories in the Hargrave Military Academy Tip-Off Showcase.

Friday November 15th

Hargrave 62
Oak Hill Academy (Red Team) 50

The Tigers faced off against the Warriors of Oak Hill Academy (Red Team) in their season opener. Hargrave’s frenetic pace helped them jump out to an 11-3 lead after a thunderous IJ Ezuma ’21 dunk early in the first period. Mazae Blake ’20 chipped in early as the Tigers expanded their initial lead to 20-9 by the end of the first quarter.

Despite the Tigers’ quick start, they struggled to sustain their lead as Oak Hill continually chipped away at the lead during the second and third quarters. Hargrave saw their 15 point halftime lead dwindle down to as little as three points early into the fourth quarter. Blake and Reggie Walton ’20, both sidelined with four fouls through the first three quarters, came in to help Hargrave end the game on a 14-5 run, securing the 62-50 season opening victory. 

Notable Performances included:
Mazae Blake ’20–28 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals
IJ Ezuma ’21–15 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks
Nathan Kania ’20–6 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
Reggie Walton ’20–6 points (2-3 3FG), 2 steals

Friday’s Scores
Game 1
Norfolk Christian School 61
Virginia Episcopal School 55

Game 2
Hargrave 62
Oak Hill Academy (Red Team) 50

Game 3
Middleburg Academy 77
Life Christian Academy 75

Game 4
Richmond Christian School 66
Veritas Collegiate Academy 54

Saturday November 16th

Hargrave 54
Richmond Christian School 35

Playing back to back is never easy, particularly this early in the season, however the Tigers were up to the test. Hargrave started out the game with another great run, leading 15-5 after the first quarter, in large part to IJ Ezuma’s ’21 11 points and 6 rebounds through the first eight minutes of play. Hargrave’s defense was smothering as Richmond Christian failed to get anything going through most of the first three quarters. The Tiger defense accounted 30 deflections and forced 20 turnovers over the course of the game.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Hargrave led 47-22 and were paced throughout the final eight minutes by CJ Farmer ’22, AJ Walton ’21, and Donovan Creasy ’20 as they closed out the 54-35 victory.

Notable Performances included:
IJ Ezuma ’21–17 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks
Mazae Blake ’20–9 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
Nathan Kania ’20–8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Reggie Walton ’20–7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
CJ Farmer ’22–6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks

Saturday’s Scores
Game 1
Norfolk Christian School 41
Oak Hill Academy (Red Team) 40

Game 2
Middleburg Academy 84
Veritas Collegiate Academy 48

Game 3
Hargrave 54
Richmond Christian School 35

Game 4
Life Christian Academy 62
Virginia Episcopal School 60

The Tigers are back in action on Thursday November 21st, as they head to Martinsville, Virginia for a rivalry game against Carlisle. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Zae