Devils extend season with win

The Harriman Blue Devils kept their postseason aspirations alive on the strength of a 21-0 third period to provide enough of a comfortable lead to cruise to the 56-45 win over the Berean Christian Eagles on Friday night in the opening round of the District 3-A Tournament. 

Friday’s game was also sweet revenge for the Devils as they had lost a 72-68 decision last Tuesday at Berean.

Harriman would take the early 12-8 lead after one period of play with Xavier Howard (8 points) leading the way for the Devils.

Things remained close in the second period as Berean would pull to within 23-20 at the half with Howard scoring 12 of Harriman’s 23 points at the break.

The third period was simply perfection for Harriman, scoring 21 points while shutting down the Eagles to take a 44-20 lead into the final period.

Howard ended the third period with 20 points.

Harriman would withstand runs of 10-2 and 9-4 by the Eagles to hang tough for the 56-45 win. 

Harriman had a 35-27 edge on the boards, but lost 18-12 in team steals. 

Howard (24 points, 14 boards, 6 steals, 5 assists) was truly a natural born thriller on this night with tag-team partner Chris Works (14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists) coming in like a house of fire on offense. 

Jacob Gresham and Jalyn Wilkie (6 points each) both fared well offensively for the Devils.

With the victory, the Devils moved on to play Rockwood in Monday’s semifinals.

 Harriman (56) Howard 24, Works 14, Gresham 6, Wilkie 6, Jenkins 2, Eleam 2, Randolph 2.