By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — An exhibition game against Eston gave Davidson’s junior boys basketball team their first win of the season.

The Raiders hosted the Eston Mustangs on Tuesday night, winning 68-58 in their season opener.

Clay Murfitt scored a total of 36 points for Davidson, while Derek Schmiedge contributed 18 points to the team’s tally.

The Raiders were in a deficit position for much of the game, trailing 52-38 at the end of the third quarter.

The team pulled ahead in the final minutes, thanks to a late scoring rally by Murfitt and Schmiedge and a push by the defence to block Eston.

Davidson coach Garrett Bailey said he has 14 players in grades 7 through 9 on the roster this season, a large team compared to many of their competitors.

“I think our goal is to probably win districts,” said Bailey, noting that while some growth will be needed between now and then, the victory is well within the realm of possibility.

For the full story, please see the Dec. 14 edition of The Davidson Leader.