Richmond Hill fell just short of further advancing their storybook season when they lost their first round state playoff game against North Clayton 52-49 at the Wildcat Gym on Saturday.
In spite of keeping the game close throughout and a packed gym full of black-clad fans, Richmond Hill could not put together a run in the second half to take back the lead that they had held just briefly in the first period.
Richmond Hill was led by Vernon Jackson's 16 points, but Richmond Hill was forced to shoot over the much taller Eagles zone defense much of the game and while they sank 5 three-point shots did they did not get many offensive rebounds or second shot attempts.
The Eagles were led by Devin Lewis with 21 points while Marcus Hunt scored 18 including a pair of free throws with ten seconds remaining to go up 52-47 and put the game out of reach.
Richmond Hill, which hosted the first round game by virtue of their region 2-AAAA tournament championship, finished the season with a 21-9 record.

NC - 8 16 14 14
RH - 8 15 10 16

NC - Devin Lewis 21, Marcus Hunt 18, Michael Johnson 8, Marcus Palmer 4, Darvis Johnson 1

RH - Vernon Jackson 16, Lorenza Ross 8, Brandon Jordan 7, Spencer Buck 6, DAngelo Johnson 5, Alex Cruz 2, Kody Morales 2