The Richmond Red Devils traveled to Lafayette Jefferson on Thursday, Feb. 22, in search of their 20th win and sole possession of third place in the final North Central Conference standings.
The Red Devils did not have the start they hoped for, quickly falling behind 11-2. The Red Devils last played on Feb. 10, and it took a while to shake off the rust.
Trailing 18-11 after one quarter, the ‘Devils dialed up their defensive pressure to speed up the game and wear down the Broncos.
The Red Devils cut their deficit to 3 points at halftime and took their first lead in the game at 30-29 with 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was all Richmond. Relentless defensive pressure generated offensive opportunities. Richmond outscored the Broncos 24-7 in the fourth quarter to post a 56-36 win.
It is the first time Richmond has won 20 or more games in a season since the 2014-15 school year.
The Red Devils had balanced scoring. Ryder Cate, who helped engineer the second-half rally, scored 15 points. Cedric Horton also scored 15 points. Mason Carpenter added 10 points.
Devion Penny led the Broncos with 17 points, and Angelo Hausmanis scored 12 points.
Richmond will open postseason play in the 4A Greenfield-Central sectional on Wednesday, Feb. 28, against the Muncie Central Bearcats.
Richmond (20-3, 6-1 NCC) 11 10 11 24 56
Zion Deloney 2, Mason Carpenter 10, Ryder Cate 15, Braiden Hogg 2, Cedric Horton 15, Julien Smith 8, Gavin Hayes 0, Deante Smith 2, De’Arieun Hicks 2 — Total 56
Lafayette Jefferson (13-9, 4-4 NCC) 18 6 5 7 36
Ah’keem Wilson 1, Angelo Hausmanis 12, Devion Penny 17, Terrell Irons 0, Amari Rich 0, Treshawn Baker 0, Christian Hardy 0, Ethan Lane 0, Christian Riley 2, Cristian Olson 4 — Total 36
JV Results: Richmond 47, Lafayette Jefferson 45
A version of this article appeared in the February 28 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.