Basketball Recap: Elijah Taylor's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Riverside-Durham over Hoggard

Riverside-Durham was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 49-43 heartbreaker at the hands of the Hoggard Vikings. While losing is never fun, the Pirates can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 386th, while the Vikings are ranked 49th).

Riverside-Durham's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Elijah Taylor, who went 5 for 8 on his way to 16 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Noam Cohen, who posted six points.

Hoggard's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hunter McGrath, who had 12 points and four steals. Desyn Durand was another key player, putting up six points along with six boards and three steals.

Riverside-Durham's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Hoggard, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 7-1.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Riverside-Durham will be taking part in a tournament against Tunstall at 5:00 p.m. on December 28th. Riverside-Durham is facing Tunstall at the right time seeing as Tunstall is stuck on a five-game losing streak. As for Hoggard, they will welcome Franklin Academy at 7:30 p.m. on December 27th. One thing working in Franklin Academy's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last five contests.