Michael Young - Sports Editor

JDA Raider guard Chris McLean dribbles upcourt against Wardlaw Academy.

Michael Young - Sports Editor

JDA basketball coach Clint Inman barks out instructions during a huddle.

Michael Young - Sports Editor

John Walker pauses during JDA's game against Wardlaw Academy.

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The Jefferson Davis Academy boys varsity basketball team entered the playoffs with a splash Saturday evening at Orangeburg Prep Academy.

Behind the play of Nic Jamison and Edward Givens, the Raiders made easy work of Wardlaw Academy of Edgefield by a score of 65-43.

Jamison and Givens led the charge as the Raiders raced to a 28-16 halftime lead.

From there, the Raiders broke the game wide open at the start of the third quarter with a 15-3 run for a 43-19 lead.

The two Raider stars dominated the contest, combining for 39 points. Jamison led the team with 23 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the floor. Givens posted a double-double with 16 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots.

With the win, Jefferson Davis Academy advances to the second round of the playoffs. The team improves in the standings to 19-2 on the season.
The loss ends Wardlaw Academy season at 7-13 overall.

JDA coach Clint Inman said his players played their tempo.

"We like to run-and-gun and that what we were able to do today, especially in the second half," Inman said. "I thought our guys did a good job of rebounding and pushing the ball up the court. We created a lot of easy scoring opportunities through our transition game."

For JDA several others players stepping up included Matthew Webster with 13 points, including two three-pointers. John Walker and Alex Still played well in the paint.

Walker had four points and eight rebounds while Still added six points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Howard contributed two points and four rebounds.

For Wardlaw Academy, Stephen Balentine led the team with 17 points. Harrison Courtney had 10 points while Coty Courtney and David Carey added five points apiece.

In other game action, JDA got the best of rival Patrick Henry Academy Feb. 15 in the Region 1 tournament championship game.

Givens was the ringleader for JDA as he poured in 20 points, leading the Raiders past the Patriots by a score of 54-49.

With the win, JDA wrapped up the season with a perfect 10-0 record in region play.

Jamison joined Givens as the only two players to score in double digits for JDA. Jamison finished with 17 points and seven assists.

Others scoring included Webster with eight points and six steals while Walker had six points and nine rebounds.

For the tournament awards, Givens was selected Most Valuable Player. Givens was also named Region 1 Player of the Year. Others receiving awards included Jamison and Webster. Jamison was named All-Region and selected to the All-Tournament team. Webster was selected to the All-Region team.