COURTLAND
Southampton Academy’s five graduating seniors have reached the pinnacle of success twice in the last 12 months, winning a state championship in both football and baseball. But while the Raiders weren’t as fortunate on the basketball court this year, they finished the regular season on a high note on Friday with a 74-65 win over Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot.

Whether they’ll make it to the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Colonial Conference tournament is unknown as of press time — the regular season concluded late Tuesday night for several teams in the thick of the conference race — but the win was significant toward the Raiders’ postseason hopes; Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot entered the contest one full game ahead of Southampton Academy for fourth place in the conference at 7-6.

The win created a two-way tie in the standings, and the teams split their regular season matchups. However, Southampton Academy’s better overall record would give them the four seed in the conference tournament baring any unforeseen upsets on Tuesday.

Senior guard Jackson Smith scored a season-high 23 points to lead the Raiders, while forward Andrew Lowe and guard Harrison Pope pitched in double digits points of their own, adding 17 and 14 respectively. The Knights led for much of three quarters, but Smith’s offensive effort wast the catalyst for a second-half comeback on Senior Night.