The River Pilots improved to 11-4 on Wednesday night, February 4, in New Martinsville, as they held off the home standing Blue Eagles with a 63-51 victory.

After falling behind 16-12 at the end of the first quarter, the young aggressive Pilots took advantage of six Magnolia second quarter turnovers and tied the contest at 31 at the half.

River rode the hot hand of sophomore Crestyn Isaly who ended the half with 13 points, including four 3-pointers. While Magnolia received 12 from their senior star Kingston Christen in the half.

Following the break, River turned up the heat another notch and forced seven Blue Eagle miscues resulting in 11 points, to win the half 32-20. Isaly hit for nine second half points to finish with 22 to lead all scorers. Backing Isaly was Kaden Hunt who knocked in 15 points, including a pair from beyond the arc. He also went 3-4 from the free throw line and had three steals. Freshman guard Cam Abbott played a nice floor game with eight points four steals, four assists and three rebounds. Adding to the Pilots scoring total was Conner Miller with nine points, while pulling down nine rebounds. Evan Longwell hit a 3-pointer and a free throw, and Wyatt Stalder scored three points. Ayson McBride ended with two points.

The Blue Eagles Kingston Christen fought off a double team defense to get a team high 21 points. Brayden Byers knocked in 14 points, 12 of which came in the first half. He led the team in rebounds with nine. Noah Hood back from an ankle injury contributed six points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Drake Christen and Jessup Higgins each had three points, while Jonah Coulter and Lucas Anderson both hit for two points.

The Blue Eagles hit 15 shots from the floor, including six 3’s, while making 15-22 free throws. The visiting Pilots hit 22 field goals , including nine 3-pointers, and made 14-21 free throws.

The Pilots improved to 11-4 with the win, while Magnolia fell to 7-8 on the season.