CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Khori Miles scored 18 points to lead Robert C. Byrd to their 18th consecutive win, 53-45 over Bridgeport. RCB is tied with Pendleton County for the state’s longest winning streak in boys basketball.
In a tightly contested matchup, RCB slowly pulled away in the fourth quarter to sweep the regular season series from their county rivals. The Flying Eagles led 35-31 after three quarters and held the Indians to just one field goal in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter.
“Defensively, I thought we turned it up, especially late,” said Robert C. Byrd head coach Bill Bennett. “That’s always been the key for us. We told our guys if we force turnovers, and we get more shots than they do, then we have a chance to win the game.”
Since losing their first two games of the season to Wheeling Central Catholic and Shady Spring, the Flying Eagles (18-2) have gone undefeated. “The record is not really important to us,” Miles said. “We are just focused on the next game.”
The game was tied at 12 after the first quarter and RCB built a narrow two-point halftime lead at 21-19. A driving layup by Nick Stalnaker allowed the Indians to draw even in the opening minute of the third quarter. However, a putback by Miles on the next possession gave the Flying Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.
Gavin Kennedy scored 11 points for the Flying Eagles. Stalnaker led all scorers with 20 points. Jack Bifano added 13 points for the Indians (15-5).
The win secures the top seed in the upcoming sectional tournament for the Flying Eagles. “It is great to win the game. I am not going to lie,” Bennett said. “It is tough when one of your best friends is sitting on the other bench (BHS head coach Dave Marshall). That is what we have been pushing for all season. You are playing for the number one seed so that you get to play on your home court.”