Leonardtown, MD — North Point traveled to Leonardtown on Friday to take on the Raiders in their Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) opener. North Point played the game in fire red uniforms, but started the game colder than the color would indicate. However, as the game continued, the Eagles got the hot hand, and seemed to be able to score at will. The Raiders tried to keep pace, but the Eagles took flight and wouldn’t come down.

The first quarter started with Leonardtown jumping out to a quick 7-3 lead. The Raiders led through the first quarter, and the Eagles made it a two-point game going into the second. The score stood at 18-16, Leonardtown.

The second quarter showed the Eagles full court 2-1-2 press defense in full swing, which gave the Raiders fits trying to figure out. As a team, they committed 14 turnovers in the quarter alone, and the Eagles used that to build a solid lead. The Raiders tried to keep pace, but their leading scorer Sam Sweet was shut out in the quarter. Other players had to show up, and senior Trey Moore did his best. He finished with 11 points.

In the third quarter, North Point turned up the pressure on their full court press defense, and the Raiders couldn’t adjust fast enough. The Raiders offense was only able to muster six points, while the Eagles scorers began to bully the Raiders defense. Senior center Malik Brown put up 12 of his 17 points in the quarter, and the Eagles lead stood at 60-35.

In the fourth quarter Leonardtown showed heart as they attempted to come back. Sam Sweet broke free from his nagging defender and scored 13 points in the quarter. Tom Finkleston also poured in eight. But their comeback fell short, as North Point scored when necessary. The final score was 71-51, North Point.

North Point was led in scoring by Malik Brown with 17 points, and Jalen Gibbs contributed with 15. Leonardtown was led in scoring by senior Sam Sweet with 18 points, and Trey Moore scored 11 points.

Leonardtown drops to 5-4 overall, and 0-1 in SMAC. They next play versus Southern on Monday.

North Point arrives to 3-6 overall, and 1-0 in SMAC. They next  play on Monday at Stone.