Dramatic comeback keeps Radium Springs undefeated

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ALBANY – The Radium Springs Panthers preserved their unbeaten season with a dramatic 35-29 comeback victory over Albany Middle School on Thursday night. The win pushed the Panthers to an impressive 16-0 record, but it didn’t come easily.

Albany Middle’s Indians set the tone early with a relentless full-court press that stifled Radium Springs’ offense and limited the Panthers to just eight points in the first half. The Indians held a commanding 14-8 lead at halftime.

Robert Adams drives toward the basket against Albany Middle’s Ernest Townsell.

The pace quickened when Radium Springs introduced their own full-court press in the second half, turning the game into an up-and-down battle as both teams scrambled to maintain control.

Momentum began to shift late in the third quarter when Maison Scott drilled a three-pointer from the corner in front of the Panthers’ bench, cutting Albany’s lead to 23-20 as the quarter ended.

In the fourth quarter, Albany Middle held firm behind key buckets from Micah Joyner, Ernest Townsell, and Karson Knox. However, Radium Springs fought back, tying the game at 28-28 with just two minutes left after Brayden Bynum’s layup off a precise assist from Jherel Gibson.

Maison Scott hit a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter and the Panthers could smell a comeback in the air.

The standing-room-only crowd erupted when Jor’Dyn Holsey sank a clutch three-pointer with 1:25 to play, giving Radium Springs their first lead of the game at 31-28.

Albany called a timeout to regroup, but turnovers in the final moments allowed the Panthers to seal the win and maintain their perfect record.

Rodrigues Martin goes for two after a steal late in the game to help secure the victory for the Panthers.

Although no player scored in double figures in the defensive battle, Robert Adams led Radium Springs with nine points, while Scott added seven and Rodrigues Martin chipped in six. Joyner paced Albany with nine points, Townsell scored eight, and Detavious Poole added six.

Lady Indians Cruise to Victory
In the girls’ game, Albany Middle’s defense was the difference-maker. A trapping defense at half-court stymied Radium Springs, helping the Lady Indians build a commanding 26-6 halftime lead en route to an easy win.