Riding a three-game winning streak, head coach Jeffrey Pope believes that his Southampton Academy girls basketball squad has matured in front of his eyes.

“I can see our younger players growing up and getting better every time we play,” he said. “They are starting to play faster and with more confidence.”

Competing in the first of three-consecutive home games, the Lady Raiders knocked off Richmond Christian in overtime on Friday night, 39-35. Senior guard Sarah Best led all scorers with 16 points, pulling down six rebounds, as well, while sophomore forward Mason Pope pitched in 15 points and eight rebounds.

“I thought we played a good game, but made it more exciting than it needed to be,” Pope said. “I was happy to see our young players keep their composure in such a tight game and fight for the win.”

The ability to make foul shots down the stretch willed the Lady Raiders to a victory, according to Pope, pulling their season record to an even .500.

Returning to action on Monday night, Southampton Academy suffocated rival Tidewater Academy, 46-25. As is the status quo, Best led the team in scoring with 16 points, but the Raiders also had eight other players make a basket in the contest.

“It was good to get everyone involved,” Pope said. “We played with great intensity until the last whistle and that’s what it will take to keep winning.”

With the pair of wins, the Lady Raiders improve to 6-4 on the season, 3-0 in league play. The team has a week off before traveling to Powhatan to battle Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot on Tuesday, Jan. 20.