Nansemond River won its first round game against Richmond County 73-59 on Thursday at the 11th annual Holiday in the Pines basketball tournament in Pinehurst, N.C.

The Warriors trailed by two and four points early on, but then took the lead for the remainder of the game.

NR junior guard Devon Oakley had missed practice due to illness, so head coach Ed Young brought him off the bench rather than starting him. Oakley ended up with a career-high 28 points, shooting 12-of-16 from the floor. He also had five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a key block.

Richmond County (8-2) had 27 turnovers and the Warriors out-rebounded the 11th-ranked team in North Carolina, 52-44.

Nansemond River showed superior depth, which helped give it the edge. Senior forward Ed Drew was also sick earlier in the week and also came off the bench to a strong game: 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Sophomore swingman Scott Spencer started again for the Warriors and contributed 10 points to go with seven rebounds. Senior forward Kendric Washington had 10 rebounds and three blocks.

The Warriors (8-1, 6-1) will next play Mount Zion Christian Academy today at 6 p.m.