The intense rivalry of the Cavs and Warriors boys’ basketball teams ended in a 62-57 win for the Cavs on Thursday.

The tension was high at Nansemond River High School as the rivals squared off in the ever-entertaining matchup. In classic rivalry form, both teams traded baskets all throughout the game, with each team unable to hold a lead of more than eight points. Crowds were roaring, and players were testy with one another throughout the night.

Lakeland had control of the game in most of the second half, but a strong performance from Justin Fatherly never left room for the Cavs to rest.

In the fourth quarter, the teams continued to trade baskets, with Lakeland holding a 58-57 lead with 20 seconds left. A couple of free throws pushed the lead to 60-57 with time for the Warriors to tie the game. However, a Fatherly jumper at the top of the key fell short, with Keimari Artis getting the rebound and officially closing the game out for Lakeland.

“I think we did a good job down the stretch keeping our poise,” Lakeland coach Clint Wright Sr. said. “When it comes to this game, you can throw the records out the window. Both teams are coming to play. When you play an Ed Young-coached Nansemond River team, you expect them to play hard, and that’s what they did.”

Clint Wright Jr. led the Cavs with 25 points while Artis added 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Saunders had 11 points and eight rebounds. Fatherly led the way for Nansemond with 24 points.

“We did a good job down the stretch, closing the game out with our five seniors,” Wright said. “Against a player like Fatherly, you have to know where he is at all times, and we were able to do a good job of holding off a late run by him.”

Both teams are on schedule for the King’s Fork High School Holiday Classic right after Christmas. The two teams could possibly meet in the championship game there, which could make for another exciting game.