The Warriors took the season series with a win over Lakeland High School at home Tuesday night.

Nansemond River High School and Lakeland have met three times in boys’ basketball this season. All three meetings have somewhat come down to the wire. After dropping the first matchup at the King’s Fork High School holiday tournament, Nansemond River went on to win the next two matchups, including one home and away. The Warriors took the most recent Tuesday night with a 65-62 score.

The Warriors jumped out early with a 21-9 lead after the first quarter of play. It was all Lakeland in the second quarter as they closed the game significantly, going into halftime only down one, 29-28.

Both teams exchanged buckets in the third quarter, but the Warriors were able to maintain a 4-point lead still. The fourth period didn’t lack intensity, as the Warriors were able to come through with the win and move to 13-7 on the year.

Justin Fatherly had a team-high 22 points for Nansemond River, with Rayshawn Murray adding 13. Jalil Langston added 10. Clint Wright Jr. led the scoring for Lakeland with 14 points. Keimari Artis added 13 points.

With only two games left in the regular season, Nansemond River felt it was important to grab this win for regional seeding purposes.

“It was important because of playoff rankings,” Rayshawn Murray said. “We as a team want to have a home playoff game, and only the top four get one. We feel like we are continuing to get better and are playing on one accord. We had people come in and produce, and it all helped our confidence.”

Nansemond River will go from one rival to another as they go on the road to take on King’s Fork. The Warriors fell to the Bulldogs in the first meeting but feel like this matchup will be critical to their playoff aspirations.

“Getting a second win this week not only for the playoffs, but they beat us the first time,” Murray said. “So, this win will definitely be a confidence booster for us.”

Nansemond River will be at King’s Fork at 7 p.m. Friday. Lakeland will take on Indian River High School on the road at 7 p.m. Friday.

Nansemond River 65, Lakeland 62

NR—Fatherly 22, Murray 13, Langston 10, Lewis 7, Boone 7, Williams 4, Cobb 3

L—Wright 14, Artis 13, Livingston 8, Bellamy 8, Saunders 7, Trotter 6, Hamlin 6