REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- In an OCC-Buckeye clash, the Reynoldsburg Raiders continued their strong start to the season by defeating the Newark Wildcats 73-66.

Tuesday's contest got started with stellar defense by both teams, with the Wildcats being held scoreless through the first 3:48 of the game. Senior big man Elijah Hinton eventually got Newark on the scoreboard, scoring six straight points. Reynoldsburg’s balanced attack was on full display early on, with five different players in the scoring column to tie the game at 11 after one quarter.

The second quarter was back and forth, filled with runs by both teams. Newark started off the second quarter on a 9-1 run, led by seniors Hinton and Jaden Winbush. Junior Julian Heckman ended Newark’s run with a triple. 

Reynoldsburg was then able to answer the Wildcats run with a 7-0 run of their own, highlighted by a nifty euro step from junior Malekai Booker. Reynoldsburg went into halftime leading Newark 32-29.

The 6-foot-7 Hinton took advantage of his size in the paint, finishing the first half with 16 points and seven rebounds. He kept the Wildcats in the game, with senior sharpshooter Drew Ballinger in foul trouble for the majority of the first half.

The third quarter was all Reynoldsburg, winning the quarter 23-8 led by Heckman and senior Josiah Mobley. Mobley finished the quarter off with 10 points, whereas Heckman ended the quarter strong with a triple and an and-one conversion. Reynoldsburg held a commanding 55-37 over Newark after three quarters.

The Wildcats still had fight left in them, as senior Kade Bafford began the final frame with a three pointer. Sophomore Grant Burkholder had a stellar fourth quarter scoring 12 points, sparking a 15-0 run.

Heckman halted the Wildcats run with a driving layup to put the Raiders lead at five with 3:03 left in the game. Mobley and junior Martize Powell provided back to back baskets to extend the Raiders lead. Ballinger answered with back to back triples to cut Reynoldsburg’s lead to just four with 42.4 left in the game.

Despite Newark’s fourth quarter surge of six three pointers, clutch free throw shooting by Mobley was the final nail in the coffin to give Reynoldsburg the 73-66 victory over Newark.

After being in foul trouble for most of the first half, the Wildcats' leading scorer on the season Ballinger got hot in the fourth quarter. He scored 10 of his 12 points in the final frame, to keep the Wildcats close in the end.

The Raiders were led by Heckman with a game high 21 points, while Mobley provided 20 points. Senior Zaveon Croff and junior Jonye Madison each added eight points.

The Wildcats were led by Hinton with a team high 20 points and a game high 12 rebounds double-double. Burkholder pitched in 17 points, with 10 of them coming during the Wildcats 15-0 run to start the fourth quarter.

Both teams are back in action on Friday. Newark (4-4) takes on Pickerington Central (4-4), while Reynoldsburg (6-2) hosts a rematch with Groveport-Madison (2-5).

Josiah Mobley (6’0 CG / Reynoldsburg / 2021): Mobley is an explosive scorer. Opportunities were scarce in the first half with Newark face guarding him. He found his rhythm after halftime, scoring 17 of his 20 in the second half. The senior was a key piece to Reynoldsburg’s pressure defense, helping force 15 turnovers on the night. Mobley did a nice job of creating his scoring opportunities in the second half, by getting to the rim and creating contact. He finished 8-8 from the foul line. When Mobley gets it locked in offensively, the Raiders are very dangerous. The unsigned senior has a great work ethic and love for the game, which will serve him well going forward in college.

Elijah Hinton (6’7 F / Newark / 2021): The Newark big man was a force from the opening tip. He is very quick and athletic, making the most of his size advantage early in the game. He was very active, relentlessly working for position around the basket. Hinton was very difficult for Reynoldsburg to control on the glass, hauling in a game high 12 rebounds. We love his motor, which makes him a tough matchup on both ends of the floor. His skills and confidence have noticeably improved from a solid junior season, making for a successful senior season going forward.

Julian Heckman (6’0 PG / Reynoldsburg / 2022): The junior point guard was the most important player on the floor tonight. He was the game's leading scorer with a very efficient 21 points, but that only begins to tell his value. He is the floor general for the Raiders, getting teammates involved on offense and providing constant pressure defensively. It was noticeable when he was not on the floor, Reynoldsburg’s offense seemed to flow better when he was leading the attack. Heckman is just one of those players that makes everyone around him better. The junior point guard is one of the best players at his position in his class.

Grant Burkholder (5’9 PG / Newark / 2023): We came away from this game very impressed with the sophomore point guard. With Newark trailing big to start the fourth quarter, Burkholder helped spark a 15-0 run, scoring 10 of his 17 points. His defensive pressure and toughness is a perfect fit in the Wildcats system. He has good range, knocking down a pair of triples. For a small guard he was fearless going to the rim. Burkholder should play a vital role in Newark’s offense going forward these next three years.