In an action-packed week, the Mathews High School varsity boys’ basketball team played four games in a five-day span, losing contests to Northumberland, Gloucester and Essex and beating the Rappahannock Raiders.

The Blue Devil boys came out flat Tuesday night against Northumberland, losing to the Indians, 56-40. Northumberland was led by the play of Jalen Coneway, who scored 18 of his 23 points in the first quarter.

C.J. Kelly was the top scorer for Mathews with 15 points, followed by Chris Foster (11), Deon Blake (eight), Deondre Foster (six) and Chase Kemp (two).

Before a packed house on Saturday, Mathews lost to its AAA neighbors, the Gloucester Dukes, 53-46.

Gloucester jumped out to a 17-9 lead in the first quarter, but Mathews rallied to tie the score 21-21 at the half. Free-throw shooting was a deciding factor in the game, as Gloucester hit 18 of 29 from the line, while Mathews managed only eight of 16.

MHS freshman Deondre Foster was the top scorer with 11 poin...