Richview Middle boys' basketball falls in classic with Mount Juliet for regional title

An 11-0 run in the fourth quarter by Mount Juliet proved to be the difference in the region 6-3A championship game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Mount Juliet Middle School Golden Bears traveled to Richview Middle School to take on the Cowboys for the region 6-3A title game on Saturday. While it was a tied game heading into the fourth quarter, an 11-0 run in the fourth by the Bears ended up being the difference as Mount Juliet claimed a region title with a 57-48 win, ending Richview's season.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the intense rivalry and competitiveness between the two middle school basketball programs in the region. Despite Richview losing four starters from last year's state runner-up team, they were still able to achieve a 24-3 overall record and an undefeated district record, exceeding expectations.

The details

The game was back and forth from the very beginning, with neither team able to gain control. It stayed within a three-point margin all the way into the fourth quarter, when Mount Juliet went on an 11-0 run to pull away. Richview guard Cliff Pember had 17 points through three quarters, but the Cowboy offense went cold for about three minutes in the fourth, allowing Mount Juliet to build their lead.

  • The region 6-3A title game was played on Saturday.
  • The game was tied at 36 heading into the fourth quarter.

The players

Cliff Pember

A Richview Middle School guard who scored 17 points through three quarters, including three made three-pointers.

Alex Hines

A Richview Middle School forward who combined with Pember for three back-to-back three pointers late in the game to try to get the Cowboys back in it.

Hunth Hamilton

A Mount Juliet Middle School guard who finished with 21 points to lead all scorers.

Josh Buchholz

The head coach of the Richview Middle School Cowboys.

Mount Juliet Middle School Golden Bears

The visiting team that claimed the region 6-3A title with a 57-48 win over Richview.

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What they’re saying

“That may be one of the best crowds I've seen at any game, and middle school gyms are smaller, so the noise was everywhere.”

— Josh Buchholz, Richview Middle School head coach (clarksvillenow.com)

“To not give up in that situation, it shows the resolve of those young men; that response is definitely going to prepare them for their future.”

— Josh Buchholz, Richview Middle School head coach (clarksvillenow.com)

What’s next

The Mount Juliet Middle School Golden Bears will advance to the Elite Eight after claiming the region 6-3A title.

The takeaway

Despite losing four starters from last year's state runner-up team, the Richview Middle School Cowboys exceeded expectations this season by achieving a 24-3 overall record and an undefeated district record. Their resolve and competitiveness in this regional championship game against a tough Mount Juliet team will serve them well as they transition to high school basketball.