Western Albemarle defeated Christiansburg, 49-38, in the championship game of the third annual Knights Winter Classic basketball tournament. The event was held Dec. 19, 20 and 22 at James River High School.
The tournament included Western Albemarle, Christiansburg, Staunton River, Jefferson Forest, Carlisle, Alleghany, and Brookville as well as host James River. There was also a jayvee tournament in the old gym at James River.
The host Knights finished fourth in the field. River opened with a 43-21 win over Brookville on the first day of action. Gillian Smith led the Knights with nine points, Keira Crawford had eight, and three girls had half a dozen, Audrey Benson, Siena Riddle, and Samaya Osborne.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Knights fell to Christiansburg, 57-32. Smith led again with 11 points and Siera Davis had six.
River played for third place on Dec. 22 and dropped a 56-29 decision to Staunton River. Benson had nine points and Smith had eight. Smith was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Knights were 4-3 following the tournament. They were scheduled to host Cave Spring on Dec. 30, and then they’re off until Jan. 8 at Radford.
