It’s always a big game when the Radford basketball team is in town and that’s the case tonight. James River will host the Bobcats in a big Three Rivers District game in Springwood Wednesday evening.
Radford is off to a good start again. Coming into the week the Bobcats were 7-2 overall and they won their district opener over Patrick County last Friday. The Knights are 7-5 overall but still looking for their first 3RD win after two tries, falling to Martinsville and Glenvar last week.
Last Friday’s game at Glenvar was close in the early going before the host Highlanders pulled away for a 64-46 win.
“We’d love to have 45 seconds back of the second quarter,” said River coach Ethan Humphries. “Without that stretch it’s an even game heading into the fourth quarter, but we are fully aware that’s the margin of error we have in our district. Once the fourth quarter hits and you are down nine it becomes a whole different tactical ball game.”
Ryder Ward and Maddox Pichay each had 12 points and six rebounds for the Knights. Riley Carlisle had nine points and four assists.
Photos by Brian Hoffman
The Knights were back home Saturday to host Parry McCluer in a non-district game and the Blues were impressive, posting a 68-44 win on the road.
“Parry McCluer very well could be holding the 1A title trophy at the end of the season,” said Humphries. “The tougher and better team won, but we should have been more competitive in this one. We are that caliber of team on our best nights. It’s a lesson we can use going forward.”
Mason Francis led River with 12 points and eight boards.
The Knights got back on the winning side Monday night with a 64-37 non-district win at Bath County. Ward had a game high 24 points and Carlisle had 16.
The River boys have their work cut out for them this week. After tonight’s game with Radford they’ll travel to Floyd County Friday to meet a talented team of Buffaloes. Floyd comes into the week at 9-1 overall and their only loss was to district foe Martinsville, who is 9-3 overall and 2-0 in a very strong Three Rivers District.
The Knights have another Saturday game this week, this time against Roanoke Valley Christian. It’s a home game and varsity only with tip-off time at 6 p.m. Then, next Tuesday, River is home to Patrick County.
