The Lord Botetourt boys participated in the Jake Aldridge Memorial Classic, a benefit doubleheader at Patrick Henry High School last Saturday. The Cavaliers took on Roanoke Catholic and dropped a 70-59 decision to the Celtics.

While LB lost the game, coach Chad Conner was encouraged with the performance. He had a lot of new faces on the court and several of his returning players are still playing for the Lord Botetourt football team, who will be in the state semifinal this Saturday.

“I’m still unsure about how things will shake out exactly with football still going on,” said Conner. “We have already moved our first two games.”

Botetourt was scheduled to open at home Monday against Pulaski County, but that game was moved to January 14. Tonight’s home game with Hidden Valley is now January 28. The opener is now scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, at Glenvar.

Among the football players who are yet to practice are junior guards Evan Eller and James Ryan Salvi and senior Adam Eller.

Players who participated Saturday included returning starter Tanner Selkirk, who is just a sophomore, and sophomore Jamison Foley, who missed last year with a knee injury. Conner is also looking for good years from seniors Jacob Chandler and Nathan Yates and junior Mason Wheeling.

“I feel like we will have a more talented team this season from top to bottom,” he said. “We had some underclassmen play key roles last year and gain valuable experience.  That being said, we will still be young.”