The James River basketball teams saw their seasons come to an end last week, the boys a little earlier than the girls. The boys missed making the Region 2C tournament and the girls lost in the first round.
The boys were the ninth ranked team in the region for a tournament that takes the top eight. They ended their regular season with an 11-12 overall record after falling to Carroll County, 49-41, in Hillsville last week. The loss had no impact on River’s region standing as a loss to Radford the week prior eliminated their chance to advance.
“In fitting fashion we ended with another close district game,” said coach Ethan Humphries. “Our guys competed and had a chance to win late. That’s all we can ask for. That makes four district games we have had a lead in the fourth we couldn’t hold on to. That’s massive growth considering the last two years the spread in the district has averaged around 25. I think our seniors can hang their hats on turning the tide back to being competitive in this district. Heading into the final week of the season in the hunt for the playoffs was new ground for this group and they handled it well.”
Humphries is looking for more improvement next year with a solid group returning.
“We were blessed to be a part of this senior group and their families,” he said. “A team is so much better when surrounded by good people. We look to return our five juniors next year and be back in the hunt for the playoffs. It’s a good core that will give us a chance with the right kind of off-season.”
The girls ended their regular season with a 51-42 win over Carroll County, also on the road, and qualified for the Region 2C tournament and a trip to Chatham Friday. Their season came to an end with a 59-28 loss to the Cavaliers. Siera Davis led River with eight points.
“It was a close game in the first half, then Chatham came out in the second half with full pressure and making shots,” said River coach Donald Eggleston. “We got so many looks at the basket but the shots would not fall.”
The girls ended the regular season with an 11-13 overall record.
