Winter sports will officially begin for the two Botetourt County schools next week.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the basketball season will tip off with three county games. The James River girls will host Auburn in E.D. Schechterley’s coaching debut with the Knights. Also on that night, the LB girls will host Alleghany in their season opener and the boys are at Pulaski County.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the James River boys will open their basketball season at Buffalo Gap, and on Thursday, Nov. 30, both girls teams are home with River hosting Rockbridge and LB taking on Hidden Valley in Daleville.

More basketball is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, with the LB boys at Hidden Valley and the James River boys hosting Nelson County. Wrestling also opens as both Botetourt and River participate in the Parry McCluer tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Both swim teams are entered in a meet at Christiansburg on Saturday, Dec. 2, and the LB indoor track team is at the VCU Games in Richmond.

Look for more details in next week’s edition.