Photo by Jim Devinney
The Lord Botetourt and James River boys’ basketball teams will be back in action this Friday after taking a break for the holidays.
Lord Botetourt will be home this Friday when they host Salem High in Daleville. The Cavaliers come into the New Year with a 3-5 record after splitting games in Hidden Valley’s two-day holiday event. Botetourt beat Rockbridge on Friday night, December 20, 70-53. On Saturday night they played host Hidden Valley and dropped a 56-48 decision.
James River is also home this Friday to take on Faith Christian at 7 p.m. The Knights, who come into the New Year at 5-5, will open Three Rivers District play on January 7 at home against Floyd County.
River split two games the weekend before Christmas to close out the 2024 portion of their schedule. They won at Craig County on December 19, 46-40, behind 22 points from Ryder Ward. A night later they traveled to Riverheads and lost 58-50. Ward and Jack Beheler had a dozen points each.
“Unfortunately, we felt like we handed Riverheads the game,” said James River coach Ethan Humphries. “Somehow, it was one of our best games and our worst at the same time, giving up 33 points off turnovers but shooting 56 percent from the field was a dichotomy that left us with some regrets. After they beat us at home, it would’ve been nice to take one at their house.
“We learned a lot about ourselves these last three weeks. I admire our guys for hanging in there when things go south. Adversity has arisen every game and they keep fighting. That’s a testament to their character and competitiveness.”
