The Lord Botetourt boys had about 17 hours to rest between playing two of the best basketball teams in the area last weekend and came out with heads held high.
After taking on William Fleming in Roanoke Friday the Cavaliers were back on the floor early Saturday afternoon to play Cave Spring in the Adam Ward Classic at Salem High School. The Cavs looked no worse for the wear as they battled the Knights into overtime before falling, 68-62. Botetourt came from 16 points behind to put a scare into the 14-5 Knights.
“A hard-fought game that showed the resiliency of our team,” said LB coach Josh Aliveto. “We just didn’t make enough plays to come out on top.”
Landon Hayes scored 23 points and Brady Kish added 14 points for the Cavs, who have become a regular participant in the annual event. With the loss the Cavaliers dropped to 4-15 and they were scheduled to play at Northside Tuesday in a Blue Ridge District game. A busy week continues with home games against Pulaski Thursday and Franklin County Friday for “Senior Night.”
Photo by Brian Hoffman
The busy schedule is the result of postponements due to the late January winter storm. Botetourt also played three games last week, beginning with a 58-39 win over William Byrd in Daleville on Feb. 3. The Cavs trailed by two at the half but rallied for a big second half and a win.
“We were able to find our rhythm on offense and played solid defense in the second half,” said Aliveto.
Rylan Lavinder led all scorers with 16 points and Hayes had a solid game with 12 points and nine rebounds. Jairdan Pennix scored nine points to go along with eight rebounds.
On Friday at Fleming the Cavaliers fell 65-50 to the Colonels, who improved to 7-0 in Blue Ridge District games. LB trailed by just a point at the half before Fleming rallied for the win. Lavinder led Botetourt with a 15 points and Kish had a dozen.
“We just were not able to make enough plays in the second half to keep the lead,” said Aliveto. “We are proud of how hard the boys are competing.”
